SolarEdge Solar Inverter and Optimser Faults and Repairs
Established in 2006, and shipping their first units in 2010, SolarEdge are a relative newcomer to the solar industry. SolarEdge have their headquarters in Israel, manufacturing is carried out by partner companies.
We have been asked to repair quite a few SolarEdge systems and SolarEdge are usually quick to send out replacement parts under warranty once a fault with their equipment has been proven. The good news is that many components have a comparatively long warranty period which SolarEdge will honour without the involvement of the original installer. If you would like help with diagnosing faults, carrying out servicing or repairs including instigating warranty claims, then you will find us well qualified, experienced and pleased to help.
SolarEdge solar inverters (excluding the most recent ones) have LCD displays on the front of the chassis, which providing it's working, will highlight any errors with the solar inverter, the optimisers or the solar PV system that they run. We have listed and described common faults with SolarEdge solar inverters and optimisers and what action to take to resolve them below:
All Solar Inverter Fault Codes, Warnings and Troubleshooting
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SolarEdge Solar Inverter and Optimiser Faults and Warnings:Some of the advice we give related to identifying, confirming and or resolving some of the faults detailed below, starts with safely shutting down and restarting the solar inverter and the solar PV system. This is something that nearly all solar PV systems installed in the UK would have been designed to be carried out safely by the solar PV system owner. However, paperwork, schematics and manuals are not always clear or available, so if you have any concerns about how to do this, Contact us and we will be pleased to talk you through the process over the telephone at no charge. SolarEdge systems are designed to be managed online. When the SolarEdge solar inverter has an active connection to the internet the inverter's status, logs and error codes can be seen by SolarEdge. If your SolarEdge solar inverter hasn't been setup correctly or has lost it's internet connection this will make diagnostics and warranty claims difficult. The first step in resolving most of the faults that we find with SolarEdge solar inverters and optimisers is to get the solar inverter online. The SolarEdge website has useful information outlining how to do this, we will also be pleased to do this but this will require a site visit. |
How to Restart SolarEdge Solar Inverters:
Leave everything near the supply meters turned on. At the solar inverter there will be an AC isolator, this is used to isolate the mains/grid supply from the solar inverter and to prevent the solar inverter from feeding solar power into the electrical system. Switch the AC isolator 'off', if the solar inverter is running correctly you will hear a clunk inside the machine and after a while a 'no-grid', 'missing grid' warnng or similar on the LCD display.
 AC Isolator |
Near to and or built into the solar inverter will be a method of isolating the solar (DC) supply from the solar inverter. Often these are black and grey and will be labelled 'DC isolator' or similar. There might be two or more of these if the system is fed by multiple strings. If there isn't a seperate DC isolation device, there will be a way to isolate the DC supply built-in to the solar inverter itself (often a rotary style switch underneath), turn this 'off'. When all of the lights on the solar inverter have gone out, reintroduce the AC/mains power supply by turning the AC isolator 'on'. Introduce the DC supply by turning all DC isolators 'on'. This will restart the solar inverter, on the display it might show you progress during it's startup procedure. During startup is when the solar inverter carries out all of the tests needed before being able to connect the solar supply to the electrical system. If errors are found during testing they will be displayed on the screen or an indication light might come on. Make a note of any warning messages, warning lights and fault codes. |
If the restart is succesful a green light will come on, sometimes flashing at first but once connected to the mains/AC supply remaining permenantly on. The LCD display will show how much power the solar PV system is generating. The solar PV system can be verified as working at the solar generation / Feed in Tariff (FIT) meter which will count on the display, the red light will pulse as it counts.
SolarEdge Solar Inverter Fault Codes and Explanations:
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- Phase Balance Error - The solar inverter is measuring an imbalance on the incoming phases from the grid (mains). If this fault persists then contact us to arrange for a solar engineer to visit to establish whether the fault lies with the solar inverter or with the grid.
- Grid Sync Error - The solar inverter is no longer in grid parallel operation due to frequency fluctations from an unstable grid (mains) connection and has stopped feed‑in operation for safety reasons. If this fault persists contact us to arrange for a solar engineer to visit to establish whether the fault lies with the solar inverter or with the grid.
- I-RCD STEP - If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists the inverter has a fatal error and should be replaced. There are a few ways that we can help with this: Solar Inverter Replacement
- I-RCD MAX - If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists the inverter has a fatal error and should be replaced. There are a few ways that we can help with this: Solar Inverter Replacement
- F-L1/L2/L3 Max 1/2/3 - The solar inverter is measuring a grid (mains) frequency that is too high in relation to the parameters that the solar inverter has been set to safely operate within. If this fault persists contact us to arrange for a solar engineer to visit to establish whether the fault lies with the solar inverter or with the grid.
- F-L1/L2/L3 Min 1/2/3 - The solar inverter is measuring a grid (mains) frequency that is too low in relation to the parameters that the solar inverter has been set to safely operate within. If this fault persists and mains power is available to other local circuits then check that all isolators, MCBs and RCDs on the AC side of the solar PV system are 'On'. If automatic safety devices such as MCBs or RCDs have switched 'Off' then leave them 'Off' and contact us to arrange for a solar engineer to visit to establish whether the fault lies with the solar inverter, the supply circuit or with the grid.
- Islanding Trip 1/2 or Islanding-Active or Islanding-Passive - The solar inverter understands that there has been a mains failure (a power cut). The solar inverter will monitor the grid and reconnect when mains voltage returns. If this fault persists and mains power is available to other local circuits then check that all isolators, MCBs and RCDs on the AC side of the solar PV system are 'On'. If automatic safety devices such as MCBs or RCDs have switched 'Off' then leave them 'Off' and contact us to arrange for a solar engineer to visit to establish whether the fault lies with the solar inverter, the supply circuit or with the grid.
- TZ L1/L2/L3 - AC Overcurrent - The solar inverter is measuring an AC current over the permissable range deemed to be safe by the solar inverter. The solar inverter will monitor the grid and reconnect when the current is within range. If this fault persists then contact us to arrange for a solar engineer to visit to establish whether the fault lies with the solar inverter or with the grid.
- Vsrg L1/L2 /L3 Max - The solar inverter is measuring an AC voltage surge from the grid (mains). The solar inverter will monitor the grid and reconnect when conditions are stable. If this fault persists then contact us to arrange for a solar engineer to visit to establish whether the fault lies with the solar inverter or with the grid.
- Wrong AC connection - The solar inverter understands that the Live/Phase connectors are swapped on the AC supply side. This fault is unlikely to occur in an existing installation that has previously worked correctly. If this fault persists contact us to arrange for a solar engineer to visit to establish whether the fault lies with the solar inverter or the supply circuit.
- Overtemp - The temperature within the solar inverter is too hot. This could be due to a number of factors, for example 1) If the solar inverter is exposed to direct sunlight 2) If the solar inverter has been installed without adequate ventilation around the chassis which would allow excess heat to dissipate 3) The solar inverter's components are getting too hot due a blocked vent, a faulty or disabled fan or an internal component fault. If the unit isn't running hot and if after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists then contact us.
- Undertemp - The solar inverter is measuring an ambient temperature that is too cold. In the UK this error is possible but unlikely. If the solar inverter isn't frozen then if after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists then contact us.
- Main Error - The solar inverter is measuring a grid voltage or impedance that is either too low or too high in relation to the parameters that the solar inverter has been set to safely operate within. The solar inverter will monitor the grid and reconnect when the voltage is within range. If this fault persists and mains power is available to other local circuits then check that all isolators, MCBs and RCDs on the AC side of the solar PV system are 'On'. If automatic safety devices such as MCBs or RCDs have switched 'Off' then leave them 'Off' and contact us to arrange for a solar engineer to visit to establish whether the fault lies with the solar inverter, the supply circuit or with the grid.
- IRCDMax - This error is generated when during normal operation of the solar inverter, a surge current to ground/earth is detected on the DC side of the system. An error such as this could be an indication of a serious or sudden fault or damage to the DC side of the system. We would advise that you safely shutdown the system (contact us if you would like help to do this) and visually inspect the system for any obvious damage or fault. If safe to do so restart the system, connecting one DC string at a time. If this fault presists or a faulty string is found then book a solar repair engineers visit in order to carry out a full system test, identify the source and rectify the fault.
- 18 x BC HW Error - If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists the inverter has a fatal error and should be replaced. There are a few ways that we can help with this: Solar Inverter Replacement
- Temp Sensor fault - If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists the inverter has a fatal error and should be replaced. There are a few ways that we can help with this: Solar Inverter Replacement
- DC Injection (Line 1/2/3) - The solar inverter has detected a DC feed on the AC power input. If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists then contact us.
- Fan # Failure - If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists the inverter has a fatal error and should be replaced. There are a few ways that we can help with this: Solar Inverter Replacement
- SW Error - If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists the inverter has a fatal error and should be replaced. There are a few ways that we can help with this: Solar Inverter Replacement
- Hardware Error - If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists the inverter has a fatal error and should be replaced. There are a few ways that we can help with this: Solar Inverter Replacement
- Measurement Error - If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists the inverter has a fatal error and should be replaced. There are a few ways that we can help with this: Solar Inverter Replacement
- Faulty AC Relay - If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists the inverter has a fatal error and should be replaced. There are a few ways that we can help with this: Solar Inverter Replacement
- RCD Sensor Error - If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists the inverter has a fatal error and should be replaced. There are a few ways that we can help with this: Solar Inverter Replacement
- UDC Max - If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists the inverter has a fatal error and should be replaced. There are a few ways that we can help with this: Solar Inverter Replacement
- UDC Min - If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists the inverter has a fatal error and should be replaced. There are a few ways that we can help with this: Solar Inverter Replacement
- Arc detector self-test failed - If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists the inverter has a fatal error and should be replaced. There are a few ways that we can help with this: Solar Inverter Replacement
- Isolation - Isolation Error - This error is generated when during normal operation of the solar inverter, a leakage current to ground/earth is detected on the DC side of the system. Earth / Ground Faults (also called Iso or Isolation Faults) often present themselves when it is raining or at times of high humidity when moisture can enter the system.
These faults often clear when conditions improve but they will not get better by themselves, potentially becoming more dangerous over time. We would advise that you book a solar repair engineers visit in order to carry out a full system test, identify the source and rectify the fault. We've written more about how to identify and repair isolation faults here: Ground Faults, Isolation (ISO) Faults, RISO Low Faults and Insulation Resistance Faults with Solar PV Systems
- RCD Test - If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists the inverter has a fatal error and should be replaced. There are a few ways that we can help with this: Solar Inverter Replacement
- Controller 3 Err - If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists the inverter has a fatal error and should be replaced. There are a few ways that we can help with this: Solar Inverter Replacement
- Tz Over current 1/2/3 - If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists the inverter has a fatal error and should be replaced. There are a few ways that we can help with this: Solar Inverter Replacement
- SE Communication - If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists the inverter has a fatal error and should be replaced. There are a few ways that we can help with this: Solar Inverter Replacement
- Communication Error - If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists the inverter has a fatal error and should be replaced. There are a few ways that we can help with this: Solar Inverter Replacement
- Tz Over voltage cap 1/2/3 - The solar inverter is measuring a grid (mains) voltage that is too high in relation to the parameters that the solar inverter has been set to safely operate within. If this fault persists contact us to arrange for a solar engineer to visit to establish whether the fault lies with the solar inverter, the supply wiring or with the grid.
- Tz Over current Rcd - If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists the inverter has a fatal error and should be replaced. There are a few ways that we can help with this: Solar Inverter Replacement
- Vf1/2/3 surge - The solar inverter is measuring an AC voltage surge from the grid (mains). The solar inverter will monitor the grid and reconnect when conditions are stable. If this fault persists then contact us to arrange for a solar engineer to visit to establish whether the fault lies with the solar inverter or with the grid.
- RSD Error - If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists the inverter has a fatal error and should be replaced. There are a few ways that we can help with this: Solar Inverter Replacement
- Unbalanced DC Voltage - If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists the inverter has a fatal error and should be replaced. There are a few ways that we can help with this: Solar Inverter Replacement
- Common Voltage Too High - If after the system has been safely shutdown and restarted this condition persists the inverter has a fatal error and should be replaced. There are a few ways that we can help with this: Solar Inverter Replacement
- Pairing failed - The solar inverter is unable to connect with some or all of the optimsers. This can happen in low light levels and will often repair itself when conditions improve. If there is sufficient solar irradiation (sunlight) and the solar inverter still cannot find some or all of the optimsers, contact us to talk you through how to restart the pairing sequence and if neccessary, help you, using the LCD display on the solar inverter to find the non-reporting optimsers.
- String voltage is 0V - Assuming that this is an existing installation that has been specified correctly and has operated before without problems. This could mean either a problem with the solar panels, an optimiser or with the solar inverter. We would advise that the DC side of the system including the solar inverter is tested.
- String voltage not 0V but lower than number of optimizers - Assuming that this is an existing installation that has been specified correctly and has operated before without problems. This could mean either a problem with the solar panels, an optimiser or with the solar inverter. We would advise that the DC side of the system including the solar inverter is tested.
- String voltage is higher than number of optimizers - The solar inverter is measuring too much voltage from the optimisers and solar panels. Assuming that this is an existing installation that has been specified correctly, hasn't recently been changed or added to and has operated before without problems. This could mean either a problem with the solar panels, an optimiser or with the solar inverter. We would advise that the DC side of the system including the solar inverter is tested.
- Arc Fault Detected - The solar inverter is measuring an arc fault on the DC side of the system. An arc occurs when cables or connectors are incorrectly connected or damaged causing current to arc through the air. We would advise that you book a solar repair engineers visit in order to carry out a full system test, identify the source and rectify the fault as soon as possible.
- DC Voltage Too High (surge) - The solar inverter is measuring too much voltage from the optimisers and solar panels. Assuming that this is an existing installation that has been specified correctly, hasn't recently been changed or added to and has operated before without problems. This could mean either a problem with the solar panels, an optimiser or with the solar inverter. We would advise that the DC side of the system including the solar inverter is tested.
- Night Mode - The solar inverter will normally enter night mode when the level of solar irradiation (sunlight) drops below the level required to power the system. If the solar PV system system should be stuck in 'Night Mode" at times when the system would normally be operational then this might be an indication of a fault on the DC side of the system such as with the solar panels, optimisers or with the solar inverter. Check that any isolators including any built in isolators on the underside of the solar inverter are switched 'On' if they are and everything looks correct then contact us to test the DC side of the system.
Solar Inverter Recycling: - Recycling SolarEdge Inverters and Optimisers
SolarEdge solar inverters and optimisers contain valuable materials such as copper and aluminium, these materials are in high demand and recycling them is significantly less energy intensive than extracting them from ore.
If you find yourself with a damaged or faulty SolarEdge solar inverter or optimiser, we will be pleased to help you recycle it.
- There is no charge for this service but all costs involved with decommissioning and transportation are covered by you.
- If you're delivering an inverter to us in person, although it's usually no trouble to arrange other days, the most convenient time for us is between 9am and 2pm on a Saturday, please let us know of your visit with an approximate time in advance.
- We do not buy or sell used solar inverters or used inverter parts. For UK buyers and sellers, we've found ebay to be the best place for buying used solar inverters and inverter parts.
- We can accept deliveries by courier at all times throughout the week but please contact us before you arrange this.
- We can also help to recycle solar panels, solar batteries and solar mounting equipment.
Solar Power System Testing, Servicing & Maintenance
Regular solar PV system testing, servicing and maintenance will extend the life of a solar PV system and ensure that solar panels are always operating safely and at their best, whilst maximising yields.
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We offer complete safety and performance testing for solar PV power systems of any size. Includes solar panels, cables, solar inverters, isolators and mains connections.
We provide solar power system testing and maintenance services for residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural clients across Southern, South West England and the West Midlands, with specialist experience working with farmers, developers and commercial and industrial buildings owners. |
Solar PV Inverter Replacement
If you have a faulty solar inverter, we offer an efficient, value for money, hassle free solar inverter replacement service. We offer good advice and install quality equipment with comprehensive warranty and support options. We will test the rest of the system as part of the service, take care of all hardware deliveries, record the new unit's serial number and confirm the warranty details with the manufacturer.
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Our solar electricians work cleanly and will dispose of any unwanted boxes, faulty equipment and packaging.
Many modern solar inverters can now use wireless home networks to transmit solar generation data to PCs, tablets and smartphones, so if you would like something like this, let us know and we will be happy to set it up as part of the installation. |
Solar PV Systems & Equipment, including Electrical & Roofing Systems
Grid-tie inverters, Hybrid Inverters, AC Coupled Inverters, Battery Storage Inverters, Off-Grid Inverters, Charge Controllers, Transfer Switches, Hot Water Controllers, Optimisers, Lithium Batteries, Lead Acid Batteries, Solar Panels, Mounting Systems, Test Equipment, Earthing Equipment, Electrical Distribution Equipment, Cable and Accessories
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Deliveries to anywhere in the UK are quick, tracked and accurate, technical support (by phone and on site if needed) and design/product advice is available before, during and after installation. The recording and collating of serial numbers, factory and other test results, manuals any other information required for equipment warranties, add ons and extensions is included. Trade, DIY and Retail Clients Welcome. |
Bespoke system design, equipment testing and integration support as well as on-site technical support and job/equipment specific training is available for off-grid, hybrid, larger and or more complex systems.
Mains/Grid Isolation and Surge Protection
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A whole house surge protector is installed to provide protection from transient overvoltages originating from the mains/grid. A whole house surge protector is installed directly inline and as close as possible to the incoming mains/grid supply meter, this allows for surge protection for all circuits and equipment including solar inverters, routers, stereos and other sensitive electrical equipment within the network. The addition of a 100Amp lockable isolator also allows for safe and convenient isolation of all electrical equipment within the network including consumer units, solar inverters, battery storage units and EV chargers from the mains/grid in one place. Surge protectors are in compliance with the recently updated 18th edition amendment 2 of BS7671. |
Articles: Further Information, Calculators & Solar Inverter Fault Codes
Lots of articles, calculators and technical information including links for further reading. Covering a range of topics related to the installation and maintenance of solar photovoltaic and electrical systems in the UK.
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How to provide power to a house using a portable generatorWe look at changeover switches, the importance of earthing, generator loadings, isolating non essential loads. Where to locate the generator and how best to safely isolate the grid/mains power supply and switch to a generator supply. BSI - PAS 63100:2024 - Protection Against Fire of Battery Energy Storage Systems for use in DwellingsThis Publically Available Specification (PAS) from the British Standards Institution (BSI) was sponsored by The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. Although not yet a British Standard, this guidance was developed in response to an urgent demand for clarity as to good practice across the industry including product, service and process standards. Solar PV, Safety & The Building RegulationsResidential PV systems notifiable under Part P. Special consideration needed for Part A. A combination of serious risks for solar PV installers. Ground Faults, Isolation (ISO) Faults, RISO Low Faults and Insulation Resistance Faults with Solar PV SystemsAfter a number of years exposed to wind, rain, snow, ice and sometimes animals; solar panel systems can start to develop faults. The most common faults we find related to exposure are ground faults, isolation (ISO) faults, RISO low faults and insulation resistance faults. In this article we take a look at what these faults are, the possible causes and what steps are taken to identify and resolve them. |
What Our Customers Say:
"I got in touch with Glen as our old converter was no longer working due to its age (9 years). Glen quickly diagnosed the inverter and tested the solar panels. The next week replaced it with a new inverter with WiFi connectivity. Everything is working again perfectly and I can see what power it's generating on a phone App now. Great service!!" Peter Dowsett, Chippenham
Case Studies
We've carried out Solar PV System design, installation, testing, repair and maintenance work on solar PV systems of all shapes and sizes all across the UK.
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We are located in Wanborough, very close to Swindon in Wiltshire, Southern England, UK. From here we service clients within a 90 minute driving radius including the towns, cities and regions below:
Swindon: Abingdon, Aldbourne, Amesbury, Andover, Banbury, Basingstoke, Bath, Berkshire, Bicester, Blunsdon, Box, Bracknell, Bradford on Avon, Bridgwater, Bristol, Buckingham, Burford, Burnham on Sea, Calne, Camberley, Cardiff, Carterton, Cheltenham, Chippenham, Chipping Norton, Chipping Sodbury, Cirencester, Corsham, Cricklade, Devizes, Didcot, Evesham, Eynsham, Faringdon, Frome, Fleet, Glastonbury, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Henley-on-Thames, Highclere, Highworth, Hook, Hungerford, Keynsham, Kingsclere, Lambourn, Lechlade, Ledbury, Ludgershall, Lyneham, Maidenhead, Malmesbury, Marlborough, Marshfield, Melksham, Minety, Newbury, Newport, Oxford, Oxfordshire, Pewsey, Purton, Ramsbury, Reading, Ross on Wye, Royal Wootton Bassett, Salisbury, Shaftesbury, Shalbourne, Slough, Southampton, Stow, Stratford upon Avon, Stroud, Swindon, Tewkesbury, Thatcham, Tidworth, Trowbridge, Wanborough, Wantage, Warminster, Weston Super Mare, Wiltshire, Winchester, Windsor, Witney, Wokingham, Worcester, Wroughton and Yate.
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