Inverter Fault Codes – What To Do and When to Contact SolarTherm UK



Seeing a fault or error message appear on your inverter can be alarming but knowing what the fault means and how to repair it yourself or when to get the specialists in can help put your mind at ease. As one of the most experienced solar installers in the South East, SolarTherm UK and Silvercrest Energy Group have installed almost every inverter brand that has been manufactured for Solar PV integrated systems in the UK and EU.

Some inverter faults will be temporary and easy to clear, while others may diagnose a serious fault requiring replacement parts or a replacement inverter. Common signs of an inverter fault can include flashing red or orange lights, error messages, inverter fault codes or no power output. Common issues with a solar inverter include power overloads, connection and wiring issues, overheating and battery issues.

This article will look at the brands we use (used) at SolarTherm UK and the most common fault codes we encounter.

Aurora/Power One

A very popular inverter, originally Italian made and later taken over by ABB. If you have this inverter (circa 2011-2016) then your warranty will almost definitely be out. We have tried to repair this inverter many times including sending these inverters historically off to specialist electronics companies in the UK and The Netherlands. The result is these are uneconomical to repair, and we would usually offer a newer brand and type of inverter to suit.

Error CodeDescription
E502No production – could be for a variety of issues, including a faulty inverter. Check cables for loose connections. Will also show on during times of low sunlight. If issue persists, fill out a maintenance request form.
W003Grid failure. Incorrect grid parameters. Should resolve itself on when the grid returns to normal but if the issue persists, fill out a maintenance request form.
E021Inverter relay fail/fault. Restart inverter. If error code remains, fill out a maintenance request form.
W010Fan fail/fault. Check inverter vents and fans for dust and debris. If the area is clear, fill out a maintenance request form.

If you experience one of the issues listed with your Aurora or Power-One inverter, please follow the steps above and if the issue persists or your issue isn’t listed, please fill out a maintenance request form or contact us on 01268 552868 for further assistance – have readily available the fault code and what your Aurora or Power-One display is showing.

Fox ESS

Having fitted Fox ESS inverters in the past, at SolarTherm UK we are experienced with their faults and no longer recommend them for our installs. If you have an issue with your Fox ESS inverter, are outside of your warranty and would like expert advice on what happens next, we will be more than happy to help.

Fault CodeTroubleshooting
SPS FaultTurn off the PV and grid connectors. After 5 minutes reconnect. If issue persists, fill out a maintenance request form.
Grid Lost FaultCheck grid connections including wiring, interface, etc. Check grid for known issues such as power cuts. Inverter will reconnect on normal service from the grid.
Grid Voltage FaultMake sure that the grid voltage and frequency complies with standards. Inverter should reconnect on normal service from the grid. If issue persists, fill out a maintenance request form.
Isolation FaultCheck the impedance among the PV+, PV- and ground. Impedance should be >1Mohm. If the impedance cannot be detected or is higher than 1Mohm fill out a maintenance request form.
OCPTurn off the PV and grid, reconnect them.
Relay FailDisconnect PV+ and PV- with DC. After the LCD switches off, reconnect and check again.
Comm LostDisconnect PV+ and PV-, reconnect after 5 minutes.
Over TempCheck if the environment temperature is over the limit. Check for dirt or debris blocking vents and fans. If issue persists, fill out a maintenance request form.

If you experience one of the issues listed with your Fox ESS inverter, please follow the steps above and if the issue persists or your issue isn’t listed, please contact us on 01268 552868 for further assistance – have readily available the fault code and what your Fox ESS display is showing.

Fronius

Fronius is a well-known Austrian brand in the solar industry. The advanced technology Fronius inverters offer, provide precise power conversion ensuring maximum efficiency from your solar system. Fronius have been involved in the solar industry since 1992, offering top quality, high end inverters for domestic and commercial properties alike. Fronius inverters come with a standard 5 year manufacturer warranty, which is extended to 10 years on registration of your inverter.

Error CodeDescriptionTroubleshooting
326, 327Error with fan.Check inverter vents for dust and debris. If error persists, fill out a maintenance request form.
401AC Voltage too high.Fill out a maintenance request form.
306, 307PV output is too low to feed.This fault will fix itself. It is usually shown at night or when night levels are low. If fault is showing when significant levels of sunlight are showing, fill out a maintenance request form.
417, 418, 419, 420, 421, 425, 426, 427, 428, 431Firmware errors.These fault codes all show a firmware issue. Firmware will need to be updated. Fill out a maintenance request form.
447Insulation problem.This should correct itself within a few hours. If error doesn’t resolve, restart inverter. If issue persists, fill out a maintenance request form.
452Communication problem between processors.Installer needs to attend site to perform maintenance. Fill out a maintenance request form.
502Insulation fault on solar panels.This should correct itself within a few hours. If error doesn’t resolve, restart inverter. If issue persists, fill out a maintenance request form.
509No energy has been fed into he grid in the last 24 hours.Ensure no power outages in the area. If error persists for more than 2 days, fill out a maintenance request form.
517No energy has been fed into the grid by MPPT1 in the past 24 hours.Check nothing is blocking the inverter air openings, if blocked, remove the blockages. The fault should then clear within 5 minutes. If not restart your system.
566Arc detector has been deactivated.Press enter (4th button from the left) and wait 5 minutes for error to clear.
751, 758Time errors.Time and date on inverter needs to be reset. If code does not clear instantly restart the system.

If you experience one of the issues listed with your Fronius inverter, please follow the steps above and if the issue persists or your issue isn’t listed, please fill out a maintenance request form or contact us on 01268 552868 for further assistance – have readily available the fault code and what your Fronius display is showing.

Growatt

Growatt inverters are reliable, efficient and budget friendly. With a standard 10 year manufacturer warranty and a reasonably priced extended warranty for up to 20 years, these inverters are built to last. Growatt is ranked among the Top 3 inverter suppliers in the world. At SolarTherm UK we have experienced the reliability of Growatt inverters and recommend them to our customers looking for a string inverter.

Error CodeDescriptionTroubleshooting
Growatt Inverter no AC ConnectionNo utility grid connected or utility grid power failureThis normally happens during a grid failure. If you still have electricity connected to your property check your AC isolator or circuit breaker. If both are on and the problem persists, fill out a maintenance request form.
No Power OutputWhen the solar inverter shows no power output, your solar panels are inactive.Check the connection to the solar grid. Check the inverter for error codes or messages. If everything appears as normal, fill out a maintenance request form.
Low Power OutputThe solar inverter is working but is generating a reduced amount of energy.Clean your solar panels as per the maintenance guidelines. Schedule a maintenance visit to replace any worn-out or underperforming parts. Monitor the inverters efficiency using the display or online monitoring system.
OverheatingWhen the solar inverter is excessively hot, issues can arise causing performance reduction and safety concerns.Ensure your inverter is installed in a well ventilated location. Clean your inverter regularly to remove dust and debris from the inverters vents. Where applicable, install shade to protect from direct sunlight.
Autotest FailedAutotest failedRestart the inverter and the fault will clear.
101Communication faultTurn off the DC switch and make the inverter completely shut down. Turn on the DC switch to see if the error still exists. If the error persists, fill out a maintenance request form.
Warning 401Inverter communicates with the meter abnormallyCheck the meter is on. Check the inverter and meter connection is normal. If issue persists fill, out a maintenance request form.

If you experience one of the issues listed with your Fronius inverter, please follow the steps above and if the issue persists or your issue isn’t listed, please fill out a maintenance request form or contact us on 01268 552868 for further assistance – have readily available the fault code and what your Fronius display is showing.

LuxPower

The LuxPower hybrid inverter controls both your solar PV panels and your battery (where applicable). At SolarTherm UK we recommend the LuxPower hybrid inverter when your solar installation pairs solar PV panels with a storage battery. The free monitoring program allows you to monitor and program your solar system from your smartphone or tablet using the app, it also allows for remote technical support from LuxPower direct. LuxPower hybrid inverters come with a 12 year manufacturer warranty.  

LCD DisplayDescriptionTroubleshooting
0017Internal communication faultRestart the inverter, if the error persists, fill out a maintenance request form.
01Model fault 1Reset the model, check that the safety standard switch is in the right place.
12EPS short circuitCheck the EPS L and N connection. Disconnect the EPS connector. If the error still persists, fill out a maintenance request form.
16Relay fault 1Restart the inverter, if the error persists, fill out a maintenance request form.
25Temperature over rangeCheck NTC connection.
Warning 00Communication failure with batteryFix communication cable, if the warning persists, fill out a maintenance request form.
Warning 17AC voltage out of rangeCheck AC grid voltage

If you experience one of the issues listed with your LuxPower inverter, please follow the steps above and if the issue persists or your issue isn’t listed, please fill out a maintenance request form or contact us on 01268 552868 for further assistance – have readily available the fault code and what your LuxPower display is showing.

Samil

Samil inverters fill our technical team with fear! SolarTherm UK installed these inverter units for a very short period only. They were a Chinese imported inverter, marketed well to the wholesale market but not quality controlled. They simply did not live up to the claims. This equipment was around circa 2012-2015 and the technical support disappeared quickly also. SolarTherm UK swapped out most of these under our own workmanship warranty when the manufacturer no longer answered their warranty support line or email. 

Unfortunately, if you have one of these inverters and it’s still working it would be a surprise. The outcome on this is these inverters are uneconomical and impossible to repair, we would usually offer a newer brand and type of inverter to suit. The quickest and easiest way for us to record this information is to fill in our maintenance request form.

FaultTroubleshooting
Grid FaultsWait 5 minutes to see if the grid reverts back to normal working state. Check the grid voltage complies with standards. If issues don’t resolve themselves within 24 hours, fill out a maintenance request form.
No UtilityCheck there are no known outages or power cuts to your supply. If there are no local faults report the issue using a maintenance request form.
Fan FaultCheck the fan and vents to ensure they are clear and free from dust and debris. If the issue persists, fill out a maintenance request form.
Relay FailureDisconnect the PV+, PV- with DC input then reconnect. If this does not resolve the issue, fill out a maintenance request form.

If you experience one of the issues listed with your Samil inverter, please follow the steps above and if the issue persists or your issue isn’t listed, please fill out a maintenance request form or contact us on 01268 552868 for further assistance – have readily available the fault code and what your Samil display is showing.

SMA Sunny Boy

The SMA Sunny Boy inverter offers high power output and efficient performance at a competitive price. The SMA Sunny Boy inverter comes with a 5 year manufacturer warranty. The SMA Sunny Boy inverter comes with an automatic inverter monitoring service which analyses your system, reports irregularities and minimises downtime.

Error CodeDescriptionTroubleshooting
102Grid Fault/OvervoltageCheck whether the grid voltage at connection point is in the permissible range. If within permissible range, fill out a maintenance request form.
202Grid Fault/UndervoltageThe grid has been disconnected, the AC cable is damaged or the grid voltage is too low. Make sure that the circuit breaker is switched on, check for damage to the AC cable and that it is connected correctly. Fill out a maintenance request form.
3501Insulation failure or resistanceCheck the PV system for ground faults. If issue persists, fill out a maintenance request form.
3902Generator voltage too lowThe PV array voltage is too low. Error should resolve when solar radiance has increased.
6002, 6005, 6006, 6305, 6402, 6406, 6415, 6450Self diagnosis – check messageReport the fault using the maintenance request form.
8101, 8102Communication disturbedAn error has occurred in the internal communication. Fill out a maintenance request form.

If you experience one of the issues listed with your SMA inverter, please follow the steps above and if the issue persists or your issue isn’t listed, please fill out a maintenance request form or contact us on 01268 552868 for further assistance – have readily available the fault code and what your SMA display is showing.

SolarEdge

At SolarTherm UK we recommend a SolarEdge power optimised system when you have shaded areas or multiple orientations on your roof. The SolarEdge monitoring app allows you to see your electricity generation and each panels efficiency live. They have a 12 year manufacturer warranty as standard, which can be extended to up to 25 years.

SolarEdge error codes are harder to read than some solar inverters. They differ depending on the software version or style of inverter. Fault codes with just a number are version 3.18 or older and fault codes with a mixture of letters and numbers are version 3.19 or newer. The codes also differ depending on whether it is a single phase or three phase inverter. We have listed the most common codes below for a single phase inverter.

Error Code v3.18Error Code v3.19DescriptionTroubleshooting
152xFDC voltage too highTorn off the inverter ON/OFF switch. If after 5 minutes the LCD panel does not show a low safety voltage, check which string is malfunctioning and recheck its connections.
16, 149, 153, 181, 166, 167, 168, 1702×10, 2×95, 2×59, 2xB5,18xA6, 18xA7, 18xA8, A8xAAHardware errorFill out a maintenance request form.
17, 1172×11, 18×75, 2xB6Temperature too highVerify that the inverter has proper clearances. Make sure the heat-sink fins are clean and unobstructed.
147, 150, 151, 123×11, 2×96, 2×97, 18xC, 18x8EArc fault detectedFill out a maintenance request form.
1522×98Arc detector self-test failedFill out a maintenance request form.
 18×98, 18×99Fan failureCheck the fan is clear from dirt and debris. If issue persists, fill out a maintenance request form.
 2xC5Rapid shutdown test failedCheck safe VDC voltage and if it doesn’t drop below 30V check string voltage. Set rapid shutdown functionality. Check inverter for internal damage. If issue persists, fill out a maintenance request form.

If you experience one of the issues listed with your SolarEdge inverter, please follow the steps above and if the issue persists or your issue isn’t listed, please fill out a maintenance request form or contact us on 01268 552868 for further assistance – have readily available the fault code and what your SolarEdge display is showing.

SolaX

SolaX has been in the solar industry for over 20 years, and what sets them above other inverter brands is their focus on inverters – meaning they often lead the way on new technology, ideas and design. SolaX inverters come with a 5 year manufacturer warranty as standard on most models, although newer models are now including a longer warranty.

Inverter ScreenDescriptionTroubleshooting
Sample FaultDetection circuit fault.The detection reference circuit in the inverter is operating abnormally. Fill out a maintenance request form.
Fan1 Fault/Fan2 FaultFan device fault.The internal fan within the inverter is operating outside normal parameters. Restart your inverter. Check for visible dust or debris blocking the fan from spinning. If the issue persists, fill out a maintenance request form.
EPS Relay faultEPS relay fault.Disconnect the panel array and battery by switching off the DC isolator and battery isolator switches. Shut-down the inverter and then reconnect. If this doesn’t resolve the error, fill out a maintenance request form.
Grid Lost FaultNo grid connection.The system will automatically reconnect once the grid returns to normal. If your inverter doesn’t reconnect after a power cut contact us for further advice.
Grid Volt FaultAbnormal grid voltage.The grid voltage is out of range. Your inverter will automatically reconnect once the grid returns to normal.
Isolation FaultIsolation fault.Check the connection of the inverter. If the fault code doesn’t disappear, fill out a maintenance report form.

If you experience one of the issues listed with your SolaX inverter, please follow the steps above and if the issue persists or your issue isn’t listed, please fill out a maintenance request form or contact us on 01268 552868 for further assistance – have readily available the fault code and what your SolaX display is showing.

Solis

The Solis brand is a long established Chinese solar inverter manufacturer, ranked as the 3rd largest manufacturer in the world. Seen as a entry -level inverter due to their low cost, Solis is a popular inverter with excellent features. With a 5 year warranty as standard, extendable up to 20 years.

Error CodeDescriptionTroubleshooting
No information (blank screen)Input voltage low/missing. Polarity reversed. Main board damaged.Test: DC switch OFF Check PV connections, polarity, check voltage >120V (single phase). If DC voltage is 0 inverter needs replacing. Fill out a maintenance request form.
OV-G-V: Over Grid VoltageInverter detects grid voltage as too high.Fill out a maintenance request form.
NO-GRIDInverter does not detect the grid.Check LCD reading – may be a bad measurement circuit. Check grid standard. If issue persists, fill out a maintenance request form as the inverter may need replacing.
ARC-FAULTInverter detects arc in DC circuit.Inspect installation – check cables, junction boxes and cable connections. Reset inverter. If issue persists, fill out a maintenance request form.
LCD show initiating all the timeCan not start-up.Check if the connector on the main board or power board are fixed. If issue persists, fill out a maintenance request form.

If you experience one of the issues listed with your Solis inverter, please follow the steps above and if the issue persists or your issue isn’t listed, please fill out a maintenance request form or contact us on 01268 552868 for further assistance – have readily available the fault code and what your Solis display is showing.


While inverter fault codes can initially seem daunting, many issues can be resolved with simple checks or a system restart. However, persistent faults or unfamiliar codes may indicate a deeper problem requiring professional intervention. At SolarTherm UK, we pride ourselves on offering honest advice, expert technical support, and reliable solutions tailored to your solar system. Whether you need help diagnosing an issue, require replacement parts, or are considering an inverter upgrade, our team is here to help.

To speak with our experienced technical team, please fill out a maintenance request form or contact us directly on 01268 552868. Having your fault code and inverter display message ready will help us assist you faster and more efficiently.

Solartherm UK, and its parent company Silvercrest Energy Group Ltd experience less than favourable lead times when waiting for warranty claims, hardware updates and part replacements, the current lead times for repairs can be 4-6 weeks but can be as quickly as a matter of days. We have a designated team who can always be contacted easily at [email protected] who are chasing manufacturers daily. Rest assured, the team at SolarTherm UK will be with you as soon as we have the replacement parts at your earliest convenience.

With decades of experience in the solar industry, you can trust SolarTherm UK to keep your solar system running at its best.