You suddenly cannot get an output from the inverter, and your solar system is as good as dead. What could be the reason for the solar inverter not working and what can you do? While most problems are caused by things beyond a user’s control, some can be attributed to improper device handling. This post explores the reasons why PV inverters fail and what you can do about it.

My Solar Inverter is Not Working

A broken or malfunctioning inverter can be a real cause for concern. Solar panels send DC power to the inverter, which then inverts it into a usable alternating current. If the inverter isn’t working properly, your entire solar power system could be compromised.

The array’s DC power will not be useful, seeing that most appliances operate on AC inputs. So why is your solar inverter not working? Several issues can cause a home or business solar inverter to stop functioning. The common ones include:

1. Faulty Solar Inverter

The most common reason for a solar inverter not working properly is if the inverter itself is faulty. Solar inverters are complex devices, and like any other electronic device, they can fail. If your PV inverter is more than a few years old, it may be prone to various problems.

Some of these problems include damaged internal components such as switching transistors, capacitors, and other parts. In this case, your best option would be to replace the inverter. This rarely happens, though, unless the inverter is too old or poorly maintained.

2. Inverter Battery Not Working

If your solar power system is not connected to the grid, then it likely has a battery backup. That means the batteries will provide power to the inverter when the sun isn’t shining. If the batteries are not working properly, the inverter will not have enough power to function.

There are several reasons why batteries may not work properly, including batteries that are too old or damaged and need to be replaced. To fix this problem, you will need to change the batteries or have them checked and serviced by a professional.

3. Tripped Inverter

Your solar system’s wiring includes a number of safety devices, such as circuit breakers and fuses. If there is an electrical problem, these devices are designed to trip and shut off the power before any damage is done.

If a solar inverter trips circuit breaker devices, a simple flip of the tripped breaker is all is needed to restore the system. In some cases, though, you may need to call for professional help, especially if there is a more serious problem with the inverter or wiring.

4. Inverter Fuse Blown

Another reason for your solar inverter not working properly is a fuse that has blown. The fuse is there to protect the inverter from a power surge, just like those used in other electrical gadgets. Having the inverter fuse blown means your solar system will not function.

To take care of the problem, simply replace the blown fuse with a new one. Always make sure to use the correct size and type of fuse, as using the wrong one could cause further damage to your inverter. To be on the safe side, have a qualified technician service the installation.

5. There is No Sunlight

It could also be that your solar inverter stopped working because the DC input reaching it from the panels was too low. In order for the panels to produce power, they need to be exposed to direct sunlight.

During overcast days, your solar panels will produce less power, and this may cause the inverter to shut appear to be malfunctioning. This is normal, so don’t worry if this is the case.

As you can see, there are several reasons why you may have a solar inverter not working. But how do you know if you’re having a problem with your solar system’s inverter? Here are the most common telltale signs:

Solar Inverter Failure Symptoms

How do I know if my solar inverter is working or not working? This is a question that many people using solar energy systems ask. Solar inverter failure symptoms range from unusual noise to overheating and more. Here is a list of the most common signs.

Solar Inverter Noise

Another symptom that accompanies the problem of a solar inverter not working as it should is noise. This often comes in the form of an unusual hum or buzz, and could even involve vibrations. However, a soft solar inverter humming noise is normal and should not cause any alarm.

Inverter Error Codes

Many solar inverters have an LCD screen that displays error codes. If you see an error code on the screen, this is a sign that something is wrong with the inverter. Interpreting the solar inverter error code will tell you what is wrong so you can then take steps to fix the problem.

Low Inverter Output

If your solar inverter is not working properly, you may notice that the power output is low. This means that the inverter is not able to produce as much power as it should. This can be a problem if the inverter is damaged or its wiring faulty.

Inverter Won’t Turn On

Your solar inverter won’t turn on. This is a clear indication that something is wrong. It could be a problem with the power supply, the batteries, or the inverter itself. If your inverter won’t turn on, you should contact a professional to diagnose and fix the problem.

Inverter Overheating

The solar inverter temperature range is often high and the device will normally produce heat when in operation. However, it will usually overheat if faulty. This is one of the signs that all is not well. If you have your solar inverter overheating, its best to have a qualified person troubleshoot it.

How to Reset a Solar Inverter

If your solar inverter is not working properly and you need to reset it. However, there are a few steps that you can take before that. First, make sure that the power supply to the inverter is turned on. This means checking whether or not the breaker is tripped or if the power cord has become disconnected. If these do not seem to be the problem, proceed to reset inverter.

• Reset the solar inverter by turning it off and then back on again. Be sure to wait for a few minutes before trying to turn the inverter back on, as this will give it time to power down completely.
• If your solar inverter is still not working after following these steps, you should contact a professional for help. A qualified technician will be able to diagnose and fix the problem quickly.

Conclusion

There are several potential reasons why you have your solar inverter not working, from power supply problems to a blown fuse. Your inverter is the heart of your solar system, so it’s important to take action right away if you think there may be a problem. Always ensure that you contact a qualified professional to help you diagnose and fix the problem. But if your inverter is almost near its end of life, you may need to consider replacing it with a newer model.