How to Reset a Solar Inverter Fault: Decoding Inverter Fault Codes

Seeing a solar inverter fault message can be alarming, especially if your solar system was working just fine. The inverter is a critical part of your setup, and when it detects a problem—whether it’s with voltage, temperature, or connectivity—it will typically shut down to protect the system. That’s when homeowners often start wondering how to reset the inverter fault notifications and get their solar panels back online.

Most inverters will also show specific inverter fault codes to help identify the issue, though these codes can be confusing if you’re not familiar with your equipment. While some faults are simple and temporary, others can point to deeper issues that need more attention.

If you're dealing with recurring faults or don’t have support from your original installer, GreenLancer can help. We offer residential solar repair services to diagnose and fix inverter issues nationwide.

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What Is a Solar Inverter Fault?

If your solar system stops generating power or throws a warning, you might be dealing with a solar inverter fault. This happens when your inverter—one of the most important components in your system—detects an issue and either shuts down or reduces output to protect itself or your home. 

While some inverter faults are temporary and easy to clear, others may point to a deeper issue. Knowing what’s going on is the first step toward figuring out how to reset the inverter fault or understanding what the inverter fault codes mean.

Why Your Inverter Matters in a Solar System

Your solar panels generate electricity in the form of direct current (DC), but your home runs on alternating current (AC). The inverter acts as a translator, converting that energy into something your appliances can use. Without it, your solar panels can’t deliver power to your home. That’s why when you get a solar inverter fault, it affects your entire system’s performance.

Common Signs of a Solar Inverter Fault

Here are some common signs that your system is experiencing an inverter issue:

• Flashing red or orange lights: These indicate a system warning or error.

• Error messages: Your inverter screen may display text or codes when something goes wrong.

• No power output: Your monitoring app or utility bill may show little or no energy generation.

• Inverter fault codes: These combinations of letters and numbers help identify the issue. Take note of them—even if you’re unsure what they mean—for troubleshooting or support.

All of these signs may indicate the need to check your system and figure out how to reset the inverter fault or call for service.

What Causes Solar Inverter Faults?

Not every solar inverter fault means your system is in serious trouble. In many cases, it’s your inverter’s built-in safety system doing its job—pausing or shutting down to prevent damage. Still, it’s helpful to understand what can cause these faults, especially if you’re seeing confusing inverter fault codes and wondering how to reset the inverter fault properly.

Weather, Wear, and Wiring

Several everyday factors can lead to a solar inverter fault:

• Overheating: Inverters from brands like SMA and SolarEdge often reduce output or shut down temporarily in high heat to avoid internal damage. Poor ventilation or direct sun exposure can make this worse.

• Grid fluctuations: Enphase microinverters and string inverters like Fronius may detect utility grid instability, like voltage spikes or drops, and trigger a fault to protect your home and the grid.

• Wiring issues: Loose or corroded connections between your panels, combiner boxes, and inverter can cause communication errors or faults, regardless of brand.

• Internal wear: Like any electronic device, inverters age. After about 10 years, parts like capacitors may degrade, especially in older models from ABB or early-generation SMA units.

Each of these issues might cause specific inverter fault codes, which help technicians (and homeowners with the manual) diagnose the problem.

Poor Installation or Maintenance

Some solar inverter faults trace back to how the system was installed or maintained:

• Improper setup: If your system was installed with mismatched components or insufficient grounding, brands like SolarEdge may flag this through specific inverter fault codes shortly after commissioning.

• Deferred maintenance: Dust buildup inside fan-cooled inverters like Fronius or pest damage in outdoor units can interfere with performance over time.

• Lack of monitoring: With systems that rely on apps, like Enphase Enlighten or SolarEdge Monitoring, it’s easy to miss early signs of trouble if you’re not checking regularly.

How to Reset Inverter Fault Safely

If your system has stopped producing power and you're seeing an error message or warning light, your first instinct might be to figure out how to reset the inverter fault. In many cases, that’s a reasonable first step—but only if the issue is minor and temporary. Resetting your inverter can help clear certain solar inverter faults, especially those caused by grid blips or weather-related interruptions.

Before you reset anything, it’s important to understand what the inverter fault codes are telling you. Each code corresponds to a specific problem, and some should not be ignored or bypassed with a quick reset. If you're unsure what the code means, look it up in your inverter's manual or app first. Once you've confirmed it's safe to proceed, you can move on to the reset steps.

Step-by-Step Guide to Resetting Your Solar Inverter

To safely reset a solar inverter fault, follow these basic steps:

• Step 1: Turn off the AC isolator (usually located near your main electrical panel).

• Step 2: Turn off the DC isolator (near your inverter or array).

• Step 3: Wait at least 60 seconds to allow the system to fully power down.

• Step 4: Turn the DC isolator back on, followed by the AC isolator.

• Step 5: Watch your inverter display for status updates or cleared fault codes.

Some brands, like Enphase, may reset automatically after a fault clears, while others, like SolarEdge or SMA, require this manual process. If the inverter fault codes return immediately after a reset, that’s a sign there’s something deeper going on.

When Not to Reset an Inverter Fault

There are times when learning how to reset inverter fault messages isn't the solution—it might actually delay needed repairs. If you see signs of electrical damage, smoke, burning smells, or hear loud noises from the inverter, do not attempt a reset. These can indicate serious issues that require a licensed technician.

You should also avoid resetting the inverter repeatedly if the solar inverter fault keeps coming back. Constant resets can mask larger problems with wiring, grid voltage, or internal components. And in some cases, forcing a reset may clear a code without fixing the issue, leaving your system offline or underperforming.

If you're unsure whether it's safe to proceed or you need help interpreting inverter fault codes, GreenLancer offers affordable solar repair services—even if your original installer is no longer in business.

Understanding Inverter Fault Codes

If you're seeing an error message or your solar system isn’t producing power as expected, chances are you're dealing with one or more inverter fault codes. These codes are your inverter’s way of flagging a specific issue—whether it’s a temporary hiccup or something that needs professional attention.

Understanding what those codes mean is a key part of resolving a solar inverter fault, especially before you try to figure out how to reset the inverter fault safely. Each inverter brand has its own system of codes, and while they may look cryptic, they’re designed to help diagnose the problem quickly and accurately.

What Inverter Fault Codes Mean

Inverter fault codes are like a status report from your solar system. They typically signal issues related to voltage fluctuations, temperature limits, communication problems, or internal hardware failures.

Here are a few common examples:

• Enphase microinverters often report issues like "Grid Instability" or "Power Line Communication Lost."

• SolarEdge may display numeric inverter error codes like 18x or 33x, which relate to DC voltage range issues or ground faults.

• SMA inverters might show inverter error codes tied to overheating or inverter self-test failures.

Seeing one of these codes doesn’t always mean something’s broken—it could just be a sign your system needs a reset or quick inspection. Still, it’s important not to guess, especially if you’re unsure how serious the solar inverter fault might be.

Where to Find Your Inverter Fault Code Definitions

If you’re staring at a string of letters and numbers, the good news is that you don’t have to decode them alone. You can usually find inverter fault code definitions in one of these places:

• Your inverter’s user manual

• The manufacturer’s website or support portal

• A solar monitoring app like Enphase Enlighten or SolarEdge Monitoring

Understanding the code before trying to figure out how to reset the inverter fault can save time—and potentially prevent a bigger issue down the line. And if the code isn’t listed or keeps reappearing, it might be time to call in a solar repair pro.

What to Do If Resetting the Inverter Doesn’t Work

If you’ve already tried to reset the inverter fault and your system still isn’t working properly, don’t worry—you’re not out of options. Sometimes, a solar inverter fault is more than just a quick fix. When the fault code keeps coming back, or your inverter won’t reboot at all, it’s likely pointing to a deeper issue that needs expert attention.

Persistent inverter fault codes can indicate anything from internal component wear to grid compatibility problems, especially in older systems. At this point, it’s a good idea to document what you’re seeing and prepare to reach out for support.

Contacting Your Installer or Support

Before you call for help, gather the details that will speed things up:

• The inverter brand and model (e.g., Enphase IQ7, SolarEdge HD-Wave, SMA Sunny Boy)

• Exact inverter fault codes showing on the screen or app

• What symptoms you’re noticing, such as blinking lights, no power output, or recent weather events

• Steps you've already taken, including whether or not you tried to reset the fault

With this info ready, your installer—or the inverter manufacturer’s tech support line—can better advise you on the next steps or determine if your issue is covered under a solar inverter warranty.

When to Consider a Solar Repair Service

If your original installer is no longer in business, or if the inverter is 8–10 years old, it may be time to contact a qualified solar repair service. Ongoing solar inverter faults could be a sign that key components are starting to fail. In some cases, you might need a replacement inverter or upgraded components to keep your system running efficiently.

When you’re stuck trying to make sense of stubborn inverter fault codes or unsure how to reset inverter faults without risking further issues, GreenLancer can help. Our solar repair network is available nationwide, even for orphaned systems with no active installer support.

Preventing Future Solar Inverter Faults

While it’s impossible to prevent every solar inverter fault, there are a few simple habits that can reduce the chances of running into recurring issues. Keeping your inverter in good shape and catching problems early can help you avoid confusing inverter fault codes or the need to figure out how to reset inverter faults again and again.

Keep Your System Clean and Well-Ventilated

Your inverter needs proper airflow to stay cool, especially during summer months or in warmer climates. If it's installed outdoors or in a garage, make sure there’s enough clearance around it for ventilation. Inverters from brands like Fronius and SolarEdge often rely on internal fans, which can get clogged with dust or debris over time.

• Keep weeds, leaves, and dust away from the equipment

• Avoid stacking storage or blocking airflow around the solar inverter

• Check periodically for pests like wasps or rodents that might nest nearby

Overheating is a common trigger for solar inverter faults, and good airflow goes a long way in preventing unnecessary shutdowns.

Monitor Performance Regularly

One of the best ways to stay ahead of inverter problems is to monitor your system regularly using the tools provided by your installer or manufacturer. Platforms like Enphase Enlighten, SolarEdge Monitoring, or SMA Sunny Portal allow you to spot drops in performance or view inverter fault codes as soon as they occur.

By checking in every so often—or setting up automatic alerts—you can catch small issues before they grow into costly repairs. Plus, if you ever need to figure out how to reset an inverter fault, having clear performance data and error codes at your fingertips makes the process easier.

Final Thoughts on Dealing With a Solar Inverter Fault

Running into a solar inverter fault can be frustrating, especially if it seems to come out of nowhere. But in many cases, the issue is minor—something like a temporary grid fluctuation, a temperature spike, or a brief communication error. Once you identify the problem using inverter fault codes, it’s often possible to get things running again with a simple reset.

The key is staying proactive. Regularly checking your solar monitoring app and keeping your system clean and well-ventilated can go a long way in preventing future faults. And when something does go wrong, knowing how to reset inverter faults safely—and when to ask for help—can save you time and avoid bigger issues down the road.

If your inverter problems aren’t going away or you’ve lost touch with your original installer, GreenLancer’s solar repair services are here to help. We offer fast, affordable support for homeowners nationwide, including troubleshooting, diagnostics, and repairs for orphaned systems.

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