Solar Inverter Not Working? A Homeowner's Troubleshooting Checklist

Safety First

If you smell burning, see smoke, or notice any damage to your inverter or wiring, turn off your solar system immediately and call a licensed electrician.

Quick Diagnosis: What's Actually Wrong?

Before troubleshooting, identify the problem:

• No lights on inverter (completely dead)
• Red/orange fault light (inverter is on but showing an error)
• Inverter is on but not generating power
• Inverter keeps turning on and off
• Monitoring app shows "offline" or "disconnected"

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Checklist

Step 1: Check for Obvious Issues

• Is it actually daytime and sunny?

  • Solar systems don't generate power at night
  • Cloudy/rainy days produce minimal power
  • Early morning/late afternoon = lower production
• Check your inverter display screen

  • Is there a light on at all?
  • What color is the light? (Green = OK, Red/Orange = Fault, No light = Power issue)
  • Does the screen show an error code? (Write it down)
• Look at your monitoring app

  • Does it show the system offline?
  • When did it last report generation?
  • Are there any error messages or notifications?

Step 2: Check Your Home's Power Supply

Many inverter issues are actually just power supply problems:

• Check your switchboard/meter box

  • Has a circuit breaker tripped? (Switch will be in the "off" position)
  • Look for breakers labeled "Solar," "PV," "Inverter," or "AC Isolator"
  • If tripped, try resetting it ONCE (flip to off, then back to on)
  • If it trips again immediately, DO NOT reset it - call an electrician
• Check for area power outages

  • Ask neighbors if they have power
  • Check Western Power outage map: www.westernpower.com.au/faults-outages
  • Most inverters automatically shut down during grid outages (this is normal and required by law)
  • Your solar will resume automatically when grid power returns
• Check your main power is on

  • Verify other appliances in your home are working
  • Sometimes the whole house loses power, not just solar

Step 3: Check Solar Isolators

Your system has safety switches (isolators) that can be accidentally turned off:

• DC Isolator (Usually near or on the inverter)

  • This is a switch that disconnects the solar panels from the inverter
  • Check it's in the "ON" position
  • In Perth, it's often a red switch or a rotary switch near the inverter
  • Common cause: Accidentally switched off during maintenance or cleaning
• AC Isolator (Usually at your switchboard)

  • This disconnects the inverter from your home's power
  • Should be in the "ON" position
  • Sometimes labeled "Solar Supply Main Switch" or similar
• Rooftop DC Isolator (If you have one)

  • Some systems have an isolator on the roof near the panels
  • DO NOT go on your roof unless safe to do so
  • If you can safely see it from a window or ground level, check if it's on

Step 4: Try a Simple Restart

Just like a computer, sometimes inverters need a reboot:

Perform a proper inverter restart:

1. Turn OFF the AC isolator (at switchboard)
2. Turn OFF the DC isolator (near/on inverter)
3. Wait 60 seconds
4. Turn ON the DC isolator
5. Turn ON the AC isolator
6. Wait 5 minutes for the inverter to reconnect to the grid

Check if the inverter comes back online:

• Green light should appear
• Display should show normal operation
• Check your monitoring app after 10-15 minutes

If restart doesn't work, proceed to next step.

Step 5: Check for Error Codes

• Write down any error codes or fault messages

  • Most inverters display error codes on the screen
  • Take a photo of the display with your phone
  • Common codes (varies by brand):
  • "Grid Fault" or "Grid OV/UV" = Grid voltage issue (often temporary)
  • "Insulation Fault" = Wiring issue (call electrician)
  • "DC Injection" = Internal fault (call electrician)
  • "Over Temperature" = Inverter is too hot (see below)
• Google the error code + your inverter brand

  • Example: "Fronius error 460" or "Sungrow fault 008"
  • Manufacturer websites often have fault code guides
  • This helps you explain the issue when you call for help

Step 6: Environmental Checks

• Is your inverter overheating?

  • Inverters can shut down in extreme Perth heat (40°C+ days)
  • Touch the inverter casing - is it extremely hot?
  • Is it in direct sunlight with no ventilation?
  • Solution: It should restart automatically when cool. If it happens repeatedly, it may need relocation.
• Check for obvious physical damage

  • Cracks in the inverter casing
  • Water damage, moisture, or corrosion
  • Loose or damaged cables
  • Pest damage (birds, rats, etc.)
  • DO NOT touch damaged components - call an electrician
• Recent severe weather?

  • Lightning strikes can damage inverters
  • Heavy storms can cause temporary grid faults
  • Extreme heat can trigger thermal shutdowns

Step 7: Check Your Monitoring System

• WiFi/Internet connection issues

  • If the inverter is working but monitoring shows "offline," it might just be a WiFi issue
  • Check if your home WiFi is working
  • Restart your WiFi router
  • Some inverters have WiFi indicator lights - check if it's connected
• Reset monitoring connection (if applicable)

  • Some systems have a separate monitoring device
  • Check if it needs to be power-cycled
  • Refer to your system manual

When to Call a Professional

Call a licensed electrician or your solar installer immediately if:

• Circuit breaker keeps tripping repeatedly
• You see, smell, or hear anything unusual (burning smell, buzzing, sparks)
• There's visible damage to the inverter or wiring
• Error codes indicate "insulation fault" or "earth fault"
• The inverter is less than 5 years old and completely dead (warranty issue)
• You've tried all troubleshooting steps and the system still won't work
• The inverter has been offline for more than 24 hours
• You're uncomfortable performing any of these checks

In Perth, all electrical work must be performed by a licensed electrician - even on solar systems.

Common Issues and Quick Fixes

Issue: "No lights, completely dead inverter"

Most likely causes:

1. Tripped circuit breaker → Reset at switchboard
2. AC isolator switched off → Turn it back on
3. Power outage in your area → Wait for power restoration
4. Failed inverter → Call electrician

Issue: "Red fault light"

Most likely causes:

1. Grid voltage outside acceptable range (temporary) → Wait 10 minutes, try restart
2. Insulation fault → Call electrician
3. Overheating on hot days → System will restart when cool
4. Recent storm/lightning → May need electrician assessment

Issue: "Inverter keeps restarting/cycling"

Most likely causes:

1. Grid instability (voltage fluctuations)
2. Faulty connection
3. Inverter firmware needs update
4. Failing inverter → Call electrician

Issue: "No power generation but inverter shows green light"

Most likely causes:

1. DC isolator is off → Turn it on
2. Shading on panels (trees, new building, dirt buildup)
3. Faulty panel connection
4. It's very early/late or cloudy → Check again at midday

Issue: "Monitoring app shows offline"

Most likely causes:

1. WiFi/internet connection issue → Check your router
2. Monitoring device lost power → Check USB/power connection
3. App needs update → Update the app
4. Account login issue → Re-login to app

Perth-Specific Considerations

Western Power Grid Issues

Perth's grid can experience voltage fluctuations, especially in newer suburbs or during peak solar generation times (middle of the day). Your inverter may shut down temporarily to protect itself. This is normal and it should restart automatically.

Hot Perth Summers

Inverters can overheat and shut down on 40°C+ days, especially if installed in direct sun or poorly ventilated areas. They'll restart when cool. If this happens frequently, your inverter may need to be relocated to a shadier spot.

New SWIS Export Limiting (From May 2026)

If you have a newer system installed after May 1, 2026, your inverter may have export limiting enabled. This can sometimes appear like a fault when it's actually just limiting export to the grid as designed.

Preventative Maintenance Tips

To minimize inverter problems:

• Keep your inverter clean and ventilated
• Trim trees/vegetation blocking panels or inverter ventilation
• Clean solar panels 2-3 times per year (Perth dust!)
• Check your monitoring app weekly for unusual patterns
• Schedule a professional inspection every 3-5 years
• Keep your inverter firmware updated (some update automatically, others need manual updates)

What to Tell Your Electrician When You Call

When calling for help, have this information ready:

• Inverter brand and model number (written on the inverter)
• Any error codes displayed
• When the problem started
• What troubleshooting you've already done
• Age of the system
• Photos of the inverter display
• Recent weather events (storms, extreme heat, etc.)

Emergency Contact Information

For electrical emergencies (smoke, fire, sparks):

• Turn off main power at switchboard
• Evacuate the area
• Call 000

For non-emergency solar faults:

• Contact your original solar installer (check warranty)
• Or call a licensed electrician experienced with solar systems

Western Power (grid issues):

• 13 13 51 (faults and emergencies)
• www.westernpower.com.au

Warranty Information

Before calling a paid electrician, check if your system is under warranty:

• Inverter warranty: Most inverters have 5-10 year warranties
• Installation warranty: Most installers offer 5-10 year workmanship warranties
• Panel warranty: Usually 10-25 years

Check your original installation paperwork - warranty repairs should be free if your system is still covered.

Download This Checklist

Save this page or print it out and keep it near your switchboard for quick reference when issues occur.

Need Help With Your Perth Solar System?

If you've worked through this checklist and still need assistance, our team at Westcoast Energy is here to help. We service solar systems across Perth and regional WA.

Phone 0429 346 088 · Email hello@westcoastenergy.com.au

Our solar services include:

• Solar inverter repairs and replacements
• System fault diagnosis and troubleshooting
• Preventative maintenance
• System upgrades and expansions
• Solar panel cleaning
• Switchboard upgrades

Perth Metro & Surrounds | Licensed Electricians | Solar Specialists

This checklist is for informational purposes only. Always prioritize safety and consult a licensed electrician for any electrical work. Westcoast Energy is not liable for any damage or injury resulting from DIY troubleshooting.