Why Does My Solar Inverter Shut Down, Trip or Reduce Power?

As the saying goes, ‘forewarned is forearmed,’ and in the case of your inverter shutting down, this is particularly true.

You’re likely frustrated with the constant interruptions in your power supply, but understanding the root cause is instrumental in preventing these disturbances.

Could it be a technical glitch or a symptom of a bigger issue?

We’ll investigate the common reasons for an inverter’s unexpected shutdown – from environmental factors to internal malfunctions – and prepare you to tackle them head-on. And, just when you think you’ve got it figured out, you might discover a surprising element you haven’t considered yet.

Quick takeaways if your inverter is shutting down

• Lack of sunlight can cause the inverter to shut down temporarily, but it will automatically start when enough light is available.
• Power outages or turning off the switch can result in the inverter shutting down for safety reasons, but the stored solar panel-generated electricity can be used.
• Inverter failure can lead to a shutdown, but most failures can be fixed by the installer or user with assistance available from the Aftersales team if needed.
• High voltage in the inverter or the residence can trigger automatic shutdowns, and proper setup of shut-down parameters and voltage drop is important to prevent this.

1. Not enough sunlight

Experiencing frequent inverter shutdowns could be a direct result of insufficient sunlight reaching your solar panels.

Your solar power system depends on sunlight to generate electricity. So, when there’s not enough sunlight, your solar inverter can’t produce sufficient power, leading to an inverter shut.

Cloudy weather, shadows, and shorter daylight hours during winter can limit the amount of sunlight your solar panels receive. This lack of sunlight can result in lower power output from your solar panels, and this reduced power can cause your solar inverter to shut down.

It’s crucial to remember that solar inverters are designed to shut down when they don’t receive enough power, as a safety measure to protect your system and your home.

If you’re experiencing persistent inverter shutdowns due to insufficient sunlight, consider repositioning your solar panels for optimal sunlight exposure or installing additional panels to increase power output. Regularly cleaning your solar panels can also help maximise the amount of sunlight they absorb.

2. Failure electricity grid

Did you know that a failure in the electricity grid can also lead to your solar inverter shutting down?

This might sound alarming, but it’s a safety measure. Your inverter is designed to shut down during a power outage to keep utility workers safe while they’re resolving the grid power issue. This automatic shutdown is known as ‘anti-islanding,’ and it’s a standard feature in all grid-connected solar inverters.

You might wonder, how does my inverter know when there’s a power outage? The answer lies in the inverter’s ability to monitor the power grid. If it detects any instability or loss of grid power, the inverter will shut down.

Three reasons why grid failure will shutdown your inverter

Let’s break down the three main reasons why a grid failure can lead to your inverter shutting down:

• Anti-islanding: Your inverter automatically shuts down when it detects a power outage, preventing any harm to utility workers during the repair process.
• Grid instability: Rapid fluctuations in grid power can trigger an inverter shutdown to protect your system from any potential damage.
• Safety protocols: Inverters are designed to shut down in the event of any abnormalities, including a power outage, to protect your solar system.

Understanding these factors can help you troubleshoot any unexpected inverter shutdowns in the future.

3. Inverter failure

Sometimes, despite all safety measures, your inverter may still fail, leading to an unexpected shutdown. This inconvenience, known as inverter failure, is often a result of various issues that require immediate attention.

Overheating or component failure

If your inverter keeps switching off, it could be due to internal faults, such as overheating or component failure. Solar inverters, in particular, are susceptible to environmental factors like extreme temperatures. Overheating could cause damage to the inverter’s components, prompting a shutdown to prevent further damage.

Firmware issues

You might also experience inverter shutdowns due to software glitches. In such instances, you can often reset the inverter to resolve the issue. However, if the inverter shuts down repeatedly even after resetting, you’re likely dealing with a more serious problem.

Inverter repair or replacement

In these cases, it’s best to seek a professional inverter repair expert’s help, like SolarFix. Persistent inverter failure might indicate a need for part replacement or even a full inverter replacement. Remember, dealing with electrical equipment can be dangerous, so it’s always safer to consult with a professional.

Regular system maintenance

Lastly, maintain your solar system, including your inverter, regularly to prevent sudden shutdowns and ensure a smooth power supply.

4. High voltage outlet inverter

While inverter failure is a common cause of shutdowns, another factor to consider is the high voltage from your inverter outlet.

If your inverter keeps shutting down, the high voltage output from the inverter may be triggering an automatic shutdown. This can occur due to an excessive voltage in your home’s power supply or a fault in the inverter cable.

Understanding high voltage

Here’s what you need to keep in mind about high voltage:

• High voltage can be caused by your home’s power supply exceeding the safe operating limit of the inverter. Regularly monitor your power supply to prevent this.
• Your inverter cable could also be at fault. Ensure it’s installed correctly and is the right specification for your system.
• The inverter shutting down due to high voltage is an important safety feature. It prevents damage to the inverter and other electrical equipment in your home.

To resolve this issue, you may need to adjust the voltage settings on your inverter or replace the inverter cable.

If the problem persists, consider consulting a solar repair company. They can further diagnose the issue and provide a safe and effective solution.

Our checklist for high voltage issues

As you navigate the complexities of high-voltage inverters, there are three key points you need to consider.

• Firstly, ensure that the shut-down parameters of your inverter are correctly set up.
• Secondly, identify whether your installation is connected to a single-phase or a three-phase with one or two inverters.

FAQ: Why is My Inverter Beeping?

Hearing a beeping sound from your inverter can be both annoying and worrisome, as it often indicates a problem with your solar system. Modern inverters come equipped with various features to alert you of any potential issues, and a beeping sound is one of them.

The beeping noise can be due to several reasons:

• Low battery voltage: Inverters require a certain voltage to operate efficiently. If the battery’s state of charge falls below this level, your inverter will beep to alert you. It’s crucial to recharge or replace your batteries promptly to prevent system damage.
• Overload: If you’re drawing more power than your watt inverter can handle, it’ll beep to signal an overload. You might need to reduce your power consumption or consider upgrading to a higher-capacity inverter.
• System error: Modern inverters display an error message along with the beep if there’s a system malfunction. The error code can guide you towards the specific issue, enabling you to address it effectively.

Always ensure your inverter is in optimal working condition to maintain the efficiency of your solar system.

FAQ: How Do I Reset My Inverter (Power Cycle)?

Resetting your inverter, also known as power cycling, can be an effective way to troubleshoot minor issues and restore its normal function. If your inverter shuts down and you’re not sure why, a simple reset might solve the problem.

Steps to reset your solar inverter

1. First, switch off the inverter and disconnect it from the power source.
2. Wait for about one minute to let the device cool down and clear any error codes that might’ve triggered the shutdown.
3. Then, reconnect it to the power source and turn it back on.

This process is called a power cycle.

If the inverter shuts down again or displays an error code, note it down. The manual that came with your device should contain a list of error codes and their meanings. Understanding these codes can help you troubleshoot the issue accurately.

Always remember, power cycling too frequently can potentially harm your inverter.

If the problem persists, it’s advisable to seek professional help. Prompt attention to issues can prevent damage to your inverter and ensure it operates optimally. Always treat an inverter shutdown as an indicator that something needs your attention.

You can call our friendly solar repair team on 0497 524 407 and we can help diagnose the issue over the phone, or book your system in for an inspection.

Still having issues with your Solar Inverter?

Are you experiencing unexpected shutdowns with your solar inverter? At SolarFix, we understand the importance of a smoothly functioning solar inverter for your home’s power supply. Our team of experts is ready to assist you with professional inverter repair and maintenance services. Whether you need a simple fix, a comprehensive inspection, or advice on preventing future issues, we’re here to help.

Don’t wait for the situation to worsen. Reach out to our friendly solar repair team today at 0497 524 407 or Book an Inspection on our website. Let us diagnose the issue and provide you with the best solution to keep your solar system running optimally. Your peace of mind and satisfaction are our top priorities.