Common solar inverter issues: ZNC Solar fix guide

Solar inverters are an important part of any solar energy system. As the central processing unit and the main brains of any solar solution, it is important that such a central part remain operational and in top-notch conditions. That means, that like any other machine, at times, it is going to get a couple of problems, and while you should always leave the problems to be solved by trained and authorised professionals, sometimes, the problem isn’t all that complex and could be resolved with a simple restart. So, in this blog post, we will take a look at some common solar inverter issues and how you can solve them.

Common solar inverter issues and their solutions

Solar inverters, especially GoodWe solar inverters from ZNC Solar are quite resilient, durable and are able to perform even in the harshest of weather conditions. However, every now and then, they could malfunction, and while the solution could range from a simple power procedure to a complex solution, its important to always be aware of the issues, what they stem from, and how to resolve them. Here is a comprehensive list of solar inverter issues and their solutions.

i. Overheating
Overheating is the single most common issue that besets solar inverters. Which is understandable and logical, considering that during operation, solar inverters get up to quite a high temperature. Which is always completely normal; however, there might be times when the temperature might exceed normal baseline. This is when it can become an issue since persistent overheating could drive down the life of the inverter. It is usually always due to the blockage of certain exit ports within the inverter, or could be an issue of placement. The solution is to ensure that there is no dust clogging the vents, that it has sufficient space.

ii. Wiring/ connection issues
Wiring and connection issues are among the major issues that many people either report or misidentify as something else. It happens when the wiring of the entire system or just the inverter gets knocked loose or experiences some other issue that gets misdiagnosed. Even something as dangerous as insulation failures can be misdiagnosed, which is why it is usually suggested that people do not touch live wires or wires of the system. If there is such a problem, it is always suggested to turn the system off completely and disconnect it from the mains. Then, call your solar energy service provider and let them know the specifications of the wire.

iii. Underperformance
Underperformance can happen to solar inverters, especially those whose underlying issues haven’t been addressed in a long time, which then brings the output of the inverter down. With newer solar inverters, however, underperformance isn’t common at all, and could point to a much more technical issue. Usually underperformance relates to an issue with the MPPT or maximum power point tracking module, which affects the performance of the solar inverter by a lot. Since the issue is technical, therefore your solar energy service provider should be contacted immediately.

iv. Shutdowns
Shutdowns can be intermittent or even-spaced; whatever the duration and the frequency, the problems can usually be traced back to a couple of underlying issues that all inverters at some point usually face. Shutdowns could be caused by grid issues, overheating or in rare and extreme cases, in the case of an internal component completely failing. In all of these cases, its better to switch the system off, disconnect it from the mains, and call your solar energy service provider and let them deal with the system and its issues.

v. Error codes
Error codes are quite self-explanatory, and its important for consumers to read and understand the owner’s manual beforehand. Error codes display codes related to a specific or general issue, and depending on the code, the solution could be as simple as a restart or could necessitate calling your solar energy service provider.