Common Issues With Solar Inverters And How To Troubleshoot Them
A functional solar power system is a crucial property upgrade. It slashes utility bills and comes through during electricity outages. When the solar inverter malfunctions, it causes frustration and renders the solar system useless. Researching everything you need to know about solar inverters helps troubleshoot such issues. Troubleshooting shows what needs attention and resolution.
Common Problems that Affect Solar Inverters and Possible Solutions
Several problems can ground solar inverters. Some of the solutions are simple DIY tasks, while others require professionals. These are issues to look out for when the inverter stops working:
Strange noises
Listening for odd noises from the inverter brings to light possible malfunctions. Check for humming, buzzing and other unusual noises coming from it. Such noises indicate something is wrong with the inverter.
Dwindling power output
An inverter should generate the same amount of power it did upon installation. Check for any changes by perusing the solar monitor or the electricity bill. One cause is a cloudy sky, so there is no sun. Another cause is the obstruction of the sun to the panels by buildings, trees, or other objects.
The problem resolves once the sun shines. Another solution is clearing the area around the solar panels. If need be, consider mounting the solar panels in another area. Choose an open area where they receive unobstructed exposure to the sun.
No power from the solar panels to the inverter
Sometimes, there are no issues with the supply of sunlight and solar panels’ exposure to the sun. Yet, the inverter does not receive power from the connected solar panels. Some reasons for that include:
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- Dirty solar panels
Debris, dirt and grime on the solar panels will reduce the ability of the panels to generate power. The inverter cannot run on an inadequate power supply. The solar panels will need cleaning by the owner or a technician.
- Loose connections in the setup
Check for damaged wires and disconnected or loose cables. It could be the wrong connection of the DC cable to the solar panels causing the malfunction. If the connections are in the required state, restart the inverter.
Consider consulting a solar technician if there are insecure connections. Call for help if the inverter still does not work despite proper connection.
- Isolation error
Isolation problems arise when there is a disconnection of wires. That is a disconnection between the solar panels and the inverter. It keeps power from reaching the inverter. One reason for that is a wiring problem. Another cause is the inability of solar panels to produce enough energy.
The inverter then generates an alarm to highlight the isolation issue. The isolation alarm is a short circuit. The short circuit manifests along the phases of the system. A technician should be able to sort that out. Another cause of isolation issues is improper installation of the system.
Moisture in the PV module connection causes dampness. It affects that connection section and short circuits the solar system. This dampness concern arises in humid regions.
- Check error codes
An inverter has a display panel. It displays error codes on that screen whenever there is a problem. The codes help in narrowing down problems when troubleshooting inverter issues. A green light on some inverters shows it is in excellent condition, with an output of more than 90%-the LED colour changes when there is a problem.
Conclusion
Modern solar inverters are smart appliances. They display error codes whenever a malfunction arises. Yet, some issues may not be displayed on the LEDs. That is when to conduct troubleshooting for other causes of the inverter problems. Some issues call for simple actions such as patience and cleaning the panels. If that does not work or there is a complex issue, call a technician for professional support.
