Inverter fault when your solar panels suddenly stop generating
Red light, error code or zero output? Send a photo of the display via WhatsApp or call 070 783 0224.
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The inverter converts the power from your solar panels into electricity for your home and the grid. If it fails, your panels may seem broken, but usually the problem lies with the inverter, the circuit in the fuse box or the internet connection. Below is what you can check yourself first and what we do if that doesn't help.
Short answer: what do you do with an inverter fault?
First check whether the inverter circuit in the fuse box is on and whether the RCD has not tripped. Then check the display or app to see what error message is shown and whether it's only the internet connection. If the inverter remains in fault mode, send us a photo of the display; we can often tell what's needed.
- No yield in the app doesn't always mean a fault: sometimes it's just the WiFi that's down.
- In winter and in cloudy weather, low yield is normal.
- Never disconnect plugs or cables between panels and inverter yourself: these carry DC voltage.
Call me back
Leave your name and number and we'll call you. Prefer immediate contact? Call 070 783 0224 or message us.
Five things you can check yourself first
- Meter cupboard. Does the inverter have its own circuit? Check if it's on and if the RCD hasn't tripped.
- Display or light. Green usually means OK, red or orange means a notification. Write down the code or take a photo.
- Is it just the app? Check the display on the inverter itself. If it's delivering power, often only the wifi has dropped out, for example after a new router.
- Time and weather. Early in the morning, late in the day and in heavy cloud, an inverter often switches off or produces little. This is normal.
- Restart according to the manual. Many inverters have their own restart procedure. Follow the one in the manufacturer's manual, and nothing else.
Common causes of an inverter fault
- Mains voltage too high. In streets with many solar panels, the voltage can rise on sunny days. The inverter then temporarily shuts down to protect the grid. If this happens often, the grid operator can investigate.
- Insulation fault. Moisture in a connector or a damaged cable on the roof. The inverter will then refuse to switch on. This must be traced by a tradesman.
- A tripped fuse or RCD. After a storm or a fault elsewhere in the house.
- WiFi or monitoring. No data in the app, while the inverter is working normally.
- Age. An inverter doesn't last as long as the panels. After a good number of years, replacement can be more cost-effective than repair.
How we resolve an inverter fault
We start with the photo of the display and the data from the app. This often makes it clear whether it's the mains voltage, an isolation fault or something in the meter cupboard. If we visit, we test the inverter, the circuit and the cables. You then receive a proposal: repair, adjust or, if necessary, a new inverter. Always with the price upfront.
If the inverter is still under the manufacturer's warranty, we arrange the report to the supplier with the measurement data we have collected.
What does a technician for the inverter cost?
| Item | Excl. VAT | Incl. 21% VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Remote diagnosis (display photo + app) | free advice | free advice |
| Call-out charge on location (30 min + diagnosis) | € 100 – € 165 | € 121 – € 199,65 |
| Repair or new inverter | custom price | known upfront |
No fixed price in our tariff list for this work: you receive a tailored quote, usually after just a few photos via WhatsApp. If we need to visit first, we charge the starting rate (first 30 minutes + diagnosis): € 100 – € 165 excl. VAT (€ 121 – € 199.65 incl.), plus call-out charge € 35 excl. VAT (€ 42.35 incl.). You always hear the price before we start.
More about solar panels
Thinking about more panels or a home battery? See solar panel installation and read how quickly solar panels pay for themselves. For advice on sustainability, you can also contact PandFix Energie.
Questions about an inverter breakdown
Why are my solar panels not producing?
Usually the inverter is in fault mode or the circuit in the meter cupboard has tripped. Check there first. Sometimes only the app is blank because the wifi is down.
My inverter shows a red light. What now?
Take a photo of the display or note the error code and send it to us. Only follow the restart procedure from your brand's manual.
Can I reset the inverter myself?
Only as described in the manual. Do not disconnect cables or plugs between panels and inverter: they carry DC voltage, even when the circuit is off.
How long does an inverter last?
Shorter than the panels. After a considerable number of years, replacement is often necessary. We assess whether repair still makes sense.
My inverter shuts down on sunny days. How is that possible?
Often the mains voltage in the street is too high. The inverter protects itself and the grid. If it happens frequently, your grid operator can investigate; we'll help with the measurement data.
What does it cost if you come out?
The on-site call-out charge is €100 – €165 excl. VAT (€121 – €199.65 incl.), plus travel costs. You will receive a quote for any repair or replacement first.