Top Common Problems A Solar Inverter Can Face

The solar energy generated for the household to industrial use is the most essential and cleanest source of power—but to maintain the PV system working efficiently, the solar inverters are required to convert DC energy into AC smoothly. Thus, while working after for too long, they might face some discrepancies as well. Here, we have discussed some common problems a solar inverter can face, and their solutions are discussed as;

Inverter Not Turning On

The common problem usually a solar power inverter faces, is that sometimes it does not turn on. Some of the reasons for this problem are

• Battery disconnected
• Tripped inverter
• Battery terminals loose
• Discharged battery
• Weak battery
• Battery terminals are reversed

Solution

There are many various solutions for these different problems which are discussed below;

• • The tripped inverter problem can be solved by resetting the button or by repairing the power switch.
  • In the case of a discharged battery-only solution is to replace the battery with a new one.
  • If the battery is getting weak, then charge it for some hours, maybe it just needs some recharging.
  • The battery terminals of the inverter, if it is reversed or loosed, just clamp them firmly, check if it got corrosion and clean the rust.

Battery Fails to Charge

Some reasons due to which battery fails to charge a solar power inverter are;

• • • Battery dead
    • Burnt rectifiers
    • Loose connections
    • Melted fuses

Solution

These are the highlighted issues due to which a battery fails to charge and the only solution for them is;

• • • Replace the battery, if it’s dead.
    • Check, if the battery terminals of the inverter have corrosion and clean it.

Continuous Alarm Beeping

The continuous alarm beeping situation of a PV inverter can come when the inverter gets overloaded or a cooling fan of the inverter got stuck. The cooling fan of an inverter is the main part; it needs to keep running as long as the inverter is working. Due to some reason, if the cooling fan is not maintaining a suitable temperature an inverter is needed, then the inverter will start beeping an alarm or shut off automatically.

Solution

• • • If you see the PV inverter making an alarming sound, disconnect every device connected with the inverter, so nothing can overload the inverter.
    • Clean up the cooling fan of the inverter monthly, so it doesn’t cause any problem or stop working.

LCD Shows False Codes

The LCD of the PV inverter can show incorrect codes on the screen, which can be a glitch. This can happen due to two reasons, External issues or some internal problems. The external problems can be like loosed battery cables or wires; internal issues are mostly linked to circuits.

Solution

• • • The internal problems can only be solved by a professional, so take the inverter to a workshop in this situation.
    • External problems can be resolved at home by checking the battery cables or output/input wires.
    • Sometimes, overload can also be an issue for this. So, remove every extra load from the inverter and recheck the inverter.

Inverter Making Noise

Power Inverters make a bit of noise while working; it’s more like a wind noise because of the fan, that’s normal. Despite that, if you hear any other noise coming from the inverter or its fan then most probably some dust or debris is collected in the fan.

Solution

• • • Clean all the dust and debris from the inverter’s fan to get rid of this noise or take it to a professional.
    • If the noise is still coming, the fan needs replacement to solve the issue.

Related: Here are some good solar inverters 2021, in case you are in search of them;

• • • Suntronic 10K On-Grid Inverter with Energy Storage.
    • Suntronic 5000 On-Grid Inverter.

Low Backup Capability

Low backup capability is one the major problem an inverter face. To avoid this problem an inverter needs full maintenance. Some of the major reasons for the shortened backup time of an inverter can be;

• • • Extra power consumption
    • Low electrolyte level
    • Low charging level

Solution

• • • To solve the issue of extra power consumption, disconnect the inverter with all the devices for some time. After that try to put less load on the inverter—not to face this problem again.
    • If any inverter has decreased electrolyte level, then fill the battery with distilled water after every week to avoid low backup capability. While filling up the inverter, always remember to maintain the level of water between min and max water limit.
    • Having a low charging level of an inverter can be easily solved if you put the PV inverter on charging for few hours.

Overheating

Electronic components are included in the production of solar power inverters, that’s why they are sensitive to temperatures. A temperature over its limit can cause a decrease in production, also cause production to stop if the temperature exceeds its limit. It can happen if the cooling system of the inverter is not working properly or the inverter is overloaded.

Solution

• • • To avoid overheating of a solar inverter, regularly check the cooling and ventilation system of the inverter – that if it’s working properly.
    • To stop the exceeding of temperature, clean the dust properly from the inverter and its fan, remove the undergrowth which impedes airflow, etc.

Conclusion

These are almost all the problems (mentioned above) a solar power inverter can face. The remedies to these issues are also stated, so you can address them yourself at home. If the inverter continues to malfunction, take it to a workshop or hire a specialist. Plus, if you want to invest in the best solar inverter in Pakistan and a solar panel system, make a list of all the characteristics you want and then hunt for an inverter that has all of them.See, if it’s not making any problem and everything is in place to make your life easier. On the other side, Maxpower brings you ultimate solar solutions for any solar problems you might face. Here, let’s take a look at our extensively durable solar panel system components;

• • Solar Inverter
  • Solar Pump Controller
  • Solar Panels
  • Batteries