Troubleshooting solar inverter issues - RS Energy’s insights
Solar inverters are arguably the most important part of any solar energy system, maybe after the solar panels themselves. This is because while solar panels are responsible for generating the energy that our homes and businesses use, the inverter is the component responsible for actually making that energy usable. Whether you are looking for an on-grid or hybrid solar energy solution, the role of the solar inverter is the same across all configurations, all system types. It is to make sure that the energy that the solar panels generate is actually usable by the consumer. What exactly does the solar inverter do? Here’s a quick overview.
Solar panels generate energy in the form of direct current or DC, which is not usable by the appliances and energy boxes that most households and businesses use. Instead, this DC is then fed to the inverter, which, as the name implies, inverts the flow of the current to turn it into alternating current or AC, which is what most appliances use. Therefore, troubleshooting any issues that come up with such an important part of the solar energy solution is crucial, and in this blog post, we will look at some of the insights that RS Energy has for troubleshooting issues with solar inverters.
Common solar inverter issues
Solar inverters can be classified into the category of equipment whose function is simple enough to understand, but whose troubleshooting is best left to the professionals. Since modern inverters can be considered the CPU of a smart solar solution, therefore the troubleshooting is going to be equally complex, but still doable. So, here are some common solar inverter issues, and their troubleshooting steps, courtesy of RS Energy.
i. Inverter overheating
Inverter overheating is by far the most common and most misdiagnosed problem that many consumers face when first interacting with solar inverters. Considering the task that the solar inverter has to perform, inverter emitting heat is fairly normal. In fact, high-quality inverters are built to sustain long operation hours in increased temperatures, so heating is normal, and usually causes panic among inexperienced owners. However, it’s the overheating, extremely high temperatures (to the point of the inverter auto-shutting) that are problematic, and merit a professional team to come and check the inverter. Usually, it’s the cooling system of the inverter that can malfunction, or in some isolated cases, it may be the system itself. Having a professional check it out is the only solution, and it is usually advised not to take matters into your own hands.
ii. Battery charging issues (hybrid/off-grid)
While on-grid systems don’t support battery or storage solutions, this issue only occurs with battery-supporting systems. For hybrid and off-grid inverters, it is possible that the inverter might not be charging the battery, and it could be due to a number of issues, including overheating, electrical surges, manufacturing defects, firmware issues or even improper installation. Whatever the reason, usually a quick restart can fix the issue. However, should the issue persist, a visual inspection of the connections should be done, ensuring that the connection is intact. If everything seems to be normal, it might be time to call in a professional team, since they will be able to get to the bottom of the issue.
iii. Low performance/efficiency
Low performance or efficiency is commonly associated with solar panels, and not the solar inverters. This is because output is usually attributed to solar panels, not solar inverters. However, in certain cases, including faulty wiring, manufacturing issues, overheating or firmware issues, performance throttling can occur in the solar inverter, making a considerable difference between the output of the solar panels and how much the solar inverter is able to perform. For firmware or software issues, a simple restart usually resolves the problem. For issues with overheating, faulty wiring or any other electrical/physical problem, it’s better to rely on the installation team or solar inverter professionals rather than attempting something potentially dangerous.
iv. Erratic behaviour, error codes
Modern inverters can be considered a CPU more than a conventional inverter, so, for any error, rather than stop working entirely, the display usually comes up with error codes, which, if not resolved, can affect the performance of the inverter. Your solar inverter manual comes with a legend for codes, what they mean, and how to troubleshoot them. However, for any code that you can’t find, it’s better to communicate them to the professionals.
Best Solar Company in Pakistan
RS Energy is among the best solar companies in Pakistan, providing premium-quality inverters and professional maintenance support for residential, commercial, and industrial clients. With expert troubleshooting, high-performance solar components, and long-term reliability, RS Energy ensures your solar energy system operates efficiently for years to come.