Don’t panic! Here’s what to do…
Seeing a red light on your solar inverter can be a little alarming—but it’s not always a sign of something serious. In many cases, it’s just your system’s way of letting you know it noticed something out of the ordinary.
A red light could mean a range of things: a temporary glitch, a false alarm (also called a nuisance trip), a utility grid hiccup, or even a software update in progress. Sometimes, though, it can point to more technical issues like a ground fault, or even an inverter failure. That’s why it’s important to check for any error codes or messages on the inverter screen—those little numbers and letters can help identify what’s going on.
*Example of an SMA inverter, with error 7702 – this inverter needs to be replaced
If your inverter is showing a red light, start with a Power Cycle:
- Turn off the AC disconnect circuit breaker supplying power to the inverter. There should be an “AC DISCONNECT” sticker located on the box, typically right next to the inverter.
- Then, turn off the DC disconnect (typically built into the inverter).
You’ll notice the inverter go completely dark, no lights or screen after a few moments. Wait 10 minutes, then turn DC back on first, followed by the AC disconnect.
It will take some time for the inverter to boot up and resume normal operation — 15 minutes even. Most inverter models will show a green light, and state how many thousands of Watts of power it is producing. In that case, you’re out of the woods!
If the red light returns, it’s time to reach out to the Ecotech Service department for support. Record the Error (or “State”) code listed on the screen, and the team will advise you on the next steps. Most inverters come with a 10-year warranty (or more), and Ecotech is here to fulfill your manufacturer warranty on your behalf!
Please note: solar inverters are designed to shut down during grid outages, and this normally prompts an error. After the grid outage ends, if your inverter continues to show an error, try power cycling the inverter. If a power cycle does not restore your inverter to normal operation, please contact Ecotech Service for support.