Solar inverter & battery error codes explained
Seeing a fault code on your inverter, battery or monitoring app? Search below to find what it means in plain English, the usual causes, what you can safely check yourself, and when you need a licensed electrician. This library covers the inverter and battery brands Total Solar installs, using the manufacturers' own published manuals and support articles.
Safety first, please read
- Solar panels and batteries produce dangerous DC voltage whenever there is daylight or charge in the battery, even with the mains switched off. Electrical work on these systems must only be done by a licensed electrician.
- Never open the inverter or battery, and don't unplug, touch or adjust DC cables, connectors or isolators except for the owner shutdown steps in your manufacturer's manual.
- For an isolation/insulation fault, earth fault, arc fault, residual-current fault or battery over-temperature alarm, or any smoke, burning smell, hissing, swelling, leaking or water damage: only switch off if the manufacturer's procedure lets you do it safely, keep everyone clear, and call a licensed electrician or Total Solar.
- If there is fire or smoke, get everyone out and call 000. Tell the fire service there is a solar and battery system on site.
- Don't climb on the roof to check or clean panels. Do checks from the ground only.
Browse by brand
GoodWe
ET/BT G20 (ESA) F01–F163, Lynx Home D battery alarms, plus earlier ET/EH/ES app codes.
238 codes →Growatt
SPH, MIN, MIC and MOD error & warning codes, plus Growatt Australia helpdesk meter warnings.
128 codes →FoxESS
H1(G2) and AC1(G2) inverter alarms and battery BMS messages.
70 codes →SAJ
H2 hybrid error codes 1–96 (single- and three-phase).
83 codes →Sigenergy (SigenStor)
SigenStor, battery module and Gateway alarm codes with sub-IDs.
52 codes →Alpha ESS
SMILE5 inverter error numbers plus SMILE battery LED protection & error codes.
63 codes →How to read your fault code
Info codes are normal operating messages (for example low sun at dawn). Warnings usually clear by themselves, so call us if they keep coming back. Faults stop part of the system and usually need a technician. Safety-critical codes (earth, insulation, arc faults and battery over-temperature) mean you should keep clear and call an electrician.
Before you call, write down the exact code and message, the date and time, what the weather was doing and whether it has happened before. A photo of the inverter screen or app helps.
Solar panel & string problems
Solar panels don't display fault codes. Panel and wiring problems show up as low generation or as inverter alarms such as isolation/insulation, earth, string or PV voltage faults.
Low productionLower generation than usualInfo
What it means: Your system is producing noticeably less than it usually does in similar weather.
Likely causes:
- Cloud, haze, smoke or seasonal sun angle
- New shading from trees, buildings or antennas
- Dirt, bird droppings or leaves on panels
- A string offline (tripped isolator, connector fault) or a faulty panel
What you can safely do:
- Compare with the same month last year in your monitoring app
- From the ground, look for new shading or heavy dirt. Don't climb on the roof
- Check the inverter for alarms such as PV voltage low, string fault or isolation
- If one string reads zero or much lower than the others in full sun, call us
Source: General guidance written by Total Solar. Solar panels do not display fault codes, so these problems show up as inverter alarms or low generation.
ShadingShading on part of the arrayInfo
What it means: Partial shade on even a few panels can pull down output from a whole string.
Likely causes:
- Tree growth, new buildings, antennas, chimneys
- Dirt build-up along the bottom edge of panels
What you can safely do:
- Trim trees from the ground where it is safe and allowed, or engage an arborist
- Ask us about optimisers or redesigning strings if shading is permanent
Source: General guidance written by Total Solar. Solar panels do not display fault codes, so these problems show up as inverter alarms or low generation.
Hot spotsHot spots, burn marks or discolouration on a panelSafety-critical
What it means: Part of a panel is running much hotter than the rest, which can be caused by damaged cells, a failed bypass diode or long-term shading, and can become a fire risk.
Likely causes:
- Cracked cells (hail, foot traffic, impact)
- Failed bypass diode
- Persistent partial shading or debris
What you can safely do:
- Do not touch or walk on panels
- If you see burn marks, smoke or melting, keep clear and call 000 for fire. Otherwise call us for an inspection
Source: General guidance written by Total Solar. Solar panels do not display fault codes, so these problems show up as inverter alarms or low generation.
Isolation / earth faultIsolation, insulation or earth fault alarm on the inverterSafety-critical
What it means: The inverter has detected leakage from the panels or DC cabling to earth. It is the most common way a damaged panel, cable or connector shows up.
Likely causes:
- Water in connectors or rooftop isolators
- Damaged cable insulation (rodents, UV, pinching)
- Cracked panel backsheet or glass
What you can safely do:
- Do not touch panels, rooftop isolators or DC cables
- Call a licensed electrician or us. Insulation testing needs specialist equipment
Source: General guidance written by Total Solar. Solar panels do not display fault codes, so these problems show up as inverter alarms or low generation.
Physical damageCracked glass, storm or hail damageSafety-critical
What it means: Panels or cabling have visible damage.
Likely causes:
- Hail, falling branches, storms
What you can safely do:
- Keep clear. Damaged panels can still produce dangerous DC voltage in daylight
- Call us and your insurer
Source: General guidance written by Total Solar. Solar panels do not display fault codes, so these problems show up as inverter alarms or low generation.
Can't find your code, or it keeps coming back?
Book a service call with our licensed electricians, or call us to talk it through. Have your fault code and a photo of the screen or app ready.