Common Faults in Solar Inverters: How to Identify, Prevent, and Resolve Them

Solar inverters are the backbone of any photovoltaic (PV) system, converting DC power from panels into AC power for use in homes, industries, or the grid. Despite their critical role, inverters are also the most failure-prone component in a solar system. Understanding common inverter faults is essential for maximizing uptime, protecting equipment, and ensuring energy yield. 1. Understanding Solar Inverter Fault Categories Faults in solar inverters typically fall into the following categories: A. DC-Side (Input) Faults Reverse Polarity: Caused by incorrect wiring; may damage the input circuit or blow fuses. Ground Faults: Often due to insulation failure or moisture ingress; leads to inverter tripping and fire hazards. Open Circuit: Occurs when a string is disconnected; results in zero power generation from that string. Short Circuit: Internal module failures or wiring faults; inverter protection usually kicks in to shut it down. Overvoltage/ Undervoltage: Mism...