Inverter Won't Turn On

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Inverter Won't Turn On

Descriptions

"Inverter won't turn on" means the LCD of the inverter is blank, the LEDs above the LCD are not working at all, and the inverter is not generating power.

Testing DC Strings

PV inverters are powered by DC (solar). To start up, the inverter requires at least 120% of the startup voltage (as indicated on the inverter’s left side or data sheet). Additionally, polarity is crucial.

Before issuing an RMA for an inverter that is not starting on DC, the following test must be performed. Ensure that the following details are clearly visible in the pictures you provide:

• Gender of MC4 connectors

• Color of probes going into the multimeter

• LCD display status

Troubleshooting Steps

For newly installed inverters:

1. Check the Voc (Open Circuit Voltage) of all PV strings.

2. Verify the polarity of all PV strings.
   

3. Ensure that the DC switch is ON.

4. If steps 1-3 are all correct and the inverter still does not turn on, provide pictures with the measured voltage of the strings, ensuring that the multimeter and its screen are clearly visible, along with where the probes of the multimeter are inserted.

For inverters that have been operating normally for some time:

1. Please check the Voc of all PV strings.
2. Please make sure the DC switch is ON.
3. Please measure the DC current of the PV strings using a clamp multimeter.
   • If it is greater than 0.5A, do not turn off the DC switch directly.
   • If you need to turn off the inverter, first turn off the AC breaker, then turn off the DC switch once the DC current is less than 0.5A, or do it in the evening after sunset.
4. Use a multimeterto check the voltages between:
   • PV+ and earth
   • PV- and earth
     (The voltage should decrease from values between 5% and 95% of Voc.)
5. If the voltage displayed on the multimeter remains constant, please inform us.
6. Contact Solis and provide them with all the information you have, including pictures and videos.