{"id":14886,"date":"2026-06-25T16:46:46","date_gmt":"2026-06-25T14:46:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pvprosolar.de\/?p=14886"},"modified":"2026-11-03T05:43:26","modified_gmt":"2026-11-03T04:43:26","slug":"inverter-fault","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pvprosolar.de\/en\/inverter-fault\/","title":{"rendered":"Inverter Fault: Symptoms, Costs, and What to Do Next"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>An inverter fault brings the electricity production of your photovoltaic (PV) system to a halt, and every sunny day without output costs you money. Not every error message means the unit is broken, though: often the inverter has simply shut down to protect itself. This guide shows you how to recognise a real defect, what the most common error messages mean, which checks you can safely do yourself, when repair or replacement makes sense and who pays for it.<\/p>\n<h2>Inverter Fault: Key Facts at a Glance<\/h2>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Question<\/th>\n<th>In short<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Typical signs<\/td>\n<td>No or much lower output despite sunshine, error code, red LED, blank display, humming, burning smell<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>What you may do yourself<\/td>\n<td>Check breakers, check switch positions, restart as described in the manual, keep vents clear<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>What only a qualified electrician may do<\/td>\n<td>Open the housing, touch DC connectors and cables, replace and reconnect the unit<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Typical service life<\/td>\n<td>Around 10 to 15 years, usually shorter than the modules<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Who pays?<\/td>\n<td>Depending on the case: the seller (statutory warranty), the manufacturer (guarantee) or the insurer<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>After a replacement<\/td>\n<td>Inform the grid operator, update changed data in the Marktstammdatenregister within one month<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2>Is the Inverter Really Faulty? The Most Common Symptoms<\/h2>\n<p>Before calling a qualified installer, make sure the <a href=\"https:\/\/pvprosolar.de\/en\/solar-inverters\/\">inverter<\/a> really is the source of the problem. Typical signs include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Complete loss of generation: the system no longer feeds electricity into the grid despite sunshine.<\/li>\n<li>Significantly reduced output despite sunny conditions, often developing gradually over several weeks.<\/li>\n<li>Red or orange warning lights and error codes on the display or in the monitoring app.<\/li>\n<li>Unusual noises such as loud humming, clicking or buzzing.<\/li>\n<li>Frequent restarts or a permanently blank display.<\/li>\n<li>Strong heat, discolouration of the housing or a burning smell. In that case, do not touch the unit and call a qualified electrician immediately.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Inverter Fault or Just a Protective Shutdown?<\/h3>\n<p>An inverter constantly monitors grid voltage, grid frequency and the insulation of the solar cables. If a reading leaves the permitted range, it disconnects from the grid and shows a message. That is a protective function, not a defect. If the system runs normally again after drying out, after the grid settles or after a restart, it was usually just a temporary disturbance. Only if the message stays or keeps coming back is it a real inverter fault, or another component of the system is defective.<\/p>\n<h2>Understanding Error Codes<\/h2>\n<p>Every manufacturer uses its own codes, and they even differ between device generations. The only reliable reference is the manual for your model or the manufacturer&#8217;s portal. With Fronius, for example, you can see messages in the Solar.web monitoring portal. Note down the code, date, time and weather before you restart the unit. This speeds up the diagnosis.<\/p>\n<h3>Inverter Fault Types at a Glance<\/h3>\n<p>Most codes come down to a few types of fault:<\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Fault type<\/th>\n<th>Typical label<\/th>\n<th>Possible cause<\/th>\n<th>First step<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Insulation fault<\/td>\n<td>Riso, ISO, earth fault<\/td>\n<td>Moisture, damaged cable or connector on the DC side<\/td>\n<td>Let it dry. If it persists, call an electrician<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Grid fault<\/td>\n<td>AC voltage, frequency, grid<\/td>\n<td>Grid voltage outside the limits, disturbance in the house wiring or public grid<\/td>\n<td>Observe. If it recurs over several days, have it checked<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Over-temperature<\/td>\n<td>Derating, temperature<\/td>\n<td>Location too warm, blocked vents, dirty fan<\/td>\n<td>Clear the vents, have the location checked<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Arc fault<\/td>\n<td>Arc fault, AFCI<\/td>\n<td>Loose connector or damaged cable<\/td>\n<td>Always take it seriously, call an electrician at once<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Communication<\/td>\n<td>Wi-Fi, data logger, meter<\/td>\n<td>New router, lost connection to meter or battery<\/td>\n<td>Check the network. The system often keeps producing<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Device fault<\/td>\n<td>Internal error, relay, hardware<\/td>\n<td>A component inside the unit has failed<\/td>\n<td>Note the serial number, contact your installer and the manufacturer<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2>Immediate Checks You Can Safely Perform<\/h2>\n<p>You can safely rule out a few simple causes yourself without opening anything:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Check the circuit breaker and residual current device (RCD) in the meter cabinet and switch them back on if necessary. If one trips again immediately, stop trying.<\/li>\n<li>Make sure the AC and DC switches on the inverter are in the On position.<\/li>\n<li>Perform a controlled restart exactly as described in the manual. The usual sequence is: switch off the AC side first, then the DC switch, wait a few minutes and switch back on in reverse order.<\/li>\n<li>Keep the vents free of dust, leaves and stored objects.<\/li>\n<li>Check in the app whether only the data connection is missing, for example after a router change.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>When an Electrician Must Step In<\/h3>\n<p>Never open the inverter housing yourself. Dangerous voltages can remain inside even after switching off. The DC side is particularly treacherous: as long as light falls on the modules, the cables from the roof to the inverter are live, even if the DC switch is off. So do not pull DC connectors and do not touch damaged cables. In case of an arc fault message, a persistent insulation fault, heat, smell or scorch marks: keep your distance and call a qualified electrician, and dial 112 if there is smoke or fire. Unauthorised work is life-threatening and can cost you your warranty and insurance cover.<\/p>\n<h2>Why Inverters Fail<\/h2>\n<p>The inverter is the most heavily stressed component of a PV system. It works every day, gets warm and has to cope with voltage fluctuations. Expect a service life of around 10 to 15 years. The modules last much longer, so replacing the inverter once during the life of a system is normal. Common causes of failure include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Wear of electrolytic capacitors and fans after many years of operation.<\/li>\n<li>Overheating due to dust, a hot location or clogged fans.<\/li>\n<li>Moisture and weather, especially when installed outdoors or in damp basements.<\/li>\n<li>Power surges, particularly after a nearby lightning strike. More on this under <a href=\"https:\/\/pvprosolar.de\/en\/photovoltaic-lightning-protection\/\">photovoltaic lightning protection<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Less commonly, a software error that can be fixed with an update or restart.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Repair or Replacement?<\/h2>\n<p>Whether a repair is worthwhile depends mainly on the age of the unit, the damage and the availability of spare parts. For a clearly identified defect in a young unit that is still under guarantee, a repair or a replacement through the manufacturer is usually the cheapest solution. If the unit is already 10 to 15 years old, the repair costs a large part of the price of a new unit, or spare parts are no longer available, a new inverter is usually more economical. A new inverter comes with a new manufacturer&#8217;s guarantee, and a hybrid inverter prepares the system for a battery straight away. If you are thinking about storage anyway, read our guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/pvprosolar.de\/en\/retrofitting-a-solar-battery\/\">retrofitting a solar battery<\/a> first.<\/p>\n<h3>Inverter Fault: What the Replacement Must Match<\/h3>\n<p>The new unit does not have to come from the same manufacturer, but it must match your modules and your grid connection:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Input voltage and current:<\/strong> the MPP voltage range and maximum input current must suit the existing module strings.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Power:<\/strong> the inverter rating is matched to the module output. A much smaller unit costs yield.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Phases:<\/strong> single-phase or three-phase feed-in must meet your grid operator&#8217;s requirements.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Certificate:<\/strong> for the grid connection the unit needs a unit certificate according to VDE-AR-N 4105.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Storage and monitoring:<\/strong> if a battery is to be added later, a hybrid inverter is worthwhile.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Repair and Replacement Costs<\/h2>\n<p>There is no reliable flat price, because the costs depend heavily on the unit, the damage and the effort involved. So ask for a written quote first and check whether the statutory warranty, the guarantee or your insurance applies. In the best case you pay only part of the cost or nothing at all.<\/p>\n<h3>Inverter Fault: Cost Factors<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Device:<\/strong> power rating, features and type. A hybrid inverter with battery connection costs more than a pure grid-tied unit.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Labour and travel:<\/strong> diagnosis, removal, installation, connection and commissioning by a qualified electrician.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Adjustments:<\/strong> sometimes work on the meter cabinet, cables or the communication with the meter is needed.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Guarantee claims:<\/strong> even if the manufacturer supplies a free replacement unit, removal, installation or shipping may be charged to you, depending on the guarantee terms.<\/li>\n<li><strong>VAT:<\/strong> a new inverter including installation is subject to the zero VAT rate under \u00a7 12 (3) UStG for eligible systems. According to the Federal Ministry of Finance, a pure repair without the supply of a spare part is not covered. Details: <a href=\"https:\/\/pvprosolar.de\/en\/photovoltaic-system-vat\/\">photovoltaic system VAT<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you are considering a completely new system instead of just replacing the inverter, see our detailed guide on the <a href=\"https:\/\/pvprosolar.de\/en\/10-kwp-photovoltaic-system-cost\/\">cost of a 10 kWp system<\/a> for a complete investment overview.<\/p>\n<h2>Warranty, Statutory Rights, and Insurance<\/h2>\n<p>Before authorising any repair, find out who bears the cost. The statutory warranty and the manufacturer&#8217;s guarantee are often confused, but they are two different things:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Statutory warranty (Gew\u00e4hrleistung):<\/strong> the seller or installation company is liable. Depending on the installation situation, the period is two or five years. According to the German consumer advice centre (Verbraucherzentrale), which period applies is not clearly settled in law. Under the statutory warranty you can first demand repair or replacement, and the seller pays for transport, labour and materials.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Manufacturer&#8217;s guarantee (voluntary):<\/strong> the manufacturer sets the terms. Five years is common, and it can often be extended. With Fronius, for example, free of charge by registering in the Solar.web portal, up to 10 years depending on the model. Read the small print: some manufacturers only replace the unit and do not pay for labour.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Insurance:<\/strong> depending on the policy, damage from lightning and power surges is covered by your buildings insurance or a separate <a href=\"https:\/\/pvprosolar.de\/en\/photovoltaic-insurance\/\">photovoltaic insurance<\/a>. Some policies also pay for lost yield.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Inverter Fault After Lightning or a Power Surge<\/h3>\n<p>If the unit fails right after a thunderstorm, document the damage with photos, the date and the error message and report it to your insurer immediately. Have an electrician confirm the cause in writing and only replace the unit after speaking to the insurer. Also check whether other appliances in the house are affected.<\/p>\n<h2>Inverter Fault and Replacement: Grid Operator and Market Master Data Register<\/h2>\n<p>A new inverter is a change to your electrical installation. Apart from the grid operator, such work may only be carried out by an installation company listed in a grid operator&#8217;s register of installers (\u00a7 13 (2) NAV). It connects and commissions the unit and gives you the commissioning report.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Grid operator:<\/strong> most grid operators require a notification with the data sheet and unit certificate of the new device. This is a grid operator requirement from the technical connection conditions (TAB), and the installer usually takes care of it.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Marktstammdatenregister (MaStR):<\/strong> if data recorded in the register change, such as the inverter power, you as the operator must update the entry within one month (\u00a7 7 MaStRV). With an identical unit of the same rating, often nothing changes. Check your entry anyway.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Feed-in tariff:<\/strong> under the EEG, the modules count as the installation for solar systems. Replacing only the inverter therefore usually does not change the commissioning date or your tariff. More in our guide to the <a href=\"https:\/\/pvprosolar.de\/en\/eeg-law-for-photovoltaics\/\">EEG law for photovoltaics<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Spotting an Inverter Fault Early: Monitoring and Prevention<\/h2>\n<p>Many failures go unnoticed for weeks because nobody looks at the yields. A look at the app once a week is enough: compare sunny days with similar days in the previous year. Even better are automatic alerts, which many monitoring portals send by e-mail or push notification. How this works is explained in our article on <a href=\"https:\/\/pvprosolar.de\/en\/photovoltaic-monitoring\/\">photovoltaic monitoring<\/a>.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Keep the location cool, dry and well ventilated, and do not place objects in front of the unit.<\/li>\n<li>Have the manufacturer&#8217;s firmware updates installed. For some manufacturers they are a condition for full guarantee cover.<\/li>\n<li>Register the unit with the manufacturer right after installation so that the guarantee applies.<\/li>\n<li>Keep the invoice, data sheet, serial number and commissioning report in a safe place.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Faulty Inverter in Hanover and the Surrounding Area<\/h2>\n<p>PVPro Solar plans and installs PV systems in Hanover, the Hanover region, large parts of Lower Saxony and Bremen. We install Fronius inverters and connect them with our own certified electricians in line with VDE and TAB rules. For systems we have installed, commissioning, app set-up, system monitoring and our after-sales service beyond the statutory warranty are included. We also handle the registration with the grid operator and in the Marktstammdatenregister.<\/p>\n<p>If you have an inverter fault, we diagnose and repair the unit even on PV systems built by another installer. Our electricians find the cause, repair the unit or replace it if a repair no longer makes sense, put it back into operation and take care of the required notification to the grid operator and the Marktstammdatenregister.<\/p>\n<p>Inverter fault? We also check and repair systems built by other installers. If your unit is older, we advise you free of charge and without obligation on whether it is worth modernising at the same time, for example with a hybrid inverter and battery. <a href=\"https:\/\/pvprosolar.de\/en\/free-photovoltaic-quote\/\">Request a free, no-obligation quote now<\/a>. You can also call us on +49 511 3360603 or message us on WhatsApp at +49 176 2399 8536.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.verbraucherzentrale.de\/wissen\/energie\/erneuerbare-energien\/photovoltaik-garantie-und-versicherungsbedingungen-genau-lesen-6700\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Verbraucherzentrale: Photovoltaik, Garantie- und Versicherungsbedingungen genau lesen (German)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bundesfinanzministerium.de\/Content\/DE\/FAQ\/foerderung-photovoltaikanlagen.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Federal Ministry of Finance: FAQ on the zero VAT rate for PV systems (German)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gesetze-im-internet.de\/mastrv\/__7.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00a7 7 Market Master Data Register Ordinance (MaStRV)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marktstammdatenregister.de\/MaStRHilfe\/subpages\/verwaltungEinheitDatenaenderung.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bundesnetzagentur, MaStR help: changing the data of a unit (German)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gesetze-im-internet.de\/nav\/__13.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00a7 13 Low Voltage Connection Ordinance (NAV)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fronius.com\/de-de\/germany\/solarenergie\/installateure-partner\/service-support\/garantiemodelle\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Fronius: warranty models for solar inverters (German)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n        <section class=\"sc_fs_faq sc_card \">\n            <div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3>How can I tell if my inverter is faulty?<\/h3>                <div>\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tCommon signs include a complete loss of generation, much lower output despite sunshine, red warning lights or error codes, unusual noises, or an inverter that keeps restarting or has a blank display. If the message does not disappear after a restart or keeps coming back, have the unit checked.                    <\/p>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/section>\n\t\t        <section class=\"sc_fs_faq sc_card \">\n            <div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3>Can I replace the inverter myself?<\/h3>                <div>\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tNo. Under \u00a7 13 NAV, changes to the electrical installation may only be carried out by an installation company listed in a grid operator's register of installers. The DC side is always live in daylight. Unauthorised work is dangerous and can cost you your warranty and insurance cover.                    <\/p>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/section>\n\t\t        <section class=\"sc_fs_faq sc_card \">\n            <div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3>How much does it cost to replace an inverter?<\/h3>                <div>\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tIt depends on the power rating and type of the unit, the installation effort and any adjustments needed. A hybrid inverter costs more than a pure grid-tied unit. For eligible systems, the new unit including installation is subject to 0 % VAT. Check first whether the statutory warranty, the guarantee or your insurance pays, and ask for a written quote.                    <\/p>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/section>\n\t\t        <section class=\"sc_fs_faq sc_card \">\n            <div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3>How long does an inverter repair take?<\/h3>                <div>\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tMinor faults are often fixed with a restart or update. If the unit has to be replaced, the time needed depends mainly on how quickly the manufacturer supplies a replacement and whether adjustments to the system are required.                    <\/p>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/section>\n\t\t        <section class=\"sc_fs_faq sc_card \">\n            <div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3>Will insurance cover damage caused by a lightning strike?<\/h3>                <div>\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tDepending on the policy, lightning and surge damage is covered by buildings insurance or a photovoltaic insurance. Check your policy, document the damage with photos and the error message, and report it promptly.                    <\/p>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/section>\n\t\t        <section class=\"sc_fs_faq sc_card \">\n            <div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3>How long does an inverter last?<\/h3>                <div>\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tExpect around 10 to 15 years. The modules last much longer, so replacing the inverter during the life of a PV system is normal and should be included in the profitability calculation.                    <\/p>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/section>\n\t\t        <section class=\"sc_fs_faq sc_card \">\n            <div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3>Do I have to report a new inverter in the Marktstammdatenregister?<\/h3>                <div>\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tIf data recorded in the register change, such as the inverter power, you must update the entry within one month (\u00a7 7 MaStRV). The installer usually informs the grid operator.                    <\/p>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/section>\n\t\t        <section class=\"sc_fs_faq sc_card \">\n            <div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3>Will I keep my feed-in tariff after the replacement?<\/h3>                <div>\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tUsually yes. Under the EEG the modules count as the installation for solar systems, so replacing only the inverter does not change the commissioning date or the tariff rate.                    <\/p>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/section>\n\t\t        <section class=\"sc_fs_faq sc_card \">\n            <div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3>Does PVPro Solar repair inverters on systems built by other installers?<\/h3>                <div>\n\t\t\t\t\t                    <p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tYes. If you have an inverter fault, we check and repair the unit even if we did not build your PV system. If a repair no longer makes sense, we replace the unit with a suitable new one. For the diagnosis, have the error code, serial number and commissioning report ready.                    <\/p>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/section>\n\t\t\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n    {\n\t\t\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n\t\t\"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n\t\t\"mainEntity\": [\n\t\t\t\t{\n\t\t\t\t\"@type\": \"Question\",\n\t\t\t\t\"name\": \"How can I tell if my inverter is faulty?\",\n\t\t\t\t\"acceptedAnswer\": {\n\t\t\t\t\t\"@type\": \"Answer\",\n\t\t\t\t\t\"text\": \"Common signs include a complete loss of generation, much lower output despite sunshine, red warning lights or error codes, unusual noises, or an inverter that keeps restarting or has a blank display. If the message does not disappear after a restart or keeps coming back, have the unit checked.\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t,\t\t\t\t{\n\t\t\t\t\"@type\": \"Question\",\n\t\t\t\t\"name\": \"Can I replace the inverter myself?\",\n\t\t\t\t\"acceptedAnswer\": {\n\t\t\t\t\t\"@type\": \"Answer\",\n\t\t\t\t\t\"text\": \"No. Under \u00a7 13 NAV, changes to the electrical installation may only be carried out by an installation company listed in a grid operator's register of installers. The DC side is always live in daylight. Unauthorised work is dangerous and can cost you your warranty and insurance cover.\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t,\t\t\t\t{\n\t\t\t\t\"@type\": \"Question\",\n\t\t\t\t\"name\": \"How much does it cost to replace an inverter?\",\n\t\t\t\t\"acceptedAnswer\": {\n\t\t\t\t\t\"@type\": \"Answer\",\n\t\t\t\t\t\"text\": \"It depends on the power rating and type of the unit, the installation effort and any adjustments needed. A hybrid inverter costs more than a pure grid-tied unit. For eligible systems, the new unit including installation is subject to 0 % VAT. Check first whether the statutory warranty, the guarantee or your insurance pays, and ask for a written quote.\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t,\t\t\t\t{\n\t\t\t\t\"@type\": \"Question\",\n\t\t\t\t\"name\": \"How long does an inverter repair take?\",\n\t\t\t\t\"acceptedAnswer\": {\n\t\t\t\t\t\"@type\": \"Answer\",\n\t\t\t\t\t\"text\": \"Minor faults are often fixed with a restart or update. If the unit has to be replaced, the time needed depends mainly on how quickly the manufacturer supplies a replacement and whether adjustments to the system are required.\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t,\t\t\t\t{\n\t\t\t\t\"@type\": \"Question\",\n\t\t\t\t\"name\": \"Will insurance cover damage caused by a lightning strike?\",\n\t\t\t\t\"acceptedAnswer\": {\n\t\t\t\t\t\"@type\": \"Answer\",\n\t\t\t\t\t\"text\": \"Depending on the policy, lightning and surge damage is covered by buildings insurance or a photovoltaic insurance. Check your policy, document the damage with photos and the error message, and report it promptly.\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t,\t\t\t\t{\n\t\t\t\t\"@type\": \"Question\",\n\t\t\t\t\"name\": \"How long does an inverter last?\",\n\t\t\t\t\"acceptedAnswer\": {\n\t\t\t\t\t\"@type\": \"Answer\",\n\t\t\t\t\t\"text\": \"Expect around 10 to 15 years. The modules last much longer, so replacing the inverter during the life of a PV system is normal and should be included in the profitability calculation.\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t,\t\t\t\t{\n\t\t\t\t\"@type\": \"Question\",\n\t\t\t\t\"name\": \"Do I have to report a new inverter in the Marktstammdatenregister?\",\n\t\t\t\t\"acceptedAnswer\": {\n\t\t\t\t\t\"@type\": \"Answer\",\n\t\t\t\t\t\"text\": \"If data recorded in the register change, such as the inverter power, you must update the entry within one month (\u00a7 7 MaStRV). The installer usually informs the grid operator.\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t,\t\t\t\t{\n\t\t\t\t\"@type\": \"Question\",\n\t\t\t\t\"name\": \"Will I keep my feed-in tariff after the replacement?\",\n\t\t\t\t\"acceptedAnswer\": {\n\t\t\t\t\t\"@type\": \"Answer\",\n\t\t\t\t\t\"text\": \"Usually yes. Under the EEG the modules count as the installation for solar systems, so replacing only the inverter does not change the commissioning date or the tariff rate.\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t,\t\t\t\t{\n\t\t\t\t\"@type\": \"Question\",\n\t\t\t\t\"name\": \"Does PVPro Solar repair inverters on systems built by other installers?\",\n\t\t\t\t\"acceptedAnswer\": {\n\t\t\t\t\t\"@type\": \"Answer\",\n\t\t\t\t\t\"text\": \"Yes. If you have an inverter fault, we check and repair the unit even if we did not build your PV system. If a repair no longer makes sense, we replace the unit with a suitable new one. For the diagnosis, have the error code, serial number and commissioning report ready.\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\t    ]\n}\n<\/script>\n\n<p><em>Note: This article provides a general overview (as of November 2026) and does not replace legal advice or an inspection by a qualified electrician.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>An inverter fault brings the electricity production of your photovoltaic (PV) system&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":16396,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","postBodyCss":"","postBodyMargin":[],"postBodyPadding":[],"postBodyBackground":{"backgroundType":"classic","gradient":""},"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"default","_kad_post_title":"default","_kad_post_layout":"default","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"default","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"default","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[490],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14886","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-products-technology"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Inverter Fault: Symptoms, Costs, and What to Do Next<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Inverter fault? 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