SolarEdge inverters are popular among consumers of residential and commercial solar power systems but how to taking solaredge inverter out of standby mode. However, like any other electronic device, there can be an occasion when it goes into standby mode. This can thereby affect the efficiency levels of your solar-energy system. It is important for you to understand how to derive a SolarEdge inverter out of standby mode.
In this article, we are going to discuss what the standby mode is, why your inverter could go into standby, and the things you can do to get your SolarEdge inverter back online.
What is Standby Mode on a SolarEdge Inverter?
Standby is a mode whereby the SolarEdge inverter is powered up, but it isn’t actively converting the produced DC electricity from the solar panels into AC electricity for use at your home or business. In standby mode, the inverter just sits there, idling until appropriate conditions allow it to resume its normal activity. This mode can occur as a result of a system maintenance event, grid disturbances, or when particular settings within the inverter have been made.
Reasons Your Inverter Might Go Into Standby Mode
Before you start with troubleshooting for taking your SolarEdge inverter out of the standby mode, you will need to get the gist of several reasons it may have had for entering standby. Here are some common reasons:
Grid Issues:
SolarEdge inverters are designed with the sole aim of working in conjunction with the grid. Whenever the grid has any disturbance, the inverter just might get into standby mode to protect itself. This is for the purpose of respect for the system’s safety and from the regulations that the grid stipulates on their operators.
System Maintenance or Updates:
Your SolarEdge inverter is programmed to enter standby mode during scheduled system maintenance or firmware updates conducted to turn off and safely update or check the inverter.
Inverter Settings:
Some inverter settings could take an inverter into standby mode under the conditions of low/high sunlight, battery settings in hybrid systems, and temperature limits.
Hardware or Connection Problems:
Poor connections of the hardware or if the inverters are not able to communicate properly with the solar panels or even the grid might make the inverters go into standby mode until the problem has been rectified.
How to Determine If Your Inverter is in Standby Mode
You must first ensure that your inverter is really in standby mode before undertaking its removal. Here is how one can tell if your SolarEdge inverter is in standby:
LCD Screen:
Most SolarEdge inverters have an LCD screen that indicates the current state of the inverter. If it reads “Standby,” “Idle,” or the like, then the inverter is in standby.
Monitoring Portal or App:
If you have access to the SolarEdge monitoring portal or app, you can check the status of the inverter. The portal will display real-time data of your system, including if the inverter is in standby.
LED Indicators:
SolarEdge also equips its inverters with LED indicators that clearly provide visual representations of the condition of the system. Many times, the user will observe a particular pattern or color of the LEDs to realize that the inverter is in some kind of standby mode.
Steps to Bring Back SolarEdge Inverter from Standby Mode
If you are sure that your inverter is in standby mode, then you can proceed with the steps below to get it back online.
Grid Status Check
First ensure or check that there are no disturbances that have occurred in the grid and might have prompted the inverter to go to a standby state. If the grid has just suffered a complete power failure or there has been a voltage fluctuation recently, the inverter will automatically switch off to a standby state after the grid returns to its usual state of being stable. If grid disturbances persist, contact your utility.
Inverter Reset
One of the simplest ways to take your SolarEdge inverter from standby mode is by doing a restart process. This can be done by:
- Switching off the inverter as per the displayed user manual on the shutdown procedure.
- Give it some time to allow the inverter to turn off completely.
- Switch on the inverter while on the startup procedure.
This may reset the inverter, and temporarily cause problems that made it into a standby.
Inverter Settings Check and Reset
If that does not solve the problem, you will need to go through the inverter settings. Check operational settings by entering the inverter menu either through the LCD screen or the monitoring portal. Make sure that the inverter is set in the proper mode and that there are no safety parameters prohibiting it from performing as it normally should.
In case of doubt on how to do it, refer to the user manual or notify a qualified installation technician.
Check hardware and connections
Loose or weak connections can, however, sometimes lead to the inverter getting into a standby mode. Check connections of the inverter, solar panels, and the points of the grid connection. Make sure that all cables are well connected and not damaged.
In case you notice any kind of hardware issue, be it a loose wire or a damaged component, the best approach would be to reach out to a certified solar technician to set the problem right.
Firmware Update
Sometimes the inverter may misbehave, for instance, going to standby, and this may be simply due to outdated firmware. Verify if there are any updates for the SolarEdge inverter firmware from the company. Most software-related problems would be fixed with this update, and performance improvements will be many for the whole of the system.
Contact SolarEdge Support
If you have gone through all the above steps and the inverter is still on standby, this may be the time to contact SolarEdge customer service. They will provide more troubleshooting support and guide you through advanced steps to get your inverter online again.
Future Prevention of Taking SolarEdge Inverter Out of Standby Mode
Regular Maintenance:
Allow for maintenance checks at regular intervals for your solar energy system to be sure all parts are functioning well and there are no underlying problems that would put your inverter in standby mode.
Monitor System Performance:
Monitor your system performance through the SolarEdge Monitoring Portal or App. With a close watch on system performance, it easily catches the initial signs of a problem thus preventing it from worsening and, in turn, causing the inverter to go into standby. Get A Quote
Firmware Updates:
Operating firmware should be up to date with the latest releases from SolarEdge. Periodic updates will enhance system stability, preventing software problems.
Conclusion
If you understand the underlying problems and follow established procedures, it is relatively easy to take your solar inverter out of standby mode. Check the status of the grid; restart the inverter; make sure settings are good; assure that all connections are firm, and, with those, you will have your inverter up and running again in no time.
If you encounter persistent issues with that, do not hesitate to call for support from SolarEdge or any other certified solar professional who will be able to help. Proper maintenance and monitoring will also help to keep away future causes for the standing of the machine in standby mode, run the solar energy smoothly, and optimize the energy that is generated from it.