SolarEdge Inverter Error Codes Explained
A SolarEdge inverter showing an error or a red light means your system has stopped producing — and every day it's down costs you money. Here's what the most common codes mean and when it's genuinely time to call a technician.
SolarEdge inverters pair a central inverter with per-panel power optimizers, which makes them reliable but also means a single failing component can flag a fault. If your inverter screen or the mySolarEdge app is showing an error, start by writing down the exact code — then use the guide below.
The most common SolarEdge error codes
The inverter has detected that the DC side of the system has too low a resistance to ground. Common causes: moisture getting into a connector after rain, a nicked or chafed DC cable, or a failing panel/optimizer. The inverter stops as a safety measure. This often appears in the morning and clears midday as things dry out — a classic sign of water intrusion that a technician needs to trace to the specific string.
The inverter's built-in AFCI (arc-fault) protection has detected an electrical arc in the DC wiring and shut down. Because an arc is a fire-safety issue, this is not one to ignore or repeatedly reset. A loose connector or damaged wire is the usual culprit and should be inspected promptly.
Codes in this family mean the inverter sees the utility grid outside its allowed voltage or frequency window, so it waits rather than pushing power onto an unstable line. These often clear on their own when the grid stabilizes. If they persist all day, it can point to a wiring, breaker, or utility-side issue worth checking.
If one or more panels read zero or the inverter can't "see" all its optimizers, production drops without a dramatic alarm. Because SolarEdge reports per-panel, a single dead optimizer is easy to miss on the bill but easy to pinpoint on-site.
Seeing an error you can't clear?
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Book a Free Diagnostic →What to do before you call
- Write down the exact code from the inverter screen or mySolarEdge app.
- Check production — is the whole system down, or just one panel?
- Do one normal restart (turn the inverter ON/OFF switch to OFF, wait, back ON). If the error returns, stop — that's your answer.
- Note whether it's time-of-day related (e.g. only in the morning) — that detail speeds up the diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
What does SolarEdge Error 2x1 mean?
An isolation (Riso) fault — the DC side has too low a resistance to ground, usually from moisture, a damaged cable, or a failing component. The inverter stops for safety and needs a technician to locate the leak.
What does Error 18xC mean?
An arc fault detected by the inverter's AFCI protection — a fire-safety shutdown that should be inspected, not repeatedly reset.
Can I fix a SolarEdge error myself?
You can check the app, note the code, and do one restart. Beyond that, high DC voltage and faults like isolation/arc point to a real problem best left to a licensed technician.
Get it diagnosed fast — before you lose more production
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