9 Steps to Reset Your Solar Inverter [Step By Step Guide]

By Kami Turky

Last Updated:

Many people that use solar power as their main source of energy for their home or business, will need to reset the inverter at some point.

Sometimes this is because there has been a power outage and the system needs to be restarted, other times it’s because there was an issue with how much sunlight your panels were able to collect and store during the day.

Whatever the reason may be, in this article, we’re going to show you how do you reset a solar inverter.

So without further ado, let’s jump right into the first step.

Step 1: Turn Off Your Solar Inverter(s)

After you’ve identified that your inverter needs to be reset, the first thing you need to do is locate it and shut it down.

Most solar power systems will have one or two inverters installed for each set of panels on their roof.

Normally, these power inverters will be installed in a small box, outside of your home or business.

To turn off the inverter, simply flip the switch to ‘Off’ and wait for a few minutes before you proceed.

If you have an AC disconnect (gray box with a red or black handle), make sure to turn it off as well.

Related article: Can A Solar Panel Work Without Inverter?

Step 2: Turn Off The AC Disconnect

A solar AC disconnect box is how your solar panel system is able to connect itself with the grid and it’s used to separate the inverter from the grid to prevent power flow back.

Your AC solar disconnect box should be mounted next to your utility meter and inverter and sometimes it may even be a breaker on the electrical service panel.

Wherever it’s, make sure to flip the handle off.

Note: Switching the handle off might make a loud popping sound and it’s completely normal.

Related article: Can You Connect A Solar Panel Directly To Inverter?

Step 3: Turn Off The DC Disconnect

The DC disconnect also called the solar disconnect is a small gray box that can be found between the inverter and the solar array and its job is to interrupt the flow of DC power from the solar panels to the inverter.

Make sure to switch off the DC disconnect power switch before you proceed.

Related article: What Is Negative Grounding In Solar Inverter?

Step 4: Turn Off Your Service Panel

Turn off the PV system main breaker (it should be labeled as Photovoltaic or solar).

If you have a solar ready panel, make sure to turn it off as well.

Step 5: Wait For A Minute

This may seem like a strange step to include but it’s an important one.

When you’re working with solar power, there are several different types of current that could be flowing into your system at any given time.

Resetting an inverter or turning off the main breaker can cause currents to run through the panels and wires for up to several minutes.

If you try to connect back with the grid while these currents are still flowing, your inverter might get damaged and it could stop working completely!

So make sure to give everything a minute before reconnecting them again.

Related article: Why Do Solar Cells Need An Inverter?

Step 6: Turn On Your Service Panel

After waiting for a minute, now it’s time to turn on your service panel.

Be sure to flip the main breaker back to ‘On’ and turn the solar system breaker back on as well.

Step 7: Turn On The Solar Disconnect Box (The DC Disconnect)

The next step would be turning the solar disconnect box back on (the grey box with a red or black handle).

Related article: How To Protect Solar Inverter From Lightning?

Step 8: Turn On The AC Disconnect

Again, turn on the AC power, which is the gray utility disconnect box located between your inverter and solar meter.

Related article: How To Read Inverter Specification?

Step 9: Turn On The Inverter

Finally, the last step would be turning on your inverter.

Once everything is flipped back into its proper position, your power inverter should be reset.

Last Words

As promised, in this article we showed you exactly how to make a solar power inverter reset step by step.

Do you have any questions about solar inverters and how they work?

If so, please share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.

In the end, we really hope you enjoyed this article as much as we did, and stay tuned for more amazing guides from our team at Solar Energy Hackers.

Kami Turky

Kami is a solar engineer with nearly a decade of experience in researching, testing, and reviewing various solar products. He has also provided technical consultation to several organizations on the best ways to incorporate solar energy into their operations. When he’s not busy helping others find the best solar solutions, Kami enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking, camping, and exploring the natural wonders of his home state.

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