# Why is my solar inverter showing a red light or error? 1. [Home](https://arlite.co/) 2. [Support](https://arlite.co/support/) 3. [Solar](https://arlite.co/support/solar/) 4. Why is my solar inverter showing a red light or error? **Browse support** [Support home](https://arlite.co/support/) [Solar](https://arlite.co/support/solar/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/solar/) - [Why is my solar inverter showing a red light or error?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/solar-inverter-red-light-fault/) - [How does a solar power system work in a Brisbane home?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/how-does-a-solar-power-system-work-in-a-brisbane-home/) - [How do I turn off a solar inverter safely?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/turn-off-solar-inverter-safely/) - [Do solar panels work during a blackout?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/solar-during-power-outage/) - [Can I add a battery to my existing solar system?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/add-battery-to-existing-solar-system/) [Air conditioning](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/) - [Why is my air conditioner not cooling or heating properly?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-not-cooling-or-heating/) - [Why is my air conditioner leaking water inside?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-leaking-water-inside/) - [Why does my air conditioner smell musty or like dirty socks?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-smells-musty-dirty-socks/) - [Can solar panels run my air conditioner at night?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/can-solar-panels-run-my-air-conditioner/) - [What should I ask before getting an air conditioner installed?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/questions-to-ask-before-air-conditioner-installation/) [Electrical](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/) - [Why does my circuit breaker keep tripping?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/circuit-breaker-keeps-tripping/) - [Why does my safety switch keep tripping?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/safety-switch-keeps-tripping/) - [Burning smell or hot power point: what to do right now](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/burning-smell-hot-power-point/) - [Why is there no hot water? Electrical faults explained](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/no-hot-water-electrical-checks/) - [What smoke alarms does Queensland require?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/queensland-smoke-alarm-requirements/) [Costs and finance](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/) - [How does interest-free finance work for home energy upgrades?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/interest-free-finance-home-energy-upgrades/) - [What affects the cost of a home battery in Brisbane?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/what-affects-home-battery-cost-brisbane/) - [Can I get compensation for a power outage in Queensland?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/power-outage-compensation-energex/) - [How much does an electrician cost per hour in Brisbane?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/electrician-cost-brisbane/) - [What affects switchboard upgrade cost?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/switchboard-upgrade-cost/) [Solar](https://arlite.co/support/solar/) A red light or error means the inverter has detected a condition; note the code and call a licensed installer, and do not open the unit. By Aaron Midgley, Arlite Energy Last reviewed 30 October 2026 4 minute read **No DIY.** Electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician. Never open, repair, test or modify electrical equipment yourself, even if it looks simple. This guide explains what is happening; it is not a how-to. **On this page** 1. What are the common causes? 2. When is it serious? 3. Why shouldn't I open the inverter or try a fix? 4. What to note for the installer 5. What if my system is under warranty? 6. What will the installer do? 7. Frequently asked questions A red light or error means your inverter has detected a condition it does not like, such as grid voltage out of range, an insulation fault or a waiting period after a restart. Codes differ by brand. Photograph the display, note the code and time, keep clear of the unit and contact a licensed installer. ## What are the common causes? Installers and manufacturers describe a few usual causes. Some are harmless and pass by themselves, and others point to a real fault. - **Grid voltage or frequency problems.** The inverter stops when the grid supply falls outside its limits, and usually starts again when it recovers. - **A waiting period.** After an outage or restart, an inverter checks the grid before it exports again, so a light or message during that time can be normal. - **An isolation fault.** The inverter has detected that electricity may be leaking where it should not. This needs a professional. - **Equipment faults.** Panels, cabling, the inverter itself or communication problems can all trigger an error. The meaning of a coloured light or a code is specific to each brand and model, which is why the code and model matter more than the colour. ## When is it serious? An isolation fault, a fault that keeps coming back, or any sign of heat, noise, water or damage should be treated as serious. Repeated faults mean something is still wrong, even if the system seems to recover. Stop and call a licensed installer if You see an isolation or earth fault message, the same error returns, or the unit looks scorched, wet or damaged. Keep away from the inverter and the switchboard, and keep children and pets away. If there is smoke, sparks, flames or a burning smell, leave the building and call 000. Never open the inverter or touch the panel cabling. ## Why shouldn't I open the inverter or try a fix? An inverter handles both the direct current coming from your panels and the alternating current from the grid. The panel side can remain live in daylight even when the display is dark. The inside of the unit and the cabling are work for a licensed person. Switching equipment on and off in the hope that it clears the error can also hide useful information or make a fault worse. Your installer or manufacturer will advise whether any restart is appropriate for your model. ## What to note for the installer 1. The code or message — Photograph the display or your monitoring app. Write down any code exactly as shown. 2. The light colour and pattern — Note what colour the light is, and whether it is steady or flashing. 3. When it happened — Note the time, the weather, and whether there had been an outage or storm. 4. Make, model and serial number — Photograph the label on the inverter without touching or opening anything, and find your installation paperwork. 5. Whether it repeats — Keep a note of how often the error appears and whether other things in the house were affected. ## What if my system is under warranty? Your installer or the manufacturer will explain what applies. Tampering with the unit, or having an unlicensed person work on it, can cause problems, so let them make the call. Rental tenants should report the fault to their landlord or property manager. ## What will the installer do? A licensed installer will read the fault history stored in the inverter, inspect the system and, where an isolation fault is suspected, check the condition of the panel-side wiring with proper test equipment. The repair depends on what they find, which could be as simple as a loose or damaged connection or as involved as a failed component. Either way, it is work for a licensed person. ## Frequently asked questions - No. It can be a temporary grid issue or a waiting period after a restart. But because codes vary by brand, note the code and ask your installer. - It means the inverter has detected that electricity may be leaking from the solar system. It needs a licensed installer to investigate. - No. Repeated attempts can hide useful information. Note the code and ask your installer what to do. - No. The panel side can be live in daylight even when the display is dark. Only a licensed professional should open it. - The error code, the time, the make, model and serial number from the label, and whether it keeps happening. [Learn about Solar Power](https://arlite.co/services/solar-power/) Related services: [Solar Cleaning](https://arlite.co/services/solar-power/solar-cleaning/), [Solar Batteries](https://arlite.co/services/solar-power/solar-batteries/) ## Official guidance For the rules and safety information that apply to your home, go to the regulators and industry bodies directly. - [Electrical Safety Office Queensland](https://www.electricalsafety.qld.gov.au/) - [Energex](https://www.energex.com.au/) - [Clean Energy Council](https://cleanenergycouncil.org.au/) Was this helpful? Written by the team at Arlite Energy, a Brisbane business that designs and installs solar, air conditioning and electrical work for homes and businesses. We write these guides in plain English so you know what is happening in your home. ## Related articles - [SolarHow do I turn off a solar inverter safely?Panels make power whenever light hits them, so shutdown should be done by your installer or a licensed electrician, not by guesswork.](https://arlite.co/support/solar/turn-off-solar-inverter-safely/) - [SolarHow do I restart my solar system after a shutdown?Restart your solar system only to your installer's or manufacturer's instructions, and expect a waiting period before it exports power again.](https://arlite.co/support/solar/restart-solar-system/) - [SolarIs my rooftop DC isolator a fire risk?Some solar DC isolators have been subject to safety notices; do not touch yours, and check the make against the regulator's list.](https://arlite.co/support/solar/solar-dc-isolator-recall-check/) - [SolarShould I turn off my solar before a cyclone, flood or storm?Energex has published shutdown guidance for cyclones; follow it with your installer's advice, never go on the roof, and get storm damage inspected.](https://arlite.co/support/solar/shut-down-solar-before-storm/) ## Still stuck? Tell us what is going on and we can arrange a call-out. [Book a call-out](https://arlite.co/contact/) On this page 1. What are the common causes? 2. When is it serious? 3. Why shouldn't I open the inverter or try a fix? 4. What to note for the installer 5. What if my system is under warranty? 6. What will the installer do? 7. Frequently asked questions --- **Arlite Energy**, Unit 1, 1468 Anzac Avenue, Kallangur QLD 4503. Phone [(07) 3062 9299](tel:+61730629299), email [info@arlite.co](mailto:info@arlite.co). Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm. Page: https://arlite.co/support/solar/solar-inverter-red-light-fault/ Site index for agents: [llms.txt](https://arlite.co/llms.txt), [sitemap](https://arlite.co/wp-sitemap.xml), [developer resources](https://arlite.co/developers/).