Q & A

In this article you find information and corrective measures for the event numbers 77, 7701, 7702 and 7703
07.08.2019•Technical Information

Public
Event numbers 77, 7701, 7702 and 7703 indicate a problem related to the relay test.

Before connecting to the grid, the inverter checks the grid relays and monitors the grid quality. Only if all test results are positive, the relays are switched and the inverter connects to the grid.

For all 3-phase inverters (STP): Especially in new installations, (but also in existing installations, depending on the grid quality on site)the error often appears in connection with a shifted neutral point / star point. This can be caused by larger consumers on the grid, for example air conditioners, pumps, large motors and lifts or by a faulty installation.

Therefore, it is advisable to check the installation with regard to the correct connection of neutral conductor and PE (grounding), not only at the inverter connection but also in the sub-distribution and main distribution, and - depending on the plant size and system configuration - possibly also on the grid / plant transformer. 

Special cases: For all Sunny Boy (SB) inverters and for the Sunny Tripower (STP) of the type STP 20000TLEE-10, STP 20000TL-30, STP 24000TLUS-10 and STP

xx000TLEE-JP-10/11: 
Please clarify the corrective action with the SMA Service before you check the AC installation.

Corrective measures:
If you are the system operator, please contact your installer. 

DANGER! The tasks described below may only be performed by Electrically Qualified Persons:
Check the complete AC installation by measurement, visual and mechanical inspection for neutral and grounding problems:
AC-connections of the Sunny Tripower
Sub-distribution and Main Distribution
depending on the system configuration: if necessary also the grid / plant transformer (depending on the plant size, plant configuration and plant location (installation country)) 
In many cases, it turned out that large electric consumer loads (air conditioners, pumps, large motors, lifts, ...) have been the cause for shifted neutral points. If that might be the case in the affected plant, check the installation at the according time. 
Check that a suitable load disconnection unit has been installed: Do not use screw-type fuses (e.g. DIAZED or NEOZED fuse) as load-break switches! Screw-type fuses cause damage to the inverter! Use a load-break switch or circuit breaker as a load disconnection unit. See the inverter’s operating / installation manual  and the technical information “Circuit Breaker”
Check the AC installation for loose terminals, damaged fuses, etc..

If, however, the message keeps on appearing, even though the AC installation has been checked by a skilled person, the cause and corrective action must be clarified by SMA Service.

In this case, please contact the SMA Service with the following information:
Device type and serial number of the Inverter
Installation date
Event number
How long has the error been present for now? Is it sporadic or continuous?
Are screw-type fuses used as load disconnection units in the installation?
Are large electric consumer loads in or near the installation?
After the check of the AC installation, is a faulty installation (loose cables, damaged fuses,...) ruled out as the cause?
Grid form: TN-C grid, TT-gid, ...
Measurement results of the N-PE, L-N, L-PE, L-L voltages:
AC-Terminal of Sunny Tripower: N - PE  = _______
AC-Terminal of Sunny Tripower: L1 - N, L2 - N, L3 - N   = _______  _______  _______
AC-Terminal of Sunny Tripower: L1 - L2, L1 - L3, L2 - L3 = _______  _______  _______
AC-Terminal of Sunny Tripower: L1 - PE, L2 - PE, L3 - PE = _______  _______  _______
Sub-Distribution: N - PE  = _______
Sub-Distribution: L1 - N, L2 - N, L3 - N   = _______  _______  _______
Sub-Distribution: L1 - L2, L1 - L3, L2 - L3  = _______  _______  _______
Sub-Distribution: L1 - PE, L2 - PE, L3 - PE = _______  _______  _______
Main Distribution: N - PE  = _______
Main Distribution: L1 - N, L2 - N, L3 - N   = _______  _______  _______
Main Distribution: L1 - L2, L1 - L3, L2 - L3  = _______  _______  _______
Main Distribution: L1 - PE, L2 - PE, L3 - PE = _______  _______  _______
if measured: Grid Transformer: N - PE  = _______
if measured: Grid Transformer: L1 - N, L2 - N, L3 - N   = _______  _______  _______
if measured: Grid Transformer: L1 - L2, L1 - L3, L2 - L3  = _______  _______  _______
if measured: Grid Transformer: L1 - PE, L2 - PE, L3 - PE = _______  _______  _______

In this article you find information and corrective measures for the event number 62, 6201, 6202 and 6203.
11.05.2020•Technical Information

Public
Event numbers 62, 6201 6202 and 6203 indicate a disturbance in the residual-current monitoring unit (RCMU) (= DI converter) of the inverter.

Error 62 or 6201 / 6202 / 6203 “Self-diagnosis” or “Device disturbance” is shown on the display, and the red LED lights up. When the error occurs, the inverter does not feed any power in.

If the message does not lead to relevant yield losses, e.g. because it only appears for a short time during the startup or shutdown process, no further action is necessary. The cause in this case is the fluctuating PV power in the lowest limit range.

However, if the message appears repeatedly or continuously, even after a full restart , the cause and corrective action must be clarified by SMA Service.

In this case, please contact the SMA Service  with the following Information:
Device type and serial number of the Inverter
Event number
How long has the error been present for now? Is it sporadic or continuous?
Has a restart been performed yet?
Are there further error messages? 

The system warning or error is identified by an event number and the corresponding event message. If possible, provide SMA Service with the 3- or 4-digit event number in all Service cases. Most SMA inverter types display a 3- or 4-digit event number.
12.09.2019•FAQ

Summary
The system warning or error is identified by an event number and the corresponding event message. If possible, provide SMA Service with the 3- or 4-digit event number in all Service cases. Most SMA inverter types display a 3- or 4-digit event number.

Resolution

The system warning or error is identified by an event number and the corresponding event message.

If possible, provide SMA Service with the 3- or 4-digit event number in all Service cases. Most SMA inverter types display a 3- or 4-digit event number.

Exception: All SB3-5000TL-20 inverters as well as the older STP8-17000TL-10 with a firmware version below 2.33.02.R only show the 1- or 2-digit event number on the display. In these devices, the 3- or 4-digit event number can be read out via communication (e.g. in the Sunny Explorer under Spot values / Status / Event number).

If the inverter is fitted with a display, the operating data of the inverter (e.g. current power, daily energy, total energy) as well as events or errors are shown there. Depending on whether the error appears in the utility grid, on the inverter or in the PV array, the error’s event number is shown beneath the relevant symbol on the display.

In case of disturbances (such as a device disturbance) the inverters automatically restart and show “RESTART IN XXXS” on the display.

The communication product (e.g. Sunny Explorer) displays warnings and errors that apply to the inverter, the utility grid or the PV array. The warning or error is identified there by an event number and the corresponding message.

Note: Some communication products of third-party suppliers display event numbers that differ from SMA inverters in the communication device or portal. The Online Service Center articles always refer to event numbers reported by SMA inverters. If in doubt, the event number can be read out via the inverter display or SMA communication (e.g. Sunny Explorer).

Further error messages:
Former event numbers can be read out via communication (e.g. Sunny Explorer, Sunny WebBox, Sunny Portal):
If the inverter has been accessed with the Sunny Explorer since commissioning, and the time stamp has thus been set in the background, former event numbers can be read out from the “Events” tab in the Sunny Explorer.

Additional information about this can be found in the Sunny Explorer user manual. It is available for download at https://www.sma.de/en/service/downloads.html.

Attachment (1)
Attachment (2)
(1)
The information provided in knowledge articles of the SMA Online Service Center (OSC) are generally intended for photovoltaic professionals, electrical installers and system operators. SMA Solar Technology AG accepts no liability for the information given in the Online Service Center. SMA Online Service Center terms and conditions apply. All work on the inverter and the cabling of the photovoltaic array must be carried out by electrically qualified persons. Especially activities marked with the warning: “DANGER!” in SMA publications of any kind, may only be performed by electrically qualified and skilled persons. Electrically qualified persons are trained to handle electrical installations and are familiar with the risks involved; they are aware of the standards, directives and laws applicable in the installation country.

(2)
In Germany, and as a basis for comparison in other countries, DIN VDE 1000 10 applies. Electrically skilled persons must have the following qualifications: - Knowledge of how an inverter works and is operated, - (Knowledge of how batteries work and are operated), - Training in how to deal with the dangers and risks associated with installing, repairing and using electrical devices, (batteries) and installations, - Training in the installation and commissioning of electrical devices and installations, - Knowledge of all applicable laws, standards and directives, - Knowledge of and compliance with the operating and installation manual of the inverter with all safety information. Always follow the IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS and WARNINGS provided with the SMA product owned.

In this article you find information and corrective measures for the event numbers 64 and 64xx.
29.11.2019•Technical Information

Public
Event number 64 and the 4-digit event numbers 64xx generally indicate a device disturbance.

If the message does not lead to relevant yield losses, e.g. because it appears only
rarely (a maximum of once or twice a week) or because it only appears for a short time during the startup or shutdown process, no further action is necessary.

However, if the message appears repeatedly or continuously, even after a full restart  , the cause and corrective action must be clarified by SMA Service.

In this case, please contact the SMA Service with the following Information:
Device type and serial number of the Inverter
Event number
How long has the error been present for now? Is it sporadic or continuous?
Has a restart been performed yet?
Are there further error messages or is the device beeping? 
Special cases: 6406 / 6407 / 6429
When these errors occur, SMA Service needs additional information in order to clarify the cause and corrective action. Otherwise, the replacement device will report the same error in some system arrangements.

When you contact SMA Service, please give us the following information, in addition to the information above:
Type and number of connected PV modules

Example:
Input A: 3 strings each with 16 SunSolar XY250Z modules
Input B: 1 string with 13 SunSolar XY250Z modules
Does the inverter feed in power despite the error? If so, to what level?
Is the device beeping  ?

LED signals indicate the operating state of the inverter.

10.06.2020•Technical Information

Public

11.05.2020•Technical Information

Public
Event number 80 and 8001 indicate that the power supplied by the inverter was reduced to below the nominal power for more than ten minutes due to excessive temperature. The message remains present for the rest of the day.

Depending on the design and ambient temperature, this condition may arise occasionally.

If this message is displayed frequently, check the heat dissipation and clean and check the fans, as described in the device’s service and installation manual.

Event numbers 37 and 3701 indicate that the inverter has detected an excessively high residual current.
11.05.2020•Technical Information

Public
Event numbers 37 and 3701 indicate that the inverter has detected an excessively high residual current. This can be caused by a sudden ground fault in the PV module array.

Residual currents greater than 30 mA can be life-threatening. The inverter disconnects from the utility grid immediately after the limit value has been overshot. As soon as the values are back in the permissible range again, the inverter automatically switches itself on again.

Further background information about capacitive leakage currents and residual currents can be found in the technical information “Capacitive Leakage Currents.” It is available for download at https://www.sma.de/en/service/downloads.html.

Corrective measures for system operators:

WARNING! Danger to life due to electric shock
Do not touch the cables, the substructure, the frame or the modules of the PV array.
Read out the residual current and Riso instantaneous value via communication (e.g. Sunny Explorer).
Contact an installer or an SMA solar power professional immediately. The subsequent steps require the specialist knowledge of an electrically qualified person or installer.

Do not touch the cables, the substructure, the frame or the modules of the PV array.
Read out values via communication: Read out residual current and Riso instantaneous value via communication (e.g. Sunny Explorer) Check whether there were further error messages

DANGER! The tasks described below may only be performed by Electrically Qualified Persons:
Check AC voltages at the inverter connection: Measure the AC-voltage between L - N, L -PE and N - PE. There should be no voltage between N - PE. Only in TT grid systems there may be voltage differences between N and PE; these must be kept to a minimum. A maximum of 20 V – 30 V is permitted in TT grid systems.
Note: be sure to use a suitable measuring device such as a multimeter. Voltage detectors (e.g. Duspol) are not suitable for these measurements.
Check PV modules by means of voltage measurement +/- to ground, as described in the device type’s service or installation manual The voltage measurement can only detect an acute, hard ground fault.
Measure the insulation resistance, as described in the device type’s service or installation manual
Note: The Riso value varies depending on the weather (humidity/moisture on the modules).. For this reason, take the measurements in the relevant weather conditions.

The residual current measured by the inverter and the current insulation resistance can be read out via communication as follows:

Sunny Explorer / Sunny WebBox Bluetooth / SMA Cluster Controller after the inverter has been selected in the system tree:
Insulation resistance under Instantaneous values / DC side / Insulation monitoring Residual current under Instantaneous values / DC side / Residual current
Sunny WebBox (485) after the inverter has been selected in the system tree: Insulation resistance under Instantaneous values / Insulation resistance Residual current under Instantaneous values / Iso.FltA

In this article you find information and corrective measures for the event numbers 35 and 3501.
17.01.2020•Technical Information

Public
If the inverter displays the event numbers 35 or 3501: the inverter has detected a ground fault in the PV arrayor the insulation resistance is too low.
Possible causes for this are damaged PV connectors, DC cables or PV modules.

The Riso value can vary depending on the weather (humidity/moisture on the modules).
The error is not caused by the inverter; it is in the DC installation.

WARNING! Danger to life due to electric shock
​In the event of a ground fault, high voltages can be present. Do not touch the cables, the substructure, the frame or the modules of the PV Array!
NOTICE: Transformerless inverters can be damaged by sporadic ground faults in the module array if they occur during operation.

Background information:
PV systems with transformerless inverters are not galvanically isolated from the grid during feed-in operation. In accordance with standard specifications, they must not undershoot a specific insulation limit value before being connected to the grid.

Every PV system has a different potential to ground both before being connected to the grid as well as during feed-in operation. Only sufficient insulation to ground prevents currents from flowing off from the PV system via ground and eliminates any danger in the event of contact as well as additional power losses. The entire ground current, also called leakage current, is made up of the contributions from all system components (PV modules, DC cables, inverters) and can vary depending on the weather (humidity/moisture on the modules). For a given system voltage this leakage current translates into an effective isolation resistance, which is designated by Riso.

In transformerless inverters, the measurement of R-Iso in operation is not possible due to this missing galvanic isolation. For this reason, transformerless inverters must always measure the Riso value before the connection to the grid and monitor the residual current during operation as even one single short circuit can lead to damage to property and personal injury. Since the level of current is decisive when such damage arises, the minimum Riso value depends on the maximum input voltage, e.g., 1000 kΩ with the SB3000HF-30 or 200 kΩ with the STP10000TL-20. As soon as the R-Iso is below this minimum value, the inverter must show an error and not connect to the grid for safety reasons.

Info: Even the SMA inverters with a transformer measure the insulation resistance. Since other specifications apply in the case of galvanic isolation, they do not forbid connection to the grid; they merely display a warning (in accordance with the parameters laid down in most country data sets).

How To read out the Riso spot value:
Info: The Riso value fluctuates depending on the weather (humidity/moisture on the modules).

User Interface SB1.5 - 5.0, STP5.0 - 12.0:
Riso spot value: Spot values / DC side / Insulation Monitoring
Minimum Riso value: Settings / Grid Monitoring / minimum insulation resistance
Sunny Explorer / Sunny WebBox Bluetooth / SMA Cluster Controller:
select the inverter in the system tree
Riso spot value: Spot Values / DC side / Insulation Monitoring
Minimum Riso value: Settings / Grid Monitoring / minimum insulation resistance
Sunny WebBox (485):
select the inverter in the system tree
Riso spot value: Spot values / insulation resistance
Minimum Riso value: Parameter / Iso.LeakRisMin
Depending on the communication product used, visualization in the Sunny Portal may be possible.

Corrective measures:
If you are the system Operator contact an installer immediately.

DANGER! The tasks described below may only be performed by Electrically Qualified
Persons:
Read out the Riso spot value via communication (see How-To above)
Check the PV System for ground faults by measuring the voltage +/- to ground, as described in the service or installation manual .
If you could not find the error by measuring the voltage, it could be an option to measure the Insulation Resistance. Important exception: measurements based on short-circuit of the system must not be carried out if module optimizers or Smart Modules are used! For other cases see the service or installation manual .
Remember: The Riso value varies depending on the weather (humidity/moisture on the modules). For this reason, take the measurements in the relevant weather conditions.
If, however, the message keeps on appearing, even though the PV system has been checked as described, the subsequent steps must be clarified with SMA Service.

In this case, please contact the SMA Service with the following Information:
Device type and serial number of the Inverter

Event number

How long has the error been present for now? Is it sporadic or continuous?

Riso values that have been read out (see How-To)

Measured DC voltage between +/- and PE of all strings

Measured insulation resistance of all strings (in consideration of the above mentioned limitations in regards to module optimizers or Smart Modules)

Weather conditions during the measurement

11.05.2020•Technical Information

Public
The error message Rel_Inv/Grid_Open and Rel_Inv/Grid_Close indicate a disturbance in the inverter’s grid relays. The inverter checks the grid relays before connecting to the grid. If there are problems “opening” or “closing” the relays, for safety reasons the inverter will not connect to the grid.

At first, the yellow LED flashes code 5 and the inverter repeats the relay test. If the disturbance occurs frequently, for safety reasons the inverter switches into the Permanent Disable Mode and the yellow LED is continuously illuminated.

Information: Inverter grid relays can be damaged by the use of screw-type fuses as load-break switches. A screw-type fuse element, e.g. DIAZED fuse or NEOZED fuse, does not have load-break properties and may therefore only be used as cable protection, not as a load-break switch.

More information about this can be found in the inverter’s installation or operating manual as well as in the technical information “Circuit Breakers” in the download area under
https://www.sma.de/en/service/downloads.html.

If the message only appears very rarely (a maximum of once or twice a week), no further action has to be taken. In this case, the next step is to continue to monitor the device.

However, if the message repeats or persists, the device must be replaced.
In this case, please contact SMA Service with the following information:
Device type and serial number of the inverter
If the device is in the warranty period: the warranty certificate
LED blink code and error message
Are screw-type fuses used as load-break switches in the installation?
How long has the error been present for? Is it sporadic or continuous?

11.05.2020•Technical Information

Public
The error message “Check Varistor” indicates that at least one of the inverter’s thermally monitored varistors is defective.

Varistors protect the electronics against atmospherically coupled energy peaks, such as those that can occur in the conductor loop of the PV array in the event of nearby lightning strikes.

Varistors are wear parts.

Corrective measures for PV system operators:
Contact your installer. The subsequent steps require the specialist knowledge of an electrically qualified person or installer.

Corrective measures for installers:
DANGER! The tasks described below may only be performed by Electrically Qualified Persons:
Check that the varistors are operating as described in the service manual or the device type’s installation manual. These can be downloaded at https://www.sma.de/en/service/downloads.html .

If there is no conductive connection to the areas described, the varistor is defective. SMA Solar Technology AG recommends replacing all varistors immediately; replacement varistors and insertion tools can be ordered for a fee from SMA Service.

If there is a conductive connection, please contact SMA Service with the following information:
Device type and serial number of the inverter
If the device is in the warranty period: the warranty certificate
Error message
Installation date
Have the varistors been checked?
Is the inverter feeding in?

In this article you find information and corrective measures for the event number 13 and 1302
11.05.2020•Technical Information

Public
Event numbers 13 and 1302 indicate that the Sunny Tripower has discovered a disturbance in the AC cabling and therefore cannot connect to the grid.

Possible causes of this are errors in the AC cabling or an incorrect country setting.

Corrective measures:
If you are the system operator, please contact your installer.
DANGER! The tasks described below may only be performed by Electrically Qualified Persons:
Inspection of the complete AC cabling, in particular N and PE:
Check for for loose terminals
Ensure that the AC cables are connected correctly (particularly N and PE)
Check the fuses​
Measure voltages between N and PE on the inverter and in the sub-distribution:
TNC-grids: N-PE: must be lower than 0.3 V
TT grids: N-PE must be lower than 30 V.
Information: Be sure to use a suitable measuring device such as a multimeter. Voltage detectors (e.g. Duspol) are not suitable for these measurements. 
Optionally, measurements can also be conducted between L-N and L-PE, and between L1, L2, L3 in three-phase devices.