SMA Sunny Boy Inverters
70 fault codes documented
!PV-Overvoltage! !DISCONNECT DC! — Overvoltage at DC input
The inverter detects that the DC voltage from the solar panels is too high. This condition can severely damage the inverter if not addressed immediately.
Event 10251 — Communication status to network switch or DHCP server changed
The inverter's communication status with your network switch or router (DHCP server) has changed. An additional error message might be displayed.
Event 10252 — Communication disrupted
There is no valid network signal on the connection line to the inverter.
Event 10253 — Connection speed changed to 10 Mbit
The network data transfer rate has dropped to 10 Mbit/s, which is slower than optimal. This can indicate a problem with the network cable or connection.
Event 10254 — Duplex mode changed to Half
The network data transfer mode (duplex mode) has changed to 'Half', meaning data cannot be sent and received simultaneously. This is typically less efficient.
Event 3501, 3601, or 3701 with red LED glowing — Ground fault detected in PV system
The red LED is glowing and one of these event numbers is displayed, indicating a ground fault in your PV system. This means the electrical insulation from the PV system to ground is defective or insufficient.
Event 7356 — Update of the WebUI not successful
The update of the inverter's user interface (WebUI) software has failed.
Event 7500 to 7501 — Fan fault
There is a fault with the inverter's internal fan or its electronic control.
Event 7619 — Communication fault with meter unit
The inverter is not receiving data from the energy meter it is connected to.
Event 7702 — Interference device
This error indicates an interference device is affecting the inverter's operation. The exact cause must be determined by a service technician.
Event 8003 — Active power limited derating
The inverter has reduced its power output for more than ten minutes due to excessive internal temperature.
Event 8101 to 8104 — Communication disturbed
There is a general communication disturbance detected by the inverter. The specific cause needs to be investigated by a service technician.
Event 9002 — SMA Grid Guard code invalid
The SMA Grid Guard code entered to unlock protected operating parameters is incorrect.
Event 9003 — Grid parameter locked
Changes to grid-related operating parameters are blocked. To make changes, you must log in using the SMA Grid Guard code.
Event 9005 — Changing of grid parameters not possible / Ensure DC supply
Grid parameters cannot be changed. This can be due to protected parameters or insufficient DC voltage for the inverter's main processing unit.
Event 9007 — Abort self-test
The self-test function (specific to Italy) was terminated before completion.
All LEDs are off — Overnight shutdown or insufficient PV voltage
The inverter is in standby mode, typically due to insufficient input voltage for operation, such as during the night. If this occurs during a sunny day with good solar irradiation, it indicates a problem with the PV voltage.
All LEDs are on — Initialization in progress
The inverter is currently initializing. The power from the solar array is sufficient to start control functions, but not yet enough for normal operation. Data transmission is not possible during this phase. This can also happen briefly during inclement weather or low irradiation when the inverter attempts to initialize.
Balanced — Inverter disconnected or limiting output in three-phase system
The Sunny Boy inverter has either disconnected from the grid or is limiting its output to 6 kW (adjustable) over a 10-minute average. This occurs in a three-phase system with other Sunny Boys and an SMA Power Balancer, specifically to prevent unbalanced loads when another inverter detects a fault or grid issue.
Blue LED flashes quickly (approx. two minutes) — WPS active
The Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) function on the inverter is active, allowing for easy connection to a compatible Wi-Fi device.
Blue LED flashes slowly (approx. one minute) — Communication connection being established
The inverter is in the process of establishing a network connection to a local network or a direct connection to a device like a computer, tablet, or smartphone via Ethernet.
Blue LED glowing — Communication active
The inverter has an active and stable connection to a local network or a direct connection to an end device (computer, tablet, smartphone) via Ethernet.
CAN — Internal communication fault
An internal communication issue has been detected within the inverter system. This indicates a problem with the inverter's internal components communicating correctly, which can affect its operation.
Check L-N-PE — L and N swapped or PE not connected
This message indicates that the Live (L) and Neutral (N) wires on the AC connection are incorrectly swapped, or the Protective Earth (PE) connection is missing. This is a critical safety and operational fault.
DC link — Fault in power electronics
The inverter's internal hardware monitoring system has detected a fault within its power electronics. This indicates a hardware malfunction inside the device that prevents normal operation.
Derating — Reduced output power due to high internal temperature
The inverter is reducing its power output because its internal temperature is too high. This is a protective measure designed to prevent overheating and potential damage to the device.
Derating — Inverter reduces output due to overheating
The inverter is reducing its power output to prevent internal components from overheating. This is a safety measure to maintain safe operating temperatures.
Disturbance — Safety error prevents grid connection
A 'Disturbance' error has occurred for safety reasons, preventing the Sunny Boy inverter from connecting to the grid. This is a general safety-related fault.
EEPROM — Transition disturbance during EEPROM data read/write
A disturbance occurred while reading or writing data to the EEPROM. This data is not critical for safe operation, and the disturbance does not affect inverter performance. This is generally an informational message.
EEPROM p — Data EEPROM defective, device permanently disabled
The data EEPROM is defective, and because the data loss affects important functions, the inverter is permanently disabled. This is a critical hardware fault requiring professional intervention.
EeRestore — Defective duplicate EEPROM data reconstructed
One of the duplicate data sets in the EEPROM was found defective but has been successfully reconstructed without any data loss. This message is for information purposes only and does not affect the inverter's performance.
Error — An error has been detected
A general 'Error' message indicates that the inverter has detected an unspecified internal fault. This prevents normal operation.
Fac-Bfr / Fac-Srr — Grid frequency outside permissible range
The grid frequency is no longer within the allowed range. The Sunny Boy inverter assumes the public grid is down and disconnects to prevent 'islanding' (where the inverter continues to power a local grid section independently).
Green LED Off — Inverter not feeding into the utility grid
The inverter is not actively feeding any power into the utility grid. This could be due to various reasons, from lack of sun to an error.
Green LED blinking rapidly — Starting sequence or STOP mode
The inverter has sufficient PV power to calibrate its internal systems but not enough to begin normal operation yet. Calibration typically lasts less than 10 seconds. This status also appears if the inverter has been manually set to STOP mode.
Green LED blinking slowly — Waiting, Grid Monitoring
The inverter has sufficient voltage from the PV array but is currently checking the condition of the utility grid before connecting. This is a normal startup phase.
Green LED flashing (2s on, 2s off) — Waiting for connection conditions
The inverter is waiting for the conditions to be met to start feeding power into the grid. It is not currently active.
Green LED flashing quickly — Central processing unit update
The inverter's main internal software (central processing unit) is currently being updated. This is a normal process.
Green LED glowing — Feed-in operation
The inverter is actively feeding power into the utility grid, operating at 90% or more of its capacity. This indicates normal operation.
Green LED goes out briefly — Derating (Temperature)
The inverter is momentarily reducing its power output, indicated by the green LED going out briefly, to manage its internal temperature and prevent overheating. This is a protective measure.
Green LED pulsing — Dynamic feed-in operation
The inverter is actively feeding power into the utility grid, and the pulsing pattern of the green LED indicates its dynamic power output. A faster pulse usually means higher power.
Ground Fault Message Displayed — Ground Fault in PV System
The SMA SUNNY BOY SB30-50-1AV-40 Inverter displays a message indicating a ground fault within the photovoltaic system. This means there is an unintended electrical connection between a live part of the PV system and the ground, which needs to be identified and resolved for safe and optimal operation.
HW-Signal — Internal measurement fault or hardware defect
An internal measurement fault or a hardware defect has been detected within the inverter. This indicates a problem with the inverter's internal components, which can affect its functionality.
IGBTs — Fault in power electronics
The inverter's internal hardware monitoring system has detected a fault in its power electronics, specifically within the IGBT components. This indicates a hardware malfunction that prevents proper inverter operation.
Iac-DC_Offs-Srr — DC component of grid feed-in current exceeded
The DC component of the electricity being fed into the grid has exceeded the permissible range. For safety reasons, the inverter will disconnect itself from the grid to prevent issues with the public grid.
MSD-FAC / MSD-Idif / MSD-VAC / MSD-Timeout — Internal measurement or hardware defect
An internal measurement comparison fault or a hardware defect has been detected within the inverter. These messages indicate a problem with the inverter's ability to accurately measure and process data internally, which impacts performance.
Offset — Fault in measurement data acquisition
A fault has been detected in the inverter's system for acquiring measurement data. This means the inverter may not be correctly reading or processing information from the PV system or grid, leading to errors.
PowerBalancer — Unbalanced load condition in a three-phase system
This message indicates that the Sunny Boy inverter, part of a three-phase system with other inverters and an SMA Power Balancer, is experiencing an unbalanced load condition. This usually happens when the 'PhaseGuard' or 'FaultGuard' operating parameter is active to prevent grid imbalances.
REL_INV_CLOSE / REL_GRID_CLOSE — Grid relay failed to close
The inverter checks the internal relays that connect it to the grid before starting to feed power. If these relays fail to close properly, the inverter will not connect to the grid for safety reasons and will display this message.
REL_INV_OPEN / REL_GRID_OPEN — Grid relay failed to open
The inverter checks the internal relays that connect it to the grid. If these relays fail to open properly, the inverter will not connect to the grid for safety reasons and will display this message.
ROM — Inverter firmware is faulty
The firmware (internal software) of the inverter is faulty. This is a critical internal error that prevents proper operation of the device.
Red LED continously on — Ground fault detected
The Red LED on the Sunny Boy inverter is continuously on, indicating that a ground fault has been detected. This signal takes precedence over other LED states (green or yellow). The inverter will not operate until the fault is corrected.
Red LED glowing — Event occurred
A red LED glowing steadily indicates that an event or error has occurred with the inverter. A specific event message and number will be available on the inverter user interface or communication product.
Red and Yellow LEDs are on — Ground fault in PV system
Both the Red and Yellow LEDs are illuminated, indicating that the inverter has detected a ground fault in the PV system and has disconnected from the grid. The inverter will not restart automatically until the ground fault is located and fixed.
Reduced Power Output — Inverter is Overheating
The SMA SUNNY BOY SB30-50-1AV-40 Inverter is operating at a reduced power level because its internal temperature is too high. This is a protective measure to prevent damage to the unit. Power output will increase once the inverter cools down.
Riso — Faulty PV system insulation to ground
The electrical insulation of the PV system from ground is faulty. This means the resistance between the DC plus and/or DC minus connection and ground is outside the safe operating limits, indicating a potential ground fault.
Riso-Sense — Insulation measurement failed
The inverter's internal insulation measurement process has failed to complete successfully. This may indicate an issue with the measurement system itself or an underlying insulation problem in the PV array.
SD-DI-Conv — Insulation fault on the DC side
The inverter has detected an insulation fault on the DC side of the system. This indicates a problem with the electrical isolation of the solar panel wiring or connections, which is a safety concern.
SD-INV-Bridge — Fault in power electronics
The inverter has detected a fault in its internal power electronics. It will disconnect from the grid and then attempt to reconnect. This indicates a hardware issue within the inverter that needs professional attention.
SD-Imax — Overcurrent on the AC side
The inverter has detected an overcurrent on the AC side of the connection. For safety reasons, it will disconnect from the grid and then attempt to reconnect. Repeated occurrences suggest a persistent issue.
Shutdown — Temporary inverter fault
A temporary fault has caused the inverter to shut down. This is a general error message indicating an issue that may be transient or require further investigation by a technician.
Waiting — PV voltage not high enough to start
The inverter displays 'Waiting' when the voltage from the PV (photovoltaic) array is not sufficient to begin operation. This is common during low light conditions.
Warning — System warning advising further investigation
A 'Warning' message indicates that the system has detected a condition that requires further investigation. While not a critical error, it suggests potential issues or inefficiencies.
Yellow LED blinks 4 times — DC input voltage too high
The inverter has detected that the DC input voltage from the PV array is too high for safe operation. This condition can lead to damage to the inverter.
Yellow LED blinks 5 times — Internal device fault
The inverter has encountered an internal fault that prevents it from operating normally. This type of fault typically requires professional servicing.
Yellow LED blinks 6 times — Discharge current too high
The yellow fault LED lights up for 5 seconds, then blinks 6 times consecutively, after a 3-second off period. This pattern repeats 3 times. This indicates the discharge current from the inverter and PV generator is too high, causing the Sunny Boy to interrupt grid feeding. It will attempt to reconnect after testing. This fault specifically applies to transformerless inverters.
Yellow LED blinks 7 times — Drastic change in differential current
The inverter has detected a sudden change in differential current (IDN > 30 mA) and has disconnected from the grid for safety. This specific fault can only occur in transformerless inverters.
Yellow LED blinks twice — Grid failure
The inverter has detected a problem with the utility grid, such as voltage or frequency being outside acceptable limits, or rapid changes in these parameters. The inverter will not connect to the grid under these conditions for safety.
dI-Bfr / dI-Srr — Drastic change in differential current (grounding fault)
The inverter has detected a significant change in the differential current. This fault typically occurs in transformerless inverters and is crucial for personal safety, often indicating a sudden grounding fault, residual current, or an internal device fault. The inverter will disconnect from the grid.
dI-Meas-Srr / dI-Meas — Deviation in differential current measurement
The inverter has detected a deviation in its differential current measurement. If this fault appears repeatedly, it indicates that inverter operation is permanently disabled due to a persistent measurement issue.