SMA is a German brand of inverters usually coloured red but also blue, yellow and beige. They have been installed by Solargain from 2009 until present. Many models have now been discontinued such as the Sunny Boy 1100/1600/1700. SMA inverters initially came with a 5-year warranty with the option to extend it to 10 years.
Solargain can assist you with any SMA warranty issues. We will need the fault code and serial number to lodge an insurance claim. Some faults will require testing prior to lodging the claim, though. We recommend adding a health check to the attendance to ensure that there are no underlying issues with your installation. SMA has the fastest industry response to warranty claims with a response time of about 5 working days.
If your SMA inverter is out of warranty, you will need to purchase a new inverter in the closest possible size. SMA inverters are transformerless inverters, so Growatt, Zeverlution and Fronius are all compatible. Some faults, like varistor failure, can indicate a surge has occurred and can therefore be covered by insurance, although, sometimes, the cost of repair is less than the excess, depending on your policy.
| Fault Code | Description | Remedy | |
| Derating | Over temperature | Derating refers to overheating and will often require a replacement inverter if outside of warranty, or a repair if within warranty. | |
| Disturbance | No grid connection | Disturbance is a utility issue, which means it pertains to an AC issue. You should check the AC isolator below the inverter and the switch labelled “AC solar supply” in the switch board. The inverter may need replacing. | |
| Error | Internal Fault | Error codes represent an internal error and will likely need to proceed with a warranty claim or, if out of warranty, a replacement inverter will need to be purchased. | |
| Grid Mon | Grid Monitoring | This message will appear during start up and shut down. If it occurs at midday, the inverter may need replacing. | |
| MPP | MPP Mode on | This is not a legitimate error and the inverter should still operate with this fault being displayed. | |
| Off Grid | System Islanding | The inverter will need to be replaced. | |
| Offset | Measurement | This code does not indicate a fault. | |
| Riso | Insulation Resistance | A technician will need to attend in order to test the panels and the balance of system (BOS). | |
| Stop | Interruption of operation | Check the solar supply main switch. The inverter may need replacing. | |
| V-Const | Constant voltage operation | This code does not indicate a fault. | |
| Waiting | Switch on conditions not met | This message will appear during start up and shut down. If it occurs at midday, the inverter may need replacing. | |
| vac-BFR | GRID ISSUE | Check the solar supply main switch. The inverter may need replacing. | |
| Varistor Failure | A varistor failure is indicative of a surge and is not covered by warranty. It is repairable for a fee. |
