Errors in the system are typical in inverters that have been in operation for a while. Resetting the solar inverter usually fixes system issues. In the event of a system error, this article will explain in detail how to reset solar panels with the least damage.

Your solar energy system is your home’s unsung hero. It has quickly become one of your home’s most essential things, yet often disregarded since it typically just works as expected, and most people don’t involve themselves in regular solar maintenance.

Just like your internet modem, if your solar panels system isn’t performing as intended, the first way to troubleshoot your solar energy system is to perform a hard reset of your solar energy system. Click here to know if your solar panel is working or not.

Unplugging and powering down is an option. However, doing so poses severe risks to the solar inverter and batteries. To ensure the solar panels last as long as possible, we carefully consider how to reset them.

10 Steps to Reset Solar Panels

Your solar system needs to be reset to its factory settings first. If the inverter is showing any signs of reflecting red or yellow light, this is the standard procedure. Some of the steps are outlined here for your convenience:

1- Solar Inverters Should Be Turned Off

If you’ve determined that your inverter needs to be reset, the first step is to find it and turn it off. Each string of solar panels will typically have one or two inverters installed. These power inverters are typically housed in a discrete outside enclosure.

Flip the switch to “Off” to turn the inverter off, and then wait a few minutes before continuing. Be sure also to shut off the power at the AC disconnect (a gray box with a red or black handle).

2- Shut Off The Air Conditioner

A solar AC disconnect box is used to disconnect your inverter from the grid and prevent any reverse current from affecting your solar panels. The AC solar disconnect box (or circuit breaker, if you have one) should be installed close to the utility meter and the inverter.

An AC disconnect switch is not designed to be used for routinely cycling the power to your HVAC system. Instead, a trained professional should use it to turn off your appliance’s electricity so that repairs or maintenance may be performed.

An AC disconnect, which can be turned off with the flip of a switch, makes it easy to perform maintenance and repairs on your air conditioner at any time without disrupting service.

3- Activate The DC Off Switch

A little gray box located between the inverter and the solar array, the DC disconnect (also known as the solar disconnect) is used to cut off the flow of direct current (DC) from the solar panels to the inverter.

The inverter converts the DC power to AC before it is distributed. AC disconnects are installed after the inverter to safeguard the home in the event of an emergency.

Such as a fire. Disconnect switches for air conditioners are often installed on external walls close to the electric meter.

4- Inactivate The Solar Panel Disconnect Switch

A gray utility disconnect box with a black or red lever will be located next to or below your solar meter. Disable it, please. Be wary, there could be a significant popping noise.

The solar disconnect box must be turned off: The solar disconnect box is often located beneath the solar panel. However, a loud pounding noise may be heard as the power is cut off.

5- Put The Power Switch Off

Next, flip the switch on the electrical service panel to the “Photovoltaic” position to shut off the main breaker. The circuit breaker panel or fuse box is the main electrical service panel found in every single home.

The panel is where the electricity from the utility company enters the home and is then distributed to the various circuits in the building. To safely turn off a circuit before working on it, power must be cut at the electrical service panel.

Using the main circuit breaker or main disconnect fuse block. You can turn off electricity to all of the circuits at once from the service panel.

6- Wait A Minute

You have successfully disabled your solar panels. Turn on your solar system again after waiting at least a minute to see if that resolves the problem. You’ll need to do everything backward to achieve your goal.

7- Power On The Main Switchboard

To activate the electrical system, flip the main breaker or breakers. Labeling it as “Photovoltaic” is planned.

8- Activate the solar panel Disconnect Switch

A gray utility disconnect box with a black or red lever will be located next to or below your solar meter. Please restore power. Be wary, there could be a significant popping noise.

9- Reconnect Your Air Conditioner

You might or might not be included in this. Turn on the air conditioning disconnect (a gray box with a black or red handle) in the basement or garage.

10- A Solar Inverter Must Be Activated

Find your inverter (it’s normally in the basement or mounted on an outside wall) and remove the bottom panel. Locate the AC/DC switch and turn on the device.

Starting the system back up completely can take anywhere from a few minutes to 30 minutes.

Call the Solar Experts

We always recommend that you first contact the solar company that installed your solar energy system. When your solar company is no longer in business or is too busy and can’t get a technician out for months, have the number of a reliable, experienced solar company on hand when easy DIY solutions just won’t cut it.

At Forme Solar Electric, we deliver prompt electrical service with a local team and respectful technicians.

Conclusion

The photovoltaic effect can be utilized to create energy, and solar panels are just a collection of solar (or photovoltaic) cells. Solar panels have this arrangement of cells on their surface.

When problems emerge with the performance or functionality of solar panels, resetting them can be an efficient way to fix them.

Any software or electrical problems can be fixed by simply resetting the panels, and restoring full functionality to the system. It is an easy first step to take before moving on to more involved solutions or getting help from an expert.

Also Read: How to Check If Your Solar Panels Are Working? (Simple Guide)