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Protection code · Growatt Error 117

Growatt Error 117 — Consistent High Power Output Fault

Inverter output power exceeds the rated maximum for too long. Unlike Error 04, this is NOT a safety fault — it's a protection trip. Most common on oversized arrays or export-limited installations. Usually self-resolving, but we cover every diagnostic step.
  • Protection code — not a safety fault
  • Commonly caused by oversizing
  • Applies to MIN, MOD, SPH series
Error 117 happening regularly?

This diagnostic guide covers every cause. Single occurrence = likely nothing to worry about. Daily occurrence = work through these steps to identify whether it's a settings issue or normal system behaviour.

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Growatt Error 117 occurs when the inverter detects that it is generating above its rated maximum capacity.

5.0
13 Trustpilot reviews
Trustpilot Google

I have a GivEnergy system consisting of two batteries, two inverters and a controlling EMS (Energy Management System) which has not worked since Nov 2025. After six months I discovered Solar Tech Support, reached out to them and Ron phoned me back – how often do you get that service? Could not be more helpful – worked directly with me over the phone, outside what I would call normal working hours. Lucid explanations and we were able to discuss the issues and history using camera and email history. As this was a very rare setup, Ron was able to access an EMS expert in the field to confirm the solution. One sunny day in, I am now only paying for standing charge and a few pence for spikes in grid consumption while battery catches up with house demand.

Ian · May 2026 Trustpilot

When my GivEnergy system had an issue, I was completely left without support and had honestly lost all hope. Thankfully, I searched online and found Ron, which completely turned things around. After sending him a message, he responded incredibly fast and called me to assure me that he would get the problem fixed. I really admire his dedicated, supportive nature and his determination to find a solution. With this kind of outstanding attitude and customer service, he has absolutely secured a future customer in me.

Sree · May 2026 Trustpilot

Ron want out of is way to help, nothing was to much. He was very thorough in what he did Very knowledgeable I would highly recommend Ron and his company He did a fantastic job for me. if you have any problems, he'll do his best to help you out and resolve your problem. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them

Dennis Brown · May 2026 Trustpilot

Ron took me through a diagnostic to confirm my GivEnergy Inverter had a fault. A common one as it turns out with the AC Inverter. As GivEnergy is defunct there is no immediate fix, aside from sourcing 2nd hand replacement. It may be that a fix becomes available over the summer which would make a lot of GivEnergy customers happy (Again)

Tony Deacon · May 2026 Trustpilot

Contacted Ron with a problem and he sorted it out quickly with no problems at all. Very knowledgeable on anything solar/ batteries. I would recommend him to anyone

Phill · May 2026 Trustpilot

I've spoken to Ron a couple of times with issues with my Givenergy installation. Such a friendly knowledge guy very highly recommended. Thank you very much for resolving my issues

michael fairhurst · May 2026 Trustpilot

Contacted Solar Tech Support in desperation. After explaining the issues I had with my system a diagnosis was made and a solution proposed. Fantastic service, even contacted a manufacturer to arrange replacement parts for me. Great communications, explained all they were doing and what I had to do, clearly and precisly. Followed up to confirm all was ok. Excellent service.

Mr Machin · May 2026 Trustpilot

After GivEnergy went into liquidation, just my luck, my battery started playing up (internal board crashed). Contacted my installer - not interested! Found Solar tech support on a Google search. Sooo glad I found this company! Ron is extremely helpful and has plenty of experience. He soon confirmed what the fault was, and helped me to get my system up and running again. Now moved my GivEnergy account to Solar tech support, and will definitely use again if I have more issues. Unusual to find such a helpful company in these times, no morons reading scripts, just direct contact with the engineer.

Keith Ballard · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

Contacted Solar Tech Support when trying to understand what my Givenergy inverter problem might be and what might be my options. Received good/honest advise which backed up my thoughts.

Hugh Speirs · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

Ron is a super star. Two months ago my GivEnergy battery failed a firmware upgrade leaving it a brick. My installer couldn't/wouldn't fix it. GivEnergy couldn't/wouldn't fix it. Then they went into administration and all hope was lost. A flurry of emails later and Ron had diagnosed the fault (failed USB flash drive, something I'd suspected) and talked me through resolving it. Two months of nothing resolved in about 3 hours. It's great to work with someone who pays attention to the details, knows that they're doing (not just following a script) and gets stuff sorted without a fuss or up-charging.

Christopher · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

I can add to the list of customers who had already 'given up' on GivEnergy due to their appalling customer service, and that was before they went into administration (their Trustpilot reviews don't lie!). So you can imagine my desperation when, having changed my ISP and my Inverter, predictably, proving to be the only device that didn't connect automatically to my new network, I found zero prospect of any customer support with GivEnergy having called in the administrators just five days earlier! The salvation came from Solar Tech Support. My IT advisor stumbled across their web site and some very helpful tips for beleaguered GivEnergy customers, as well as an offer to provide direct assistance. Nothing ventured, I decided to drop them an E-Mail, with very low expectations based on my experience of GivEnergy customer support. Within an hour Ron had responded with some pin point advice, and after a few exchanges of E-Mails he had nailed the problem, enabling the combined efforts of my IT advisor and solar installer to resolve it and reconnect my Inverter. Thank you Solar Tech Support, and Ron in particular, for coming to the aid of a deserted and despondent GivEnergy customer. Expert, razor sharp advice and first class customer service, even though I wasn't officially a customer.

customer · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

This company are a rare gem, I had a very unusual problem following a failed firmware upgrade on my GivEnergy kit. I then found out GivEnergy were in administration and had dismissed all their support staff! None of the usual fixes to try and restore my inverter comms would work, and I looked everywhere, forums, GivEnergy youtube support videos - even AI couldn't figure it out. My installer was talking about huge sums for system replacements, and being vague / evasive about if they'd even install replacement GivEnergy inverter. Enter Solar Tech Support, reassuring and knowledgeable from the very start, I've learnt loads about my solar system though the friendly chat while my engineer worked as he diagnosed the problem and figured out a fix procedure that I've not found anywhere else - amazing . If you need solar system repairs - especially if you like me have been left high and dry by GivEnergy, I cannot recommend this company enough. Give them a call.

Andy Thomas · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

I sent a message on their website regarding a problem I have on my Givenergy system. Although not supplied by Ronald, I thought it was worth an email. Within the hour on a Saturday, he phoned and we discussed the problem. He logged in remotely and gave excellent advice. I'm too far away for his on-site help but he did diagnose the problem and was happy also to chat through my thoughts about an upcoming solar/battery install I'm planning. Great bloke.... if only he was nearer!

Philip · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

I have a GivEnergy system consisting of two batteries, two inverters and a controlling EMS (Energy Management System) which has not worked since Nov 2025. After six months I discovered Solar Tech Support, reached out to them and Ron phoned me back – how often do you get that service? Could not be more helpful – worked directly with me over the phone, outside what I would call normal working hours. Lucid explanations and we were able to discuss the issues and history using camera and email history. As this was a very rare setup, Ron was able to access an EMS expert in the field to confirm the solution. One sunny day in, I am now only paying for standing charge and a few pence for spikes in grid consumption while battery catches up with house demand.

Ian · May 2026 Trustpilot

When my GivEnergy system had an issue, I was completely left without support and had honestly lost all hope. Thankfully, I searched online and found Ron, which completely turned things around. After sending him a message, he responded incredibly fast and called me to assure me that he would get the problem fixed. I really admire his dedicated, supportive nature and his determination to find a solution. With this kind of outstanding attitude and customer service, he has absolutely secured a future customer in me.

Sree · May 2026 Trustpilot

Ron want out of is way to help, nothing was to much. He was very thorough in what he did Very knowledgeable I would highly recommend Ron and his company He did a fantastic job for me. if you have any problems, he'll do his best to help you out and resolve your problem. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them

Dennis Brown · May 2026 Trustpilot

Ron took me through a diagnostic to confirm my GivEnergy Inverter had a fault. A common one as it turns out with the AC Inverter. As GivEnergy is defunct there is no immediate fix, aside from sourcing 2nd hand replacement. It may be that a fix becomes available over the summer which would make a lot of GivEnergy customers happy (Again)

Tony Deacon · May 2026 Trustpilot

Contacted Ron with a problem and he sorted it out quickly with no problems at all. Very knowledgeable on anything solar/ batteries. I would recommend him to anyone

Phill · May 2026 Trustpilot

I've spoken to Ron a couple of times with issues with my Givenergy installation. Such a friendly knowledge guy very highly recommended. Thank you very much for resolving my issues

michael fairhurst · May 2026 Trustpilot

Contacted Solar Tech Support in desperation. After explaining the issues I had with my system a diagnosis was made and a solution proposed. Fantastic service, even contacted a manufacturer to arrange replacement parts for me. Great communications, explained all they were doing and what I had to do, clearly and precisly. Followed up to confirm all was ok. Excellent service.

Mr Machin · May 2026 Trustpilot

After GivEnergy went into liquidation, just my luck, my battery started playing up (internal board crashed). Contacted my installer - not interested! Found Solar tech support on a Google search. Sooo glad I found this company! Ron is extremely helpful and has plenty of experience. He soon confirmed what the fault was, and helped me to get my system up and running again. Now moved my GivEnergy account to Solar tech support, and will definitely use again if I have more issues. Unusual to find such a helpful company in these times, no morons reading scripts, just direct contact with the engineer.

Keith Ballard · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

Contacted Solar Tech Support when trying to understand what my Givenergy inverter problem might be and what might be my options. Received good/honest advise which backed up my thoughts.

Hugh Speirs · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

Ron is a super star. Two months ago my GivEnergy battery failed a firmware upgrade leaving it a brick. My installer couldn't/wouldn't fix it. GivEnergy couldn't/wouldn't fix it. Then they went into administration and all hope was lost. A flurry of emails later and Ron had diagnosed the fault (failed USB flash drive, something I'd suspected) and talked me through resolving it. Two months of nothing resolved in about 3 hours. It's great to work with someone who pays attention to the details, knows that they're doing (not just following a script) and gets stuff sorted without a fuss or up-charging.

Christopher · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

I can add to the list of customers who had already 'given up' on GivEnergy due to their appalling customer service, and that was before they went into administration (their Trustpilot reviews don't lie!). So you can imagine my desperation when, having changed my ISP and my Inverter, predictably, proving to be the only device that didn't connect automatically to my new network, I found zero prospect of any customer support with GivEnergy having called in the administrators just five days earlier! The salvation came from Solar Tech Support. My IT advisor stumbled across their web site and some very helpful tips for beleaguered GivEnergy customers, as well as an offer to provide direct assistance. Nothing ventured, I decided to drop them an E-Mail, with very low expectations based on my experience of GivEnergy customer support. Within an hour Ron had responded with some pin point advice, and after a few exchanges of E-Mails he had nailed the problem, enabling the combined efforts of my IT advisor and solar installer to resolve it and reconnect my Inverter. Thank you Solar Tech Support, and Ron in particular, for coming to the aid of a deserted and despondent GivEnergy customer. Expert, razor sharp advice and first class customer service, even though I wasn't officially a customer.

customer · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

This company are a rare gem, I had a very unusual problem following a failed firmware upgrade on my GivEnergy kit. I then found out GivEnergy were in administration and had dismissed all their support staff! None of the usual fixes to try and restore my inverter comms would work, and I looked everywhere, forums, GivEnergy youtube support videos - even AI couldn't figure it out. My installer was talking about huge sums for system replacements, and being vague / evasive about if they'd even install replacement GivEnergy inverter. Enter Solar Tech Support, reassuring and knowledgeable from the very start, I've learnt loads about my solar system though the friendly chat while my engineer worked as he diagnosed the problem and figured out a fix procedure that I've not found anywhere else - amazing . If you need solar system repairs - especially if you like me have been left high and dry by GivEnergy, I cannot recommend this company enough. Give them a call.

Andy Thomas · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

I sent a message on their website regarding a problem I have on my Givenergy system. Although not supplied by Ronald, I thought it was worth an email. Within the hour on a Saturday, he phoned and we discussed the problem. He logged in remotely and gave excellent advice. I'm too far away for his on-site help but he did diagnose the problem and was happy also to chat through my thoughts about an upcoming solar/battery install I'm planning. Great bloke.... if only he was nearer!

Philip · Apr 2026 Trustpilot
Diagnosis steps

6-step diagnostic process

Work through these steps in order to understand whether Error 117 is a setting issue, a design characteristic, or a genuine problem.

1

Check ShineServer for when the error appeared and how often

Log into ShineServer and navigate to Fault Logs. Check: when did Error 117 first appear? Does it occur once or twice, or multiple times per week? Single occurrence = likely transient grid condition, nothing to worry about. Multiple daily occurrences = needs investigation.

2

Check export limit settings in ShineServer

Navigate to Device Settings → Export Limit (if configured). Check the limit value and confirm it matches your G98/G99 registration with the DNO. If export limit is correctly set but Error 117 still appears, the issue is not misconfiguration — it's that your PV array is capable of exceeding the inverter's power rating.

3

Compare inverter rated output with your PV array size

Check your original installation paperwork: what is the total kWp of your solar array? What is the rated AC output of your Growatt inverter? For example, a 5kW Growatt MIN with a 6kWp array is oversized — on a bright day, the array can generate more than 5kW, triggering Error 117. This is normal. It's a tradeoff: over-paneling maximises generation in poor light, but clips peak power on bright days.

4

Check CT clamp orientation is correct

A reversed CT clamp can confuse the inverter's power management logic and cause spurious Error 117 trips. In ShineServer, check the grid power readings at night with no solar generation — the reading should show a positive value (import). If it shows negative (export) when you're clearly consuming from the grid, the CT clamp may be installed backwards.

Fix: A reversed CT clamp requires a qualified engineer to reposition. This is not a homeowner task — CT clamps sit on live cables.
5

Check firmware version and release notes

Some older Growatt firmware versions (particularly pre-2020) logged Error 117 spuriously even when the inverter was operating normally. Check your current firmware version in ShineServer (Device → Info → Firmware Version). Visit the Growatt website and check the release notes for your inverter model. A firmware update may resolve repeat false-positive Error 117 trips.

6

If persistent and affecting performance, request a remote session

If Error 117 is occurring daily and affecting your export earnings, we can review ShineServer historical data to confirm whether the fault pattern matches expected peak generation times (indicating oversizing) or anomalous behaviour (indicating a configuration error or hardware issue).

Location

Where you'll see Error 117

Growatt LCD Display

Inverter screen shows "Error 117" with amber/orange LED. Generation stops briefly, then may restart when output drops.

ShineServer Portal

Log into ShineServer → Device → History. Error 117 appears with timestamp, usually on bright sunny days at peak generation hours.

ShinePhone App

Error history tab shows Error 117 entries, typically clustered around midday in summer.

Models

Affected Growatt models

MIN-TL-X series — most common (especially MIN-5.0-TL-X, MIN-6.0-TL-X)

MOD-TL3-X series — three-phase inverters with oversized arrays

SPH-TL-BH series — some hybrid models when export limit misconfigured

Key facts

What you should know about Error 117

Error 117 is not a safety fault

Unlike Error 04 (insulation fault), Error 117 does not indicate dangerous DC wiring, water ingress, or component failure. It is the inverter protecting itself from sustained overload.

Oversizing is common and intentional

Many installers deliberately oversize the PV array (e.g. 5.4kWp on a 5kW inverter) to improve winter generation and annual output. Error 117 on peak sunny days is expected behaviour in an oversized system.

The inverter may auto-restart

When Error 117 trips, generation stops briefly. As the output drops below the limit (usually within minutes), the inverter may automatically restart. You may not need to manually restart the system.

Energy loss is minimal

Error 117 shutdowns typically last only a few minutes during peak generation hours. Annual energy loss is usually less than 1–2% unless shutdowns are very frequent.

Context

About Growatt Error 117

Error 117 is common on Growatt MIN (string) and SPH (hybrid) inverters, particularly in installations from 2018–2022. Unlike Error 04, it is NOT a safety fault — it is a protection code triggered when the inverter detects that its output power has exceeded the rated maximum for too long. The inverter may automatically restart after the error, or it may require manual reset depending on firmware version.

Error 117 is most commonly caused by an oversized PV array (e.g., 6kWp on a 5kW inverter), which is a design choice, not a fault. Some installers intentionally oversize arrays to maximise generation in low-light conditions. The tradeoff is that on bright days, peak generation is clipped. This is normal and acceptable.

Common causes
1. PV array oversized relative to inverter rated output (most common)
2. Export limit set too low in ShineServer
3. CT clamp installed backwards — confuses power management
4. Older firmware version logging spurious Error 117
FAQ

Error 117 questions answered

Not necessarily. If Error 117 occurs only occasionally, it's likely a transient grid condition and nothing to worry about. If it occurs daily or multiple times per week, the cause is usually either a correctly-sized system on a bright day (no issue), an oversized array, or an incorrect export limit setting. Check your settings first — most cases are resolved remotely without a site visit.
Yes, if the error is causing the inverter to disconnect repeatedly. During the disconnect period, you are not exporting to the grid and therefore not earning export payment. However, if Error 117 is rare or only occurs for seconds at a time, the impact on annual earnings is minimal. Persistent daily Error 117 faults should be addressed to restore full generation.
Repeating Error 117 points to either: a PV array genuinely oversized for the inverter (most common), an export limit set too low, or a CT clamp orientation error. Arrays installed pre-2020 sometimes had oversizing (6kWp on 5kW inverters) to maximise generation. This is not a fault — it's a design tradeoff. The inverter clips peak output, but annual generation may still be optimal due to the extra panel capacity in low-light conditions.
Energy is only lost during the brief shutdown period. SEG payments are based on export metering which operates independently from Error 117 protection. If Error 117 appears frequently and causes repeated shutdowns, address the underlying cause to maximise generation time and SEG earnings.
Yes, this is the most common pattern. Peak PV output occurs on bright, clear days when outdoor temperature is high (especially summer midday). If your array is oversized relative to your inverter rating, or export limiting is misconfigured, Error 117 will trip when output reaches the limit. This confirms the root cause — oversizing or export limit settings, not a component failure.
Identify the root cause: (1) If array is oversized (e.g. 5.4kWp on a 5kW inverter), this is intentional and Error 117 is normal on peak days — no fix needed unless shutdowns are unacceptable. (2) If export limiter is misconfigured, adjust the limit in ShineServer System Parameters. (3) If CT clamp is reversed, swap the clamp connectors to restore correct polarity. (4) Check firmware version — older versions may have lower trip thresholds; a firmware update may raise the threshold.
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Error 117 affecting your system?

Tell us how often Error 117 is occurring. We'll review your ShineServer data to confirm whether it's a normal characteristic of an oversized array or a genuine configuration issue that needs fixing.

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