Safety guide · SolarEdge AFCI

SolarEdge arc fault detected — what to do right now

Your SolarEdge system is showing "Arc Fault Detected" or fault code P700/P701 in SolarEdge Go or the MySolarEdge portal. This is a safety event — not a nuisance alarm. Isolate the system, do not attempt to reset, and follow this guide before calling an engineer.

See isolation steps Book engineer callout

P700 / P701 fault codes covered
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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

Ian · May 2026 Trustpilot

Sree · May 2026 Trustpilot

Dennis Brown · May 2026 Trustpilot

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

Mr Machin · May 2026 Trustpilot

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

Christopher · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

customer · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

Andy Thomas · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

Philip · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

SolarEdge hub All problems No production Red light Arc fault HD-Wave failure Optimiser N/A Comms failure Fault codes →

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Arc Fault Detected is not a routine fault — read before doing anything else

Unlike grid faults or communication errors, AFCI events must not be reset and walked away from. An arc fault means the inverter has detected current patterns associated with an electrical arc on the DC wiring — a potential fire hazard. The correct immediate response is full isolation of both DC and AC sides, followed by inspection by a qualified engineer. Do not touch any DC wiring, connectors, or open the inverter enclosure.

Immediate response

Isolation procedure

What to do right now — 5 steps

Work through these in order. The first two steps take less than a minute and make the system safe to leave.

Check SolarEdge Go or MySolarEdge — confirm the fault code

Before you do anything else, confirm exactly what the system is reporting. Open SolarEdge Go on your phone via Bluetooth (stand within 3–4 metres of the inverter) or log in to monitoring.solaredge.com. Navigate to the Alerts or Status section. You should see one of the following:

P700 — Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) trip on string

P701 — Arc fault detected (alternate code, same event type)

Arc Fault Detected — Plain text alert shown in some firmware versions

SolarEdge Go will also show which optimiser position the fault is attributed to. Take a screenshot — this is important information for the engineer. Do not dismiss or acknowledge the alert.

If you see a different code (G70–G99 grid faults, P404 communication loss) — see the red light guide for those fault types. This page covers AFCI only.

Do NOT reset — do not touch any buttons or cycle power

This is the most important instruction on this page. Do not press any reset button on the inverter. Do not switch the AC isolator off and on. Do not try to clear the fault code in SolarEdge Go. Resetting an AFCI fault without fixing the underlying cause has two outcomes — both bad:

If the arc fault is genuine

The system powers back up with a live arc fault in the DC wiring. The AFCI will likely trip again — but in the interim, the arc can cause further insulation damage or generate enough heat to start a fire.

If it clears after a reset

The system appears normal — but the fault is still present. It will return, possibly days later. You've lost the original fault log data that would have helped locate the cause.

The only exception is a single isolated trip following a confirmed direct lightning strike to the property or a significant power surge — but even then, an engineer should verify this before recommissioning.

Switch off the DC isolator

Find the DC isolator switch. On most SolarEdge installations it is mounted on the wall immediately adjacent to or below the inverter, inside the property (often in the loft or utility room). It is usually a red or yellow rotary switch or a large toggle labelled "DC" or "String Isolator". Turn it to the OFF position.

What happens when you do this

SolarEdge uses SafeDC — a built-in safety feature where the power optimisers on each panel automatically reduce DC output to approximately 1 volt per panel when the system shuts down or loses communication with the inverter. By the time the AFCI has tripped and you locate the DC isolator, SafeDC is already active. Switching the DC isolator off completes the isolation. The cabling is safe to be near, but still should not be touched or disturbed.

If you cannot find the DC isolator, do not continue looking near the inverter. Proceed to Step 4 (AC isolation) and ask the engineer to locate and switch the DC isolator when they arrive.

Switch off the AC isolator at the consumer unit

Go to your electrical consumer unit (fuse board / distribution board). Find the solar PV circuit breaker — it is usually labelled "Solar PV", "SolarEdge", "PV Inverter", or "Generation". Switch it to the OFF position. This disconnects the inverter from your household AC wiring and the grid export connection.

The system is now fully isolated — DC side down via the isolator, AC side down via the consumer unit. You can leave it in this state safely until an engineer attends.

Contact a qualified solar engineer with the fault details

Get in touch with a qualified solar PV engineer. When you call, tell them:

✓

The fault code (P700 or P701, or "Arc Fault Detected")

✓

Which optimiser or string position the fault was attributed to (from SolarEdge Go)

✓

When the fault first appeared and whether the system had been working normally before

✓

Whether there was any recent weather event (lightning, severe storms) or recent work on the roof

✓

That the system is now fully isolated (DC and AC both off)

Do not attempt to investigate the DC wiring, connectors, or roof fixings yourself. Do not open the inverter enclosure. These tasks require specialist equipment and training.

Understanding the fault

Causes

What causes SolarEdge arc fault detection to trip?

AFCI trips in SolarEdge systems fall into three categories. Understanding which type you're dealing with helps the engineer plan their investigation.

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MC4 connector failures — the most common cause

MC4 connectors are the snap-fit waterproof connectors used throughout SolarEdge systems — on every panel, every optimiser, and along the string cable. Over time they can develop problems:

·Poor original installation: an MC4 connector not fully locked engages partially — it passes electrical tests but develops resistance over time as the connection degrades

·Corrosion: moisture ingress through a cracked or inadequately sealed connector causes corrosion on the pin, increasing resistance until arcing begins

·Physical damage: connectors near roof edges or walkways can be compressed or cracked by foot traffic, installers, or falling debris

·Mismatched brands: mixing MC4 connector brands from different manufacturers on the same string can cause poor mating contact

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Cable insulation damage

DC string cables run from the roof, through the roof structure, and down to the inverter. The insulation can be damaged in several ways:

·Pest damage: squirrels and rodents routinely strip DC cable insulation in roof spaces — this is one of the fastest-growing causes of AFCI trips in UK installations

·Chafing at penetrations: where cables pass through roof structures, edges, or conduit, repeated thermal expansion can cause the insulation to abrade against the penetration edge over years

·UV degradation: on exposed cable runs, UV light degrades insulation over 8–12+ years, increasing leakage current

·Installation damage: cable bent too sharply or stapled too tightly at installation can cause insulation stress that develops into a fault years later

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Failed or degraded optimiser

SolarEdge power optimisers are fitted to every panel. Optimiser failures can trigger AFCI in two ways:

·Internal failure creating a resistance fault: a degraded optimiser component creates abnormal DC output patterns — the AFCI detects these as arc-like signatures

·Optimiser to panel connector failure: the connections between the optimiser body and the panel junction box can develop the same MC4 problems as string cabling

The advantage of SolarEdge is that SolarEdge Go can identify which optimiser position the P700 fault originated from — which narrows the physical inspection to a specific panel or the short section of cable between adjacent optimisers.

SolarEdge Go diagnostic

Diagnostic

Using SolarEdge Go to identify which optimiser triggered the fault

SolarEdge Go (available free on iOS and Android) connects to the inverter via Bluetooth. It can show the AFCI event log and which optimiser position the fault was detected on. This information is valuable for the engineer — it narrows a whole-roof inspection down to a specific panel or short cable section.

Download SolarEdge Go and open the app

Search "SolarEdge Go" in the App Store or Google Play. Open the app. Earlier documentation may refer to this as SetApp — SolarEdge Go supersedes SetApp with the same Bluetooth functionality. Stand within 3–4 metres of the inverter.

Connect via Bluetooth and navigate to Alerts

SolarEdge Go connects to the inverter directly via Bluetooth — no WiFi or internet connection needed. Once connected, navigate to the Status or Alerts section. You will see the active P700/P701 fault with a timestamp and — critically — the optimiser serial number or position identifier attributed to the fault.

Screenshot or note the optimiser ID

Take a screenshot of the alert including the optimiser ID. If you have access to the layout map in the monitoring portal (the visual panel layout view), you can cross-reference the optimiser ID to a physical position on the roof. Pass this to the engineer — it tells them which panel to start their physical inspection at.

Check the event history for previous trips

In SolarEdge Go's event log or the MySolarEdge portal's Events tab, check whether this is the first AFCI trip or whether previous events were recorded. Multiple trips over days or weeks — particularly from the same optimiser — strongly indicate a real wiring fault at that location rather than a one-off transient event.

What the engineer does with this information

The optimiser ID from SolarEdge Go tells the engineer which panel to start with. They will perform an insulation resistance (IR) test on the DC string from that point — measuring the resistance between the cable and earth at various points along the string to locate where insulation has broken down. MC4 connectors in the identified section will be inspected and tested individually. If the optimiser itself is suspect, its output characteristics can be measured. The combination of SolarEdge's digital fault localisation and traditional electrical test methods makes SolarEdge arc fault diagnosis significantly faster than on brands without optimiser-level monitoring.

False positives

Edge cases

Can a SolarEdge AFCI trip be a false positive?

Very rarely — and this assessment must only be made by a qualified engineer, never by the homeowner. Here is the full picture.

Possible false positive scenarios

·Lightning strike nearby: A very nearby lightning strike can induce enough transient current to trigger a single AFCI event with no underlying fault. Single trip, no recurrence after professional inspection — very occasionally a real scenario.

·Firmware sensitivity: Some older firmware versions were reported to have AFCI sensitivity settings that could trigger on high-frequency switching noise from nearby equipment. SolarEdge firmware updates have addressed known sensitivity issues.

·Grid surge event: A significant grid voltage surge during a local fault can, in rare cases, trigger AFCI on older inverter hardware. Usually a single event with no recurrence.

Why you still cannot self-diagnose this

Even in false positive scenarios, an engineer must verify the system before recommissioning. This requires insulation resistance testing of the DC string — you cannot determine a fault's presence or absence by eye, and SolarEdge Go cannot perform IR testing. The engineer's IR test gives a definitive answer: if the insulation resistance is within specification, the fault was a transient and the system can be safely restarted. If not, the fault is real and must be repaired.

A genuine AFCI trip that is "cleared" by cycling power and then left without inspection is the most dangerous scenario — the system appears to recover but the arc fault source remains in the wiring.

How SolarEdge AFCI works — and why it is different from every other fault

SolarEdge includes Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) protection as a standard feature on all HD-Wave inverters sold in markets with AFCI requirements, including the UK. It is built into the inverter hardware and cannot be disabled by configuration. It monitors the DC current waveform from the panel strings and applies signal processing algorithms to detect the irregular, high-frequency current patterns associated with electrical arcing.

AFCI is categorically different from every other SolarEdge fault type. Grid faults (G-codes) are safe external events — the grid is briefly out of specification and the inverter disconnects to protect itself. Optimiser communication faults (P404) are connectivity issues — the optimiser is physically intact but not communicating. An AFCI trip is the inverter reporting that it has detected a potential electrical hazard in the DC wiring — wiring that, on a typical UK installation, runs across the roof, through the roof structure, and down through the property.

The SafeDC feature works in conjunction with AFCI. When the inverter shuts down — whether due to an AFCI trip or any other reason — the power optimisers automatically reduce their DC output to approximately 1 volt per panel. This means the DC string voltage drops from its operating level (typically 200–500V depending on system size) to a safe low voltage. SafeDC activates automatically without any action from the homeowner, and the system maintains this safe state even if the inverter is powered down. It does not substitute for full isolation, but it significantly reduces the DC hazard during the period between the trip and isolation.

For the homeowner, the practical distinction is simple: arc fault events require isolation and engineer investigation before any restart. This is non-negotiable regardless of whether the system appears to restart successfully — a successful restart after an AFCI trip without investigation means the hazard is still present in the wiring.

SolarEdge arc fault questions

What does "Arc Fault Detected" mean on a SolarEdge inverter?

Arc Fault Detected (P700 or P701) means the inverter's AFCI has detected abnormal current patterns on the DC string consistent with an electrical arc — a partial discharge in the wiring from a damaged or degraded connection. Common causes include damaged cable insulation, corroded MC4 connectors, a failing optimiser, or a wiring fault at a junction point. The inverter shuts down and optimisers drop to SafeDC voltage (approximately 1V per panel) to prevent further hazard.

Can a SolarEdge AFCI arc fault be dangerous?

Yes — an AFCI trip should be treated as a genuine safety event. Electrical arcs in DC wiring generate intense heat and can cause fires, particularly in roof spaces where wiring runs through insulation. The system has tripped because it has done its job correctly. The system must be fully isolated (DC isolator off, AC isolator off) and must not be recommissioned until a qualified engineer has identified and corrected the physical cause.

Can I reset a SolarEdge arc fault myself?

No. Unlike grid faults or communication errors, arc fault events should not be reset by the homeowner. Resetting an AFCI fault without identifying the cause allows the underlying wiring fault to continue — and if a genuine arc is present, repeated resets increase the risk of fire. The correct procedure is to isolate the DC and AC switches and contact a qualified solar engineer who will investigate with SolarEdge Go to identify which optimiser triggered the fault.

What causes arc faults in SolarEdge systems?

The most common causes are damaged or degraded cable insulation on DC string wiring (particularly from pest damage or pinching), corroded or inadequately locked MC4 connectors, a failing optimiser creating a resistance fault, and wiring faults at penetration points or junction boxes. Very occasionally, a single AFCI trip after a lightning strike or severe power surge can be a false positive — but this should only be assessed by a qualified engineer.

How will a solar engineer find the cause of the SolarEdge arc fault?

The engineer will use SolarEdge Go via Bluetooth to review the event log and identify which optimiser or string position triggered the P700/P701 fault. They will then perform insulation resistance and DC string continuity tests to locate the precise fault. All MC4 connectors on the affected string will be inspected. If a failed optimiser is identified, it will be replaced. The system will only be recommissioned once test results are confirmed clear.

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SolarEdge arc fault — we can investigate and fix it.

We handle SolarEdge AFCI investigations using SolarEdge Go for fault localisation, followed by insulation resistance testing and physical inspection of the affected string. Most arc fault sources are identified and repaired in a single visit.

SolarEdge Go fault localisation to specific optimiser position
DC insulation resistance testing — before and after repair
MC4 connector inspection and replacement where needed
Optimiser replacement under warranty coordination
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