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Inverter fault · All brands

Inverter not turning on

No lights. No display. No response. A completely dead inverter has several possible causes — and the most common ones don't require an engineer. Before assuming hardware failure, work through the power supply checks below.
  • Check power before assuming failure
  • Normal to be dark at night
  • Do not open the inverter
Confirmed dead despite all power being present?

If AC supply, DC isolator, and MCBs are all correct but the inverter is still dead, it needs an engineer assessment. Hardware failure diagnosis and repair is usually needed.

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Safety: do not open the inverter enclosure. Internal components include live high-voltage DC even when the AC supply is isolated. See our shutdown guide for safe isolation procedures.

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

Checking at night? Grid-tied solar inverters shut down completely at night — no lights, no display. This is completely normal. Wait until there is at least some daylight (even overcast) before concluding the inverter has a fault. Many early-morning calls turn out to be owners checking at 6am before sunrise.

Why an inverter won't start

Starting with the simplest and most common causes.

AC isolator turned off

Most common cause. The AC solar isolator has been switched to OFF — after a maintenance visit, a power cut, or accidentally. Turn it back on and wait 3 minutes.

MCB tripped in consumer unit

The solar circuit breaker in the consumer unit has tripped. Look for a breaker in the mid or down position. Reset once — if it trips again, call an electrician.

DC isolator turned off

On some inverter models the control electronics are powered by the DC string. If the DC isolator is off, the inverter has no power at all, even if the AC supply is present.

No grid supply (power cut)

Grid-tied inverters require the grid to start. During a power cut the inverter will not operate. It will restart automatically when the grid supply returns.

Power surge damage

A lightning proximity event or grid switching transient has damaged internal components. The inverter was working, then a storm or grid event occurred, and it has been dead since. Requires engineer diagnosis.

Inverter hardware failure

The inverter itself has failed — capacitor degradation, failed power supply board, or IGBT failure. More common on inverters over 8–10 years old. Requires component-level diagnosis.

Power supply checks — do these first

Do these checks during daylight hours only.

1
Check the AC isolation switch

Find the AC solar isolator — usually a red rotary switch mounted near the consumer unit or solar generation meter. Check it is in the ON (I) position. If it is in the OFF (O) position, turn it on. Wait 2–3 minutes for the inverter to initialise and begin startup checks.

2
Check the consumer unit

Open the consumer unit and look for any MCB in the tripped position (mid or down) labelled Solar, PV, or Inverter. Also check the main RCD or RCBO. Reset any tripped breaker once. If it holds, wait for the inverter to start. If it trips again immediately, leave it and call an electrician.

3
Check the DC isolator

Locate the DC isolator on or near the inverter. It should be in the ON position. If it is OFF, turn it on. On some inverter models this is the primary power source for the control electronics.

4
Confirm grid power is present

Check that other appliances in the house have power. If the grid is down, the inverter will remain dark until it returns. Most inverters wait 60–90 seconds after grid restoration before attempting reconnection — this is a G98/G99 requirement.

5
If all power sources confirmed — book a diagnostic

If the AC supply is present, the DC isolator is on, the MCBs are healthy, and there is no power cut — but the inverter is still completely dark — the inverter itself has likely failed. This requires component-level diagnosis and cannot be self-resolved. A remote diagnostic session will confirm the situation before an engineer visit is arranged.

Brand-specific startup notes

Inverter startup requirements differ by manufacturer. Use the note for your brand before working through a full fault investigation.

GivEnergy

GivEnergy AIO and Gen2 hybrid inverters require both AC isolation (consumer unit breaker) and DC isolation (rooftop DC switch) to be live before the unit will boot. A blank display with power present usually means DC voltage is not reaching the inverter — check the DC switch and any inline fusing. See the GivEnergy hub for detailed startup checks.

Growatt

Growatt SPH and MIN series inverters require a complete L/N/E AC connection before the unit will start — a missing Neutral or an open AC output breaker prevents boot entirely. If the display stays blank, verify the AC output terminal block connections at the inverter before investigating further.

Sunsynk / Deye

Sunsynk inverters include an internal AC output circuit breaker accessible via a small hatch on the unit. This breaker occasionally trips on surge events and is easy to miss. If the inverter receives DC power but does not boot, check and reset the internal breaker before investigating further.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

A completely dark inverter means it has no power. Check: the AC isolation switch, any tripped MCBs in the consumer unit, the DC isolator, and whether the house has grid power. These are the four most common causes and all are fixable without an engineer.
Yes — grid-tied inverters shut down completely at night. A dark inverter at 11pm is not a fault. Check it during daylight hours, ideally when the sky is at least partly clear. Some inverters take 15–20 minutes after sunrise to start generating.
Sudden death is often caused by: a power surge from lightning or a grid event; an internal fuse blowing due to a wiring fault; or the AC supply being interrupted (tripped MCB, switched isolator). Check the consumer unit and isolators first. If a storm occurred at the same time, surge damage to the inverter electronics is possible.
Most inverters are rated 10–15 years. String inverters commonly develop faults between years 8 and 12 due to capacitor degradation. If your inverter is over 10 years old and has failed, replacement may be more cost-effective than repair depending on the fault type — a diagnostic will advise.
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Inverter confirmed dead — what next?

A remote session reviews whatever portal data is available and confirms the situation before recommending the right on-site service. For a non-responsive inverter, an emergency repair visit may be appropriate.

  • Independent — not affiliated with any manufacturer
  • Emergency repair available
  • Remote check before any visit arranged

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