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+263 78 922 2847Learn why your MUST Inverter or SVolt Battery isn’t charging. Decode Error Codes and restore reliable Solar Power in Zimbabwe.
It can be frustrating when your Solar Inverter or Must or SVolt LiFePO4 Battery isn’t charging—especially during critical backup periods like load shedding. Fortunately, most modern solar systems provide clear feedback through Common Inverter Error Codes. Understanding these codes is the key to diagnosing issues quickly and efficiently.
Your First Step: Check the Inverter Display
Before suspecting a major failure, walk over to your inverter. It is the brain of your solar installation, managing power from your panels to your home and battery. When a problem occurs, it will display a specific fault or warning code on its screen.
Look at its LCD screen. Is it operating normally, or is there a flashing light, a persistent beeping, or a number displayed? This number is the key. Find the code and match it to the common problems below.
Problem 1: The Battery Itself Has an Issue (Voltage Faults)
The most direct reason for a battery not charging is a problem with its voltage. Your inverter constantly monitors this to protect the battery from damage.
You See `Error 04: Battery voltage is too low` or `Warning 64: Low battery`
What it means: The battery is simply too depleted. This is very common in Zimbabwe during long periods of load shedding. `Warning 64` is the early alert, while `Error 04` is the resulting shutdown to protect the battery.
Solution: This is a state of overuse, not a fault. You must allow the battery to recharge from solar during the day or from the grid before it will resume normal operation. If this happens frequently, your energy usage may be too high for your system's capacity.
You See `Error 03: Battery voltage is too high`
What it means: The battery is overcharged, or the inverter thinks it is. The inverter has correctly stopped charging to prevent damage.
Solution: This can be caused by incorrect settings for your specific battery type (e.g., Lithium vs. AGM). A qualified technician should verify the charging parameters match your battery's specifications.
Problem 2: The Solar Panels Aren't Providing a Charge (PV Faults)
If the battery is healthy, the next step is to check if power from your solar panels is reaching the inverter correctly.
You See `Warning 73: Solar charger stops due to high PV voltage`
What it means: The voltage from your solar panel array is exceeding the inverter's limit, stopping all solar charging.
Solution: This is almost always an installation issue, typically meaning too many solar panels are connected in one string. You must contact your installer to reconfigure the array safely.
You See `Warning 70: Output power derating`
What it means: The inverter is getting too hot and reducing its power output. This means less power is available to both run your home and charge your battery.
Solution: Check that the inverter's cooling fans are not blocked and it has space to circulate air. This is a common precursor to a full shutdown like `Error 02` or `Error 27`.
You See `Error 32` or `Error 33` (Solar Charger Current Errors)
What it means: These codes indicate a fault with the internal MPPT solar charge controller. The inverter cannot properly read or control the current from the panels.
Solution: This is an internal hardware fault that requires a solar technician for repair.
Problem 3: Your Home is Using All the Solar Power (Overload)
Sometimes, the system is working perfectly, but there's no excess energy left to store. Solar systems power your home first and use only leftover energy to charge the battery.
You Hear Beeping and See `Warning 67: Overload`
What it means: Your home is drawing more power than the inverter is rated to provide, leaving no power for battery charging.
Solution: Reduce your home's energy consumption. Turn off high-power appliances like air conditioners, ovens, or kettles.
You See `Error 07: Overload time out`
What it means: You were in an overload state for too long, and the inverter has shut down to protect itself.
Solution: You must significantly reduce the number of running appliances and then reset the inverter. If this happens often, your system may be undersized for your needs.
Problem 4: A Wiring or Internal Hardware Fault
If none of the above issues apply, the problem could be a more serious physical connection issue or an internal component failure. These errors almost always require professional service.
You See `Error 56: Battery connection is open`
What it means: The inverter cannot detect the battery.
Solution: This is a critical wiring issue. It could be a loose terminal, a blown fuse, or a disconnected cable. For your safety, do not attempt to fix this yourself. Call a professional installer immediately.
You See `Error 05: Output short circuited`
What it means: A dangerous short circuit has been detected in your home's wiring or in a connected appliance.
Solution: Unplug all appliances and reset the inverter. If the fault persists, you have a wiring issue in your home and must call an electrician.
You See Errors like `11, 21-26, 51-58`
What it means: These codes refer to internal failures of relays, sensors, or control boards.
Solution: These are not user-serviceable. Contact your solar installer with the specific error code.
General System Health Checks
Check for Dirt and Shade: Exposure to adequate sunlight is essential. Dirt, dust, and leaves on your panels can significantly reduce their output. Regular cleaning is important, especially after the rainy season. Also, check for new sources of shade, like growing tree branches, that might be blocking sunlight.
Check System Compatibility: A properly designed system is crucial. For instance, a large 10kW solar panel array cannot operate at its full potential if paired with a small 3kVA inverter. An undersized inverter creates a bottleneck, limiting the power that can charge your battery. In Zimbabwe, a 5kVA inverter is a suitable size for most households.
Look for Physical Damage: Check your panels for visible damage like cracks, which can be caused by falling debris or extreme weather. Even tiny microcracks can let moisture in and reduce efficiency over time.
When to Call a Professional in Zimbabwe
Attempting to repair a solar system yourself is dangerous and can void your warranty. A licensed installer or solar technician is the best person to diagnose and fix the problem safely.
As a rule of thumb:
- If the error code points to an overload (`07`), low battery (`04`), or overheating (`27`), you can try to resolve the cause yourself by reducing load or clearing vents.
- If the error code points to wiring (`56`), internal faults (`11`, `51`, etc.), or PV configuration (`73`), you must call a professional.
By using your inverter's error codes, you can move from a frustrating problem to an informed solution, ensuring your system gets back to storing clean energy for when you need it most.
Still Having Trouble?
If you're facing a persistent error code or are unsure about a fault, it's always safest to seek professional help. For expert solar inverter support here in Zimbabwe, contact the Sona Solar Zimbabwe technical team for service you can trust.
Sona Solar Zimbabwe – Your Trusted Partner for Solar Energy Solutions
Sona Solar Zimbabwe provides premium Solar Panels, Lithium Batteries, Inverters, and complete Solar Systems for homes, businesses, and industries. We also specialize in expert Borehole Drilling Solutions and Solar-Powered Water Systems. Trust our experienced team for professional Solar installations in Harare, Marondera, Mutare, Chitungwiza, and across Zimbabwe, delivering reliable, efficient, and cost-effective renewable energy solutions.
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Sona Solar Zimbabwe
Sona Solar Zimbabwe
7 Frank Johnson Avenue,
Avenues, Eastlea
Harare, Zimbabwe.
Call Us Today:
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+263 24 2797750
Email:
sonasolarzw@gmail.com
Website:
www.sonasolar.co.zw
Borehole Experts Zimbabwe
Borehole Experts Zimbabwe
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Harare, Zimbabwe.
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