SolarEdge – Error Code 13

SolarEdge – Error Code 13

Is your SolarEdge Solar Inverter showing up with Error Code 13 on the screen?

What is a SolarEdge Error Code 13?

Error Code 13 on your SolarEdge Solar Inverter indicates an issue with the AC (Alternating Current) connection, specifically that the inverter is not correctly connected to the power grid or the home’s electrical system. This could be due to the live wires (L1, L2, and L3) being connected in the wrong order, which prevents the inverter from functioning properly and converting the DC (Direct Current) power from your solar panels into usable AC power for your home.

Recommended solution/fix steps

To fix this error, please follow these simplified steps:

1. Ensure Safety: First and foremost, ensure that all power sources are turned off to avoid any risk of electric shock. This includes the solar inverter, the solar panels, and the main power supply to your home.
2. Access the Inverter: Open the inverter’s connection area where the AC wires are connected. This is usually located at the bottom or side of the inverter.
3. Identify the Wires: Locate the L1 and L2 wires (or L2 and L3 if your system uses these). These wires are typically color-coded but refer to the inverter’s manual to be sure of their identification.
4. Switch the Wires: Carefully disconnect the L1 and L2 wires (or L2 and L3) from their terminals. Then, reconnect them by switching their positions — plug the wire previously in L1 into the L2 terminal and vice versa (or L2 to L3 and L3 to L2).
5. Secure Connections: Ensure that the wires are securely connected to their new terminals and that there are no loose connections.
6. Test the System: After switching the wires, turn the power back on to the inverter and then the main power supply. Check the inverter display to see if the error has been resolved.

If the error persists or you are unsure about performing these steps safely, it is highly recommended to contact a professional electrician or SolarEdge support for assistance.

Troubleshooting to try

• Check if your inverter is switched on
• Check if your DC isolator is turned on
• Check if all the light indicators are green
• Try rebooting the whole system

How to restart/reset/reboot your SolarEdge solar inverter?

Follow the inverter shut down procedure label which may be located on your inverter or the main switchboard of your house.

Typically, this procedure will be:

1. Turn off the AC “Solar Supply Main Switch” or “Inverter Main Switch” located on the main switchboard of the house.
2. Turn off the AC isolator at the inverter (if present)
3. Turn off the “PV array DC isolator”, located next to the inverter. The screen should go blank, and the lights should go off.  Leave it like this for five minutes or so, and then switch it back on.
4. Wait a few minutes…
5. Turn the inverter back in reverse order (DC isolator first, AC second).
6. DC On first. It is very important that you restart by switching the DC isolator on first, as you shouldn’t switch DC under load (ie with the AC on), as the isolator could arc.
7. AC On next. Put the AC switch (solar supply main switch) back on, and then wait.  All inverters take at least one minute to restart, and you may see the lights flashing while the inverter does internal testing.  There will also be a variety of messages on the screen again as it tests.  This is quite normal.

SolarEdge Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures a long operating life and optimal efficiency of the entire PV plant. Risk of inverter damage or personal injury due to incorrect service! Always keep in mind that the inverter is powered by dual sources: PV strings and utility grid.

Before any service work, observe the following procedure:

• Disconnect the AC circuit breaker and then set the DC load-break switch if the inverter to OFF;
• Wait at least 10 minutes for inner capacitors to discharge completely;
• Verify that there is no voltage or current before pulling any connector.

Maintenance Items include:

• If the inverter is dirty, clean the enclosure, the enclosure lid, the type label and the LEDs using only clean water and a cloth.
• Ensure that the inverter is free of dust, foliage and other dirt.
• At least once a year, open the fan screen and clean the accumulated dust using a brush.