Solar System Repairs & Warranty Claims Gold Coast, Northern NSW and Sunshine Coast

  • Service Calls

    Our expert technicians will provide a full inspection of your system to determine the fault and complete a full report. If your inverter is still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, we will have the replacement stock shipped to our warehouse and reinstalled for you at no additional cost.

    We charge $150 + GST for a solar system service and report. This includes:

    • Inspecting and recording inverter readings, make, model and serial number
    • Performing test of installation
    • Checking for recalled products while on-site
    • Supplying maintenance report checklist
    • Submitting a warranty claim to inverter manufacturers (when required)
    • Supplying a quote for out-of-warranty inverter replacements (quote can only be provided after completing a site visit)

    *Pricing is based on customers located within 50km radius of Gold Coast + small travel cost will apply for Brisbane or Northern NSW customers.

  • Solar system maintenance timetable

    Once a week:

    • Check inverter is operating.
    • Check inverter is recording exported energy.

    Every 3 months:

    • Check for panel shading, as shading reduces performance.
    • Check for tree litter behind panels and framing.
    • Check for build-up of dust or bird droppings.

    Every year:

    Arrange First Choice Solar to carry out a Solar system performance and maintenance check.

    Any work on your system is required to be carried out by a licensed electrician accredited by the Clean Energy Council to work on Solar Power Systems. Please note that your installation warranty is voided if work is carried out after installation by anyone other than our installation team, as we cannot be sure work has been carried out to our high standards.

    Shut Down Procedure

    Simply follow the steps below to shut down your entire solar system. Sometimes, a simple restart could help to make your system functional again, just like when your computer freezes!

    Instructions for Shutdown Procedure:

    Step 1: Go to your switchboard and open it. Locate the Solar Supply Main Switch and flick the switch to the off position.

    Step 2: If your solar power inverter is more than 3 metres away from your switchboard, you must locate the switch marked, Solar AC Isolator. This will be located next to your inverter. If your inverter and switchboard are within 3 metres of each other, disregard this step

    Step 3: Go to your inverter and find the switch marked PV Array and DC Isolator. Flick this switch to the off (O) position (in some cases there will be two switches). The off (O) position is usually downwards and the on (I) position is upwards.

    Step 4: Your inverter may have a switch marked Inverter Isolator. If it does, flick this switch to the off position. If you cannot locate this switch on your inverter, skip this step. Your solar PV system should now be completely switched off. All lights and screen displays will be dead. Keep the system off for a minimum of five minutes.

    Step 5: To restart your system, follow this guide in reverse. Simply, flick all switches back on in the same order that they were switched off but in reverse. *Please note any changes to the inverter

    Monitor and Observe

    Monitor the LCD screen on your inverter after you have completed the shutdown procedure. If there are stable green lights and no error message on the LCD screen, congratulations your solar system is working again. If there are red lights and/or error message, please take a photo of the LCD screen and attach it to an email, then send it to us at admin@fcsolar.com.au.

    Call or email us if the above steps did not clear the error or fault message:

    Call 1300 356 881 or email admin@fcsolar.com.au. To start the service request please have the following information ready to provide to our technician: Inverter Brand and Model, inverter serial number and install date. Failure to provide full information and photos may delay the process of warranty claim.

    Diagnose and Resolution

    Once we have received your details, we endeavour to diagnose the issue and respond to your service request within five business days. In case of emergency, please shut down your solar system.

    Next steps

    Usually the fault will lie within the inverter or the accessories (DC, AC breakers and other parts). Depending on what the fault is, we will advise you via email what are the next steps to take. We may either arrange for an inspection to further confirm if the fault lies within the accessories or we will lodge a claim with the manufacturer if the fault is with the inverter. Service call charges shall be applicable but not limited to the following situations

    • False or inaccurate claims
    • Warranty no longer valid
    • Please refer to inverter supplier news and service request form for more information.
  • Wifi connecting guides in PDF form (Fronius and Sungrow)


    Fronius Wifi Reconnecting Guide

     


    Sungrow Wifi Reconnecting Guide

     

  • Catch power installation and user guide


    CATCH SolarRelay – User Guide Installation

     

  • Goodwe Error Codes
    Whenever a Goodwe solar inverter is faulty, it will display a message indicating what kind of error or problem it is having. Some examples of these error codes are listed below and the possible solutions to them:

     

    Error Code 23

     

    When a Goodwe solar inverter displays an error code 23 message, it means that the inverter is suffering from utility loss and there is a fault or a disconnection in the grid. Check whether the grid and its connection cables are in proper condition or that the cables are connected properly.

     

    Fault Codes

     

    Other GoodWe fault and error codes are as follows:

     

    • 01 SPI failure or an internal communication failure
    • 02 EEPROM R/W failure or memory chip failure
    • 03 Fac failure or the grid frequency is out of range
    • 07, 25 Relay check failure or a relay self-checking failure
    • 13 Overhigh DC injection
    • 14 Isolation failure
    • 15 Vac failure
    • 16 EFan fault
    • 17 PV over voltage
    • 19 Over temperature
    • 20 IFan fault
    • 21 DC Bus High
    • 22 Ground I Failure
    • 30 Ref 1.5V failure
    • 31, 24 AC HCT failure
    • 32, 26 GFCI failure
    • Others Device failure
  • Sungrow Error Codes
    Code Meaning What to do?
    002 The grid voltage exceeds inverter allowable upper limit Check the voltage of the grid. If the grid voltage exceeds the permissible range of inverter protection parameters, ask the utility grid company for a solution. If the grid voltage is within the permissible range, contact First Choice Solar.

     
    003 Grid transient voltage exceeds the permissible range This is a short-term fault due to grid condition. Inverter should fix itself. If the fault still appears, contact First Choice Solar.
    004 The grid voltage is below inverter’s allowable lower limit. Check the grid voltage.  If the grid voltage exceeds the permissible range of inverter protection parameters, ask the utility grid company for a solution. If the grid voltage is within the permissible range. If code continues to appear, contact First Choice Solar
    005 The grid voltage is too low. This is a short-term fault due to grid condition. Inverter should fix itself. If the fault still appears, contact First Choice Solar
    006 The AC output current exceeds inverter allowable upper limit. he inverter will resume if the output current falls below the protection value. If the fault still appears, contact First Choice Solar
    007 Transient AC overcurrent The inverter will self-recover after several seconds. If the fault still exists, contact First Choice Solar.
    008 The grid frequency exceeds inverter allowable upper limit. Check the grid frequency. If the grid frequency exceeds the permissible range of inverter protection parameters, ask the utility grid company for a solution. If the grid frequency is within the permissible range, contact First Choice Solar.
    009 Grid under-frequency. The grid frequency is below the protective value. Check the grid frequency. If the grid frequency exceeds the permissible range of inverter protection parameters, ask the utility grid company for a solution. If the grid frequency is within the permissible range, contact First Choice Solar.
    010 Islanding Check whether AC circuit breaker is triggered, the cables are firmly connected. Check whether the grid is not in service. If all conditions are OK and this fault still occurs in the LCD screen, contact First Choice Solar.
    011 The DC component of AC current exceeds the inverter limit. Inverter should fix itself but if the fault still appears, contact First Choice Solar.
    012 A failure current is detected Check the PV strings for ground fault. If the fault still appears, contact First Choice Solar.

     
    014 The average grid voltage exceeds the permissible range for over 10 minutes. Wait a moment for inverter recovery. Check the voltage of the grid. If the grid voltage exceeds the permissible range of inverter protection parameters, ask the utility grid company for a solution. If the fault still appears, contact First Choice Solar.

     
    015 The grid voltage exceeds the permissible range Check the model of the AC cables. The inverter should fix itself. Wait a moment for inverter recovery. If the grid voltage exceeds the permissible range of inverter protection parameters, contact First Choice Solar.

     
    016 The bus voltage or power is high. Inverter should fix itself. If the fault still appears, contact First Choice Solar.

     
    019 Bus transient over-voltage.The transient bus voltage exceeds the protective value. Inverter should fix itself. If the fault still appears, contact First Choice Solar.

     
    020 Bus over-voltage.

    The bus voltage exceeds the protective value.

    		 Inverter should fix itself. If the fault still appears, contact First Choice Solar.

     
    021 PV1 input overcurrent is detected Check the layout and the wiring of PV1 input.

     
    022 PV2 input overcurrent is detected Check the layout and the wiring of PV2 input.

     
    036 The temperature of radiator is too high Check whether the placement of the inverter is correct. Check whether the inverter operating ambient temperature is more than the range. Check whether the AC output power exceeds the nominal power. If the fault still appears, contact First Choice Solar.

     
    037 The internal temperature of inverter is too high Check whether the placement of the inverter is correct. Check whether the inverter operating ambient temperature is more than the range. Check whether the AC output power exceeds the nominal power. If the fault still appears, contact First Choice Solar.

     
    038 Relay fault is detected Inverter should fix itself. If the fault still appears, contact First Choice Solar.

     
    039 The insulation resistance is low. (ISO-flt) Check whether the positive and negative of PV panels is short-circuited with ground lead. Inverter should fix itself. If the fault still appears, contact First Choice Solar.

     
    041 Leakage current self-test abnormality Inverter should fix itself. If the fault still appears, contact First Choice Solar.

     
    047 The PV configuration mode set in the phone application interface is not in accordance with the configuration in the connection cabinet Disconnect the inverter. Re-select PV configuration mode and re-connect PV strings.

     
    048 Sampling channel failure Inverter should fix itself. If the fault still appears, contact First Choice Solar.

     
    053 Auxiliary DSP detects grid voltage exceeds set protection value Check the grid voltage. If the grid voltage exceeds the permissible range of inverter protection parameters, ask the utility grid company for a solution. If the fault still appears, contact First Choice Solar.

     
    054 Auxiliary DSP detects grid frequency exceeds set protection value Check the grid voltage. If the grid voltage exceeds the permissible range of inverter protection parameters, ask the utility grid company for a solution. If the fault still appears, contact First Choice Solar.

     
    056 Auxiliary DSP detects grid leakage current exceeds set protection range Check whether there is a grounded fault of the PV string. If the fault still appears, contact First Choice Solar.

     
    057 Auxiliary DSP AC current sampling channel anomaly Inverter should fix itself. If the fault still appears, contact First Choice Solar.

     
    058 Auxiliary DSP detects AC current DC injection exceeds inverter set protection range Inverter should fix itself. If the fault still appears, contact First Choice Solar.

     
    059 Main and auxiliary DSP communication anomaly Inverter should fix itself. If the fault still appears, contact First Choice Solar.

     
    060 Main and auxiliary DSP sampling difference Inverter should fix itself. If the fault still appears, contact First Choice Solar.

     
    070 Fans are defective Stop the inverter and disconnect the AC and DC cables. Check whether the fan duct has been blocked. If not, replace fans.

     
    087 Arc self-detection anomaly warn Wait a while. contact First Choice Solar.

     
    088 Arc anomaly fault Stop the inverter and disconnect the AC and DC cables. Check cable connection for aging and looseness. Re-power on and remove the arc warn manually. contact First Choice Solar.

     
    089 Arc detection OFF warn Remove the warn by enable arc detection function or keep the warn by closing arc detection function.

     
    100 The AC output current exceeds inverter protection limit. The inverter will resume if the output current falls below the protection value. If the fault still appears, contact First Choice Solar.
    101 The grid frequency exceeds inverter allowable upper limit. Check the grid frequency. If the grid frequency exceeds the permissible range of inverter protection parameters, ask utility grid company for solution. If the grid frequency is within the permissible range, contact First Choice Solar.

     
    102 The grid frequency is below the inverter allowable lower limit. Check the grid frequency. If the grid frequency exceeds the permissible range of inverter protection parameters, ask utility grid company for solution. If the grid frequency is within the permissible range, contact First Choice Solar.

     
    106 The inverter is not grounded Check whether there is a reliable inverter grounding line, if there is access to the ground, and the fault still exists, contact First Choice Solar.

     
    200 The bus voltage is high Wait for inverter recovery after bus voltage lower.  If the fault still appears, contact First Choice Solar.

     
    201 The bus voltage is too low. Wait for inverter recovery after bus voltage lower.  If the fault still appears, contact First Choice Solar.

     
    202 PV current overcurrent Wait for inverter recovery after DC current is reduced. If the fault still appears, contact First Choice Solar.

     
    203 The PV input voltage exceeds the bus voltage. Check the functionality of the PV connection terminals.

     
    205 AC output replay abnormal Inverter should fix itself. If the fault still appears, contact First Choice Solar.

     
    306 Input and output power mismatching fault If the fault occurs repeatedly, contact First Choice Solar.

     
    315 PV1 current sampling fault Channel sampling anomaly, contact First Choice Solar.

     
    316 PV2 current sampling fault Channel sampling anomaly, contact First Choice Solar.

     
    409 All temperature sensors fail If the fault occurs repeatedly, contact First Choice Solar.

     
    501 External memory reading/writing warning Power on the inverter again. If fault persists, contact First Choice Solar.

     
    503 Ambient temperature sensor open circuit warning If the fault occurs repeatedly, contact First Choice Solar.

     
    504 Ambient temperature sensor short circuit warning If the fault occurs repeatedly, contact First Choice Solar.

     
    505 Radiator temperature sensor open circuit warning If the fault occurs repeatedly, contact First Choice Solar.

     
    506 Radiator temperature sensor short circuit warning If the fault occurs repeatedly, contact First Choice Solar.

     
    514 Abnormal communication warning of the Sungrow meter. Check whether the power cable connections of the meter are correct. If fault persists, contact First Choice Solar.

     
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  • Fronius error Codes
    Code Description Behaviour Remedy
    STATE 102 AC voltage too high Following careful testing and when the grid conditions are within the permissible range again, the inverter will resume feeding energy into the grid. Check grid connections: If this STATE code keeps recurring contact First Choice Solar
    STATE 103 AC voltage too low
    STATE 105 AC frequency too high
    STATE 106 AC frequency too low
    STATE 107 AC grid outside the permissible limits
    STATE 108 Stand alone operation detected
    STATE 112 RCMU error
    STATE 301 Overcurrent (AC) Short-term interruption while feeding energy into the grid due to over current in the inverter. Fault is rectified automatically; if this STATE code is displayed all the time: contact First Choice Solar
    STATE 302 Overcurrent (DC) The inverter resumes with its startup routine.
    STATE 303 Power stage set over temperature Short term interruption while feeding energy into the grid due to over temperature. Purge openings for cooling air and heat sink if necessary; fault is rectified automatically; if this STATE code keeps recurring contact your solar power system installer.
    STATE 304 Internal temperature too high The inverter resumes with its startup routine.
    STATE 306 LOW PV OUTPUT Short term interruption while feeding energy into the grid. Fault is rectified automatically; if this STATE code occurs when there is sufficient insolation (sunlight) contact First Choice Solar
    Intermediate circuit voltage too low for feeding energy into the grid The inverter resumes with its startup routine. IMPORTANT! Due to the low level of insolation (sunlight) early in the morning and in the evening, the STATE codes 306 (LOW PV OUTPUT) and 307 LOW PV VOLTAGE) are displayed routinely at these times of day. These STATE codes do not indicate any kind of fault.
    STATE 307 LOW PV VOLTAGE
    DC input voltage too low for feeding energy into the grid
    STATE 308 Intermediate circuit overvoltage Short term interruption while feeding energy into the grid. The inverter resumes with its startup routine. Fault is rectified automatically; if this STATE code is displayed all the time: contact First Choice Solar
    STATE 309 DC input voltage MPPT 1 too high
    STATE 313 DC input voltage MPPT 2 too high
    STATE 401 No communication with power stage set possible The inverter will automatically attempt to connect again and, if possible, will resume feeding energy into the grid. If the STATE code is displayed all the time contact First Choice Solar
    STATE 406 Power stage set temperature sensor faulty
    STATE 407 Internal temperature sensor faulty
    STATE 408 DC feeding into the grid detected
    STATE 412 Fixed voltage mode has been selected instead of MPP voltage mode and the fixed voltage has been set to too low or too high a value If this STATE code persists contact First Choice Solar
    STATE 415 Safety cut out via option card or RECERBO has triggered The inverter is not feeding any energy into the grid. If the STATE code is displayed all the time contact First Choice Solar
    STATE 416 No communication possible between power stage set and control system The inverter will automatically attempt to reconnect again and, if possible, will resume feeding energy into the grid.
    STATE 417 Hardware ID problem
    STATE 419 Unique ID conflict
    STATE 421 HID range error
    STATE 425 No communication possible with the power stage set
    STATE 426-428 Possible hardware fault
    STATE 431 Software problem The inverter is not feeding any energy into the grid. Carry out an AC reset (switch the AC circuit breaker off and on); update the inverter firmware; if this status code is displayed all the time please contact First Choice Solar 
    STATE 436 Functional incompatibility (one or more PC boards in the inverter are not compatible with each other, e.g. after a PC board has been replaced. The inverter will automatically attempt to connect again and, if possible, will resume feeding energy into the grid. Update the inverter firmware; if this status code is displayed all the time please contact First Choice Solar 
    STATE 437 Power stage set problem
    STATE 438 Functional incompatibility (one or more PC boards in the inverter in the inverter are not compatible with each other, e.g. after a PC board has been replaced)
    STATE 443 Intermediate circuit voltage too low or asymmetric The inverter is not feeding any energy into the grid. If the status code is displayed all the time contact First Choice Solar
    STATE 445 Invalid limit value settings The inverter is not feeding any energy into the grid for safety reasons. Update the inverter firmware with the latest firmware here; if the STATE code is displayed all the time after the firmware update contact First Choice Solar 
    STATE 447 Insulation fault If this status code is displayed all the time: contact First Choice Solar
    STATE 448 Neutral conductor not connected
    STATE 450 Guard cannot be found
    STATE 452 Memory error detected The inverter will automatically attempt to connect again, and if possible, will resume feeding energy into the grid. If the STATE code is displayed all the time: contact First Choice Solar
    STATE 452 Communication error between the processors
    STATE 453 Short term grid voltage error
    STATE 454 Short term grid frequency error
    STATE 456 Anti-islanding function is no longer implemented correctly
    STATE 457 Grid relay sticking The inverter is not feeding any energy into the grid. Contact First Choice Solar
    STATE 459 Error when recording the measuring signal for the insulation test
    STATE 460 Reference voltage source for the digital signal processor (DSP) is working out of tolerance
    STATE 461 Fault in the DSP data memory
    STATE 462 Error with DC feed monitoring routine The inverter is not feeding any energy into the grid. Contact First Choice Solar
    STATE 463 Reversed AC polarity, AC connector inserted incorrectly
    STATE 474 RCMU sensor faulty If this STATE code keeps recurring, contact First Choice Solar
    STATE 475 Solar panel ground fault, insulation fault (connection between solar panel and ground)
    STATE 476 Driver supply voltage too low
    STATE 480, 481 Functional incompatibility (one or more PC boards in the inverter are not compatible with each other, e.g. after a PC board has been replaced) Update the inverter firmware with the latest firmware here; if the STATE code persists contact First Choice Solar 
    STATE 482 Startup incomplete Perform AC reset (turn AC circuit breaker off and on), complete startup.
    STATE 483 Voltage UDC fixed on MPP2 string out of limits Check the MPP settings; if the status code is displayed all the time contact First Choice Solar
    STATE 485 CAN transmit buffer is full Carry out an AC reset (turn AC circuit breaker off and on), if the STATE code continues to be displayed contact First Choice Solar
    STATE 502 Insulation error on the solar panels Warning message is shown on the display If this STATE code keeps recurring, contact First Choice Solar
    STATE 509 No energy fed into the grid in the past 24 hours Acknowledge STATE code; check whether all the conditions for the problem free feeding of energy into the grid have been met. If the STATE code is displayed all the time: look out for further STATE codes.
    STATE 515 No communication with filter possible If the status code is displayed all the time contact First Choice Solar
    STATE 516 No communication possible with the storage unit Storage unit warning message.
    STATE 517 Derating caused by too high a temperature When power derating occurs, a warning message is shown on the display Purge cooling air openings and heat sink if necessary; fault is rectified automatically; if this STATE code keeps recurring contact First Choice Solar
    STATE 522 DC1 Input Voltage too low The DC voltage on input 1 of the inverter is too low Check voltage & polarity on input 1 of the inverter. If this STATE code keeps recurring please contact First Choice Solar
    STATE 523 DC2 Input Voltage too low The DC voltage on input 2 of the inverter is too low Check voltage & polarity on input 2 of the inverter. Check MPP settings / voltage at the “Installer Menu Basic”. If this STATE code keeps recurring please contact First Choice Solar
    STATE 558 Functional incompatibility (one or more PC boards in the inverter are not compatible with each other, e.g. after a PC board has been replaced) Possible error displays or malfunction on the inverter If this STATE code keeps recurring contact First Choice Solar
    STATE 560 Derating caused by over-frequency This STATE code is displayed when the grid frequency becomes excessively high. The inverter will then reduce its output. The status indicator will continue to be displayed until the inverter has returned to normal operation. As soon as the grid frequency is back within the permissible range and the inverter has returned to normal operation, the fault is rectified automatically. If this STATE code keep recurring contact First Choice Solar
    STATE 566 Arc detector switched off (e.g. during external arc monitoring) The STATE code is displayed every day until the arc detector is reactivated. No error, Confirm status code by pressing ‘Enter’.
    STATE 567 Grid Voltage Dependent Power Reduction is active This state code is a warning informing you that the Grid Voltage Dependent Power Reduction mode (GVDPR or Volt – Watt mode) has been activated and the inverter will continue to operate with reduced power output. This is because the grid voltage has exceeded 250Vac and the GVDPR has been enabled to try to reduce the voltage rise at the inverters terminals. This mode must be enabled by default in accordance with the latest Australian Standards. Acknowledge status code; if this STATE 567 code keeps recurring contact First Choice Solar
    Find out more about the STATE 567 message here
    STATE 705 Conflict when setting the inverter number (e.g. number already assigned) – Correct the inverter number via the setup menu
    STATE 721 EEPROM has been reinitialised or EEPROM is faulty Warning message is shown on the display Acknowledge STATE code; If the STATE code is displayed all the time ccontact First Choice Solar
    STATE 731 Initialisation error – USB stick is not supported Check or replace USB stick. Check the file system on the USB stick. If the STATE code is displayed all the time contact First Choice Solar
    STATE 732 Over current on USB stick
    STATE 733 No USB stick connected Connect or check the USB stick. If STATE code is displayed all the time contact First Choice Solar
    STATE 734 Update file not recognised or not present Check update file (e.g. for correct file name). If STATE code is displayed all the time contact First Choice Solar
    STATE 735 Update file does not match the device, update file too old Warning message appears on the display, update process is interrupted. Update the inverter firmware with the latest firmware here; if the STATE code is displayed all the time after the firmware update contact your local Fronius Service Partner. If STATE code is displayed all the time contact First Choice Solar 
    STATE 736 Write or read error occurred Warning message is shown on the display Check USB stick and the data contained on it or replace USB stick.
    Never unplug a USB stick if the ‘Data Transmission’ LED is still flashing or lit.
    If the STATE code is displayed all the contact First Choice Solar
    STATE 738 Log file cannot be saved (e.g. USB stick is write protected or full)t Create storage space, remove write protection, check or replace USB stick if necessary.
    If STATE code is displayed all the time contact your local Fronius Service Partner.
    STATE 743 Error occurred during update process Repeat the update process, check USB stick. If STATE code is displayed all the time contact your local Fronius Service Partner.
    STATE 745 Update file corrupt Warning message appears on the display, update process is interrupted. Redownload the with the latest firmware here. If STATE code is displayed all the time contact First Choice Solar 
    STATE 751 Time lost Warning message is shown on the display Reset the time and date on the inverter. Check update file (e.g. for correct file name). If STATE code is displayed all the time contact First Choice Solar
    STATE 752 Real Time Clock module communication error
    STATE 757 Hardware error in the Real Time Clock module Error message is shown on the display; the inverter is not feeding any energy into the grid. If STATE code is displayed all the time contact First Choice Solar
    STATE 758 Internal error: Real Time Clock module is in emergency mode Time may be inaccurate or lost (feeding energy into the grid normal)..
    STATE 766 Emergency power de-rating has been activated Error message is shown on the display.
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