Troubleshooting & Faults

Overview

This guide helps you identify and resolve common solar, inverter, or battery issues before booking a technician.
 Rainbow Power Company systems are designed for reliability, but occasional performance issues or alerts can occur due to weather, equipment settings, or age-related wear.
 Following the checks below may help restore your system to normal operation and save time on service calls.

Safety First:If you are not familiar with electrical equipment or if there are signs of burning, exposed wiring, or a strong odour, switch the system off at the main isolator and contact Rainbow Power Company or a licensed electrician immediately.

 

1. Solar Array Performance Issues

Symptoms

  • Reduced daily power generation
  • Monitoring portal showing lower-than-usual kWh
  • “PV Undervoltage” or “PV Isolation” warnings on the inverter

Possible Causes

  • Shading from trees or debris on panels
  • Dirty or dusty panels affecting light absorption
  • Loose, damaged, or corroded connectors
  • Faulty string isolator or tripped DC breaker

Recommended Checks

  1. Inspect panels from ground level for shading or debris (do not climb onto the roof).
  2. Check the inverter display or app for live generation data.
  3. Confirm that all system isolators are switched ON.
  4. After a storm or heavy rain, look for any pooling water or roof debris that may block sunlight.

If generation remains abnormally low, record the inverter model, system size (kW), and date of installation before contacting RPC.

 

2. Inverter Faults or Error Codes

Symptoms

  • The inverter display shows a red or orange fault light
  • No AC output from the inverter
  • Error codes such as “Grid Fault,” “No Grid,” or “Over Temperature”

Possible Causes

  • Temporary grid disturbance or voltage fluctuation
  • Tripped circuit breaker on the AC side
  • Overheating due to blocked airflow or high ambient temperature
  • Internal component fault requiring service

Recommended Checks

  1. Note the exact fault code displayed on the inverter.
  2. Check whether the inverter restarts automatically after 5–10 minutes.
  3. Ensure there is adequate airflow around the inverter and it is not exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods.
  4. Check your household switchboard to confirm breakers have not tripped.
  5. If the fault persists, switch the inverter OFF, wait 60 seconds, and power it back ON.

If the fault reappears, contact RPC and provide the inverter brand, model, serial number, and fault code for diagnosis.

 

3. Battery or Storage System Issues

Symptoms

  • Battery not charging or discharging correctly
  • Battery state-of-charge (SOC) not updating on the monitoring platform
  • “Battery Communication Error” message on the inverter or control unit

Possible Causes

  • Communication cable disconnected or loose
  • Battery firmware or BMS error
  • Low temperature preventing charging
  • System shut down due to prolonged low voltage

Recommended Checks

  1. Check whether the battery LEDs or indicators are on.
  2. Ensure all communication cables (CAN or RJ45) are securely connected.
  3. If your system has a separate battery switch, ensure it is in the ON position.
  4. Access your monitoring platform (Sunny Portal, VRM, or manufacturer app) to check system data.
  5. If the battery remains offline, contact RPC with your system details for remote diagnosis.

 

4. Monitoring and Communication Faults

Symptoms

  • No data appearing on Sunny Portal, VRM, or monitoring app
  • System reported as “Offline”
  • Intermittent data updates or delayed readings

Possible Causes

  • Internet or Wi-Fi connection lost
  • Router reset or changed password
  • The communication cable is unplugged from the inverter or GX device
  • Firmware update pending

Recommended Checks

  1. Confirm your home or business internet is working.
  2. Check whether other devices (PC, phone) have internet access.
  3. Verify that monitoring cables are connected securely.
  4. Restart the inverter or GX device if it has been online for several months continuously.
  5. For remote properties, confirm that the satellite or mobile signal is active.

If the system reconnects automatically within an hour, no action is needed. If it remains offline for longer than 24 hours, contact RPC for assistance.

 

5. When to Contact a Technician

If you’ve completed the above checks and the issue persists, please contact Rainbow Power Company for support.
 Have the following details ready:

  • System type (On-Grid, Off-Grid, or Hybrid)
  • Inverter brand and model
  • Battery brand and capacity (if installed)
  • Date of installation
  • Description of the fault and any error codes displayed

Our technicians will guide you through further checks or arrange an inspection if needed.

 

Contact Support

Phone: 02 6689 1430
Email: team@rpc.com.au

Opening hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm (AEST)

 

If you notice incorrect or outdated information, please use the Report an Issue button below. Our technical team will review and update the article promptly.