How does an solar panel ground fault, insulation fault occur and how do you resolve it?
Where there is a lot of moisture in the area (typically humid conditions or a rainy day), this is when you would notice an isolation fault. Identifying when a fault occurs is only possible when the isolation error presents. Typically you will notice the isolation fault in the morning which sometimes disappears as soon as the moisture resolves (can be a few minutes, few hours). In some cases, it is difficult to identify what has caused the isolation fault. Typically it is due to either poor quality panels or a poor quality solar PV rooftop installation.
This means the solar inverter error isn’t actually broken, or usually, it isn’t the solar inverter failing.
How does an isolation fault occur?
If the shielding on the wiring is damaged during fitting, a short circuit may occur in the DC area of the solar PV system. This is what we call an isolation fault. Besides a problem with the cable shielding, an isolation fault could also be caused by moisture or a bad connection in the solar panel’s junction box.
The error message that appears on the inverter screen is “isolation error” or “isolation fault”. For safety reasons, as long as this fault exists, the inverter will not convert any power as there may be life-threatening current on the conductive parts of the system.
How to resolve if it continues to repeat?
A licensed electrician is required to check the system to try and find the cause of the fault. If the fault can't be located (e.g. multiple sources), then new solar PV panel system and installation is most likely the ultimate solution.
