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.

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Generally, most mechanical defects will be covered during the warranty period, as long as they are deemed a manufacturing fault. Most suppliers also guarantee 80% power production for the first 25 years of your solar power system’s life.

It is important to understand that warranty terms and conditions vary from supplier to supplier.

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Need help setting up WiFi for your Fronius GEN24 Inverter to your Fronius Solar.web monitoring? This method is if you have a WPS button on your modem. The WPS method is the fastest, we have a separate FAQ page to re-connect your WiFi if you don't have a WPS button in a separate FAQ explainer.

Have you recently changed your WiFi network's password, WiFi modem, internet service provider or shifted to NBN?

If so, you will need to update your WiFi password settings otherwise you will not be able to view your Fronius solar PV system online in the Fronius Solar.web monitoring portal and might recieve an email to your registered Fronius Solar.web accounts reporting fault 996 - communication error between inverter and Solar.web.

Below are steps for how to set up / change your WiFi details.

Step 1 - Activate WPS on your Modem/Router

• Go to your Modem/Router and locate the WPS button which is typically on the back of the modem/router
• Click and hold the "WPS" button for approximately 3 seconds

Step 2 - Activate WPS on the Fronius GEN24 Inverter

• Go to the Fronius GEN24 Inverter, if the WiFi is not connected, you should see solid Red, objective is get this solid Blue.
• Once in front of the inverter you'll see a Finger icon in the middle which is an Optical Sensor. Place your finger over the Optical Sensor and give two slow taps over the Optical Sensor (not too quickly). Place over and remove (first time), place over and remove (second time). If done correctly the WiFi indicator will start flashing GREEN which indicates the Inverter is trying to connect to your WiFi internet
• Wait up to 30 seconds, it will turn solid Red for a few seconds and then it will turn solid Blue. Once solid Blue, your inverter should be connected to the internet

Step 3 - Check your Solar.web monitoring account to confirm monitoring is working

• Go back to solarweb.com to your Fronius PV system and you should see that your monitoring is back up and running

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For your Fronius SnapINverter (Fronius Primo / Symo) - here we recommend having the most up to date firmware so you get the best out of your rooftop solar PV system with your Fronius SnapINverter.

We recommend setting up regular Calendar reminders to review the current system firmware settings - a recommended interval for checking is annually every 12 months.

IMPORTANT: Ensure the Datamanger is updated BEFORE the Firmware is updated. Detail below:

1. Log into Fronius Solar.web (www.solarweb.com)

2. Select your solar PV system

3. Click on the Settings tab

4. Click on the Components tab

5. Begin the update process for the Fronius Datamanager. Select the Data Source and click UPDATE (Important! Wait until this is complete before proceeding to the next step)

6. Updating the Fronius SnapINverter firmware by selecting the Inverter and click UPDATE (Note this process can take up to 20-60 minutes for this process to complete.)

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When installed with PV, Powerwall is designed to charge from solar energy. If your solar system is not yet operational, Powerwall will not be able to charge. If your solar system is operational and you are in Self-powered Mode, Powerwall will charge with any excess solar that your home doesn't immediately use. Smaller solar systems sometimes do not produce more than your home is currently using. You can increase the backup reserve or switch to Backup-only, which will prioritize charging Powerwall with any solar production.

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Power flow on the monitoring Tesla mobile app shows the instantaneous flow of power of your home energy system. On a typical day a combination of solar, grid, and Powerwall may be powering your home. Solar energy may flow to the grid when your home does not need it and Powerwall is full. When charging your Powerwall to its backup reserve level or in Backup-only mode, solar power will flow directly from solar to Powerwall while grid energy is drawn for the home.

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The Tesla Gateway part number and serial number for your Powerwall Gateway will appear on a sticker on the inside of the Gateway door. Learn how to locate your Gateway information here.

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Benefits of the Methven Kiri Satinjet Ultra Low Flow:

• Full-body shower experience: Exclusive to Methven. Satinjets colliding twin jets produce over 300,000 droplets of water per second for the ultimate shower experience.
   
• Methven revitalises the traditional shower: The traditional shower experience, enhanced by leading-edge Methven technology.
   
• Easy DIY installation: Replace your shower rose on your own - no need for a plumber
   
• Low Flow technology: The revolutionary Kiri Low Flow range provides a great shower at a flow rate of just less than 5.0 litres per minute

In summary if you want maximum shower for minimum water usage then the Methven Kiri Satinjet ULF is the answer.

Feel free to check out our Methven Kiri Satinjet Ultra Low Flow showerhead webpage for more information and this video below to see the Methven in action:

• Methven Kiri Satinjet Low Flow showerhead video

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Here is the installation guide for how to install your Methven Kiri Satinjet ultra low flow shower head/handset

Some notes on installation:

• After installation, all connections must be checked for leaks.
• All installations must be carried out in compliance with relevant water regulations.

ULTRA LOW FLOW HANDSET INSTALLATION

Remove existing handset from hose. Insert the filter washer into the hose before screwing hose end to your Kiri ultra low flow handset.

ULTRA LOW FLOW SHOWER HEAD INSTALLATION

Remove existing shower head from arm. Remove cap from Kiri ultra low flow handset/shower head. Screw shower head onto arm. Straighten shower head so it is in the correct orientation.

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