Fault lights, blank screens and falling production are common signs an inverter is struggling. Here is what our technicians test, how long inverters typically last, and when a battery-ready replacement makes sense. The inverter is the hardest-working part of a solar system, and it is usually the first major component to need replacing. Panels are built to keep producing for decades, while string inverters commonly last around 10-15 years depending on heat, workload and build quality. The most common warning signs are a fault light or error code, a blank display in daylight, and production that drops well below what the system used to deliver. If you notice any of them, leave the equipment closed and arrange a proper diagnosis.
Warning signs to watch for
Some failures are sudden and obvious. Others show up as a slow slide in production that is easy to miss unless you check your monitoring.
- A red or orange light, or an error code on the inverter display or in the app, especially one that keeps returning.
- A blank screen or no lights at all during daylight hours.
- No production on a clear day, or output that stops in the middle of the day.
- Lower output than the same month last year, well beyond the small gradual decline panels normally show.
- The solar circuit breaker tripping repeatedly at the switchboard.
- Unusual noise, a very hot casing or a burning smell.
A word on safety. The cabling from the panels stays live whenever light reaches them, even when the main switch is off. Never open an inverter, touch the cabling or keep resetting a breaker that trips. If you see smoke or scorch marks or smell burning, keep everyone clear and call emergency services. Otherwise, note what you see, take a photo of the display and contact us.
Why inverters wear out
Inverters convert DC power from the panels into AC power for your home, and that conversion creates heat. Over years, heat and constant load wear out internal electronic components and cooling fans. The main factors that shorten inverter life are:
- mounting on a west-facing wall in full afternoon sun;
- poor ventilation, such as a cramped cupboard or a spot hemmed in by other equipment;
- voltage surges from storms or grid disturbances;
- moisture, dust or insects getting into connections and isolators;
- a system running at or near the inverter's limit for long periods.
Some of these can be reduced. Our market lists an Inverter Weather Cover from $290, which shades exposed inverters while keeping ventilation clearances, and Surge Protection from $390 for the main switchboard.
What our technicians test
A fault on the display does not always mean the inverter itself has failed. The problem can sit in the panels, cabling, isolators or the grid connection, so we test the whole chain before recommending a replacement.
| Check | What it tells us |
|---|---|
| Fault log and error history | Whether faults are recurring, grid-related or internal to the inverter |
| Firmware version | Whether a known issue can be resolved with an update |
| String voltages and currents | Whether the panels and cabling are delivering what the inverter expects |
| Isolators and connectors | Signs of water entry, heat damage or loose terminations |
| Grid settings | Whether the settings match current network requirements |
| Mounting and ventilation | Whether heat is contributing to the problem |
Inverter Inspection and Testing is $199 per inverter, and Solar Fault Diagnosis is $249 for the call-out and first hour, with a quote for any repair. Both are listed in our energy market, and all market prices are indicative.
Repair or replace?
If the inverter is still under warranty, a claim through the manufacturer is usually the first step, and your original paperwork and serial number make that far easier. Outside warranty, repairing internal electronics is rarely practical for residential inverters. Replacement generally makes more sense when the unit is out of warranty, faults keep returning, or the inverter is over ten years old and you are also thinking about adding a battery.
If the company that installed your system is no longer trading, the manufacturer's warranty still stands, although you may need a new installer to diagnose the fault and lodge the claim on your behalf. Our testing and replacement services are available for systems we did not originally install. Any replacement inverter must also meet the current Australian standard for grid-connected inverters, so its grid settings will reflect today's network requirements rather than those in place when your system was first connected.
Like-for-like or battery-ready hybrid?
A failed inverter is a natural moment to decide whether you want a battery in the next few years.
- Like-for-like replacement keeps costs lower and the approval simple. It suits homes with no battery plans.
- A battery-ready hybrid inverter costs more upfront but lets a compatible battery connect later without replacing the inverter again. It suits households likely to add storage.
We install hybrid inverters from GoodWe, Fox ESS, Sungrow and Sigenergy. Our home battery page explains how storage connects to a hybrid system. With either option, we check that your existing panels suit the new inverter's input range and whether the change needs a new network application.
Timing can matter too. If a battery is likely within the next year or two, remember that the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program discount steps down every 1 January and 1 July. Installing a hybrid inverter now keeps that door open without committing you to a battery before you are ready, and you can confirm the current discount on the official program page whenever you decide.
What replacement day involves
- The system is isolated safely by our licensed electrician.
- The old inverter is removed and the new one mounted, out of direct sun where possible.
- Panel strings and the AC connection are reconnected and tested.
- Grid settings and any export limit are configured.
- Monitoring is connected and checked on your phone.
- You receive compliance paperwork, and the old unit is taken away for disposal.
Next steps
In our market, Inverter Replacement is listed from $1,990 for a 5 kW inverter, supplied and installed, covering like-for-like or an upgrade to a battery-ready hybrid. The final price is confirmed after we have tested your system. If your inverter is showing faults now, contact our team for a diagnosis, or request a quote if you would like to plan a replacement together with a battery.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth making a warranty claim on an older inverter?
Check first. Inverter warranties commonly run somewhere between five and ten years, and some can be extended, so an inverter that feels old may still be covered. You will need the serial number and proof of the installation date. Be aware that some warranties cover the replacement unit but not labour or call-out costs, which is worth weighing up against a full replacement with a battery-ready model.
Will a new inverter produce more power from my existing panels?
Sometimes a little. A newer inverter can convert power slightly more efficiently, and one with multiple tracking inputs handles panels on different roof faces better. If the old inverter was faulty, the improvement can be noticeable. A new inverter cannot, however, reverse the normal gradual decline of ageing panels or fix shading, so we set realistic expectations based on your panels and roof.
My monitoring app stopped updating. Is the inverter failing?
Not necessarily. Monitoring often drops out after a new modem is installed, the Wi-Fi password changes or the signal at the inverter weakens, while the system keeps producing normally. Check whether the inverter display shows normal operation during the day. If the connection cannot be restored, our market lists a Replacement Monitoring Gateway from $290 for compatible inverters, supplied and set up.
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