Key Takeaways

• Solar Systems May Need a Manual Reset After Outages – While most grid-tied solar systems restart automatically once utility power is restored, inverters or breakers can sometimes prevent them from coming back online without a manual reset.
• Safe Reset Steps are Crucial – Resetting requires powering down the inverter, AC disconnect, and solar breaker in sequence, waiting a few minutes, then turning them back on in reverse order. Safety precautions are essential.
• Regular Maintenance Prevents Issues – Routine monitoring, cleaning panels, trimming shading trees, and professional inspections can help catch problems early, improve performance, and reduce the likelihood of post-outage complications.
  

Power outages can cause solar panel systems to stop working properly, even after grid power is restored. Although these systems are usually self-regulating, a manual reset is sometimes needed to restore functionality. To help homeowners handle this situation with confidence, Vesta Home Energy has created a step-by-step guide to walk you through the process.

Solar panel systems convert sunlight into usable electricity. These systems are made up of panels that collect solar energy, an inverter that changes that energy into electricity for your home, and other components that help manage the flow of power. In grid-tied systems, solar panels work with your local utility grid to provide seamless energy.

When there’s a power outage, most grid-tied solar systems automatically shut off as a safety measure. This is to prevent sending electricity back into the grid and risking injury to utility workers. Once power is restored, the system should turn back on automatically, but sometimes it needs a manual reset.

The main parts of a solar energy system include the solar panels, the inverter, the electrical panel (or breaker box), and sometimes a monitoring system. The inverter is a key piece that converts solar energy from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) used in your home.

Understanding how each part works can help you identify where a problem might be if your system doesn’t restart after an outage.

Most modern solar systems include a monitoring tool. This can be a screen on the inverter or an app that shows you real-time data. If your panels are not producing power, the monitoring system will usually show an error code or message that indicates what is wrong. Check this first before attempting a reset.

Some solar systems include battery backups, which store energy for use during an outage. These systems often have different reset procedures.

If your system includes a battery, refer to the battery manual or contact a professional before resetting, especially if the battery is not responding properly.

After a power outage, your solar system may not reboot automatically for several reasons:

• The inverter did not restart correctly.
• A breaker in the panel is tripped.
• The system detected a fault and shut down as a safety precaution.
• The battery system is not communicating properly.

Knowing the cause can help you take the right steps to bring your system back online.

Resetting a solar system involves powering down the components in a specific order and then turning them back on. This helps the system re-establish its connection to the grid and resume normal operations.

Safety Precautions Before Resetting

Before doing anything, make sure it is safe to work around your electrical system. Do not attempt to reset your solar panels during a storm, or if there is visible damage to any part of the system. Always wear dry gloves and shoes when dealing with electrical equipment. If you're unsure or uncomfortable, it is best to contact a licensed electrician.

Locating the Inverter and Control Panel

The inverter is often installed near your main electrical panel, in the garage, basement, or on an exterior wall. Your main electrical panel will have breakers, including one labeled for solar or PV (photovoltaic).

There may also be a separate solar disconnect switch, which is used to cut off power from the solar system to the house.

Here is a general reset process:

• Turn off the solar inverter using its power switch.
• Turn off the AC disconnect switch.
• Turn off the main solar breaker in your electrical panel.
• Wait 1 to 5 minutes to allow the system to fully power down.
• The reverse the steps to turn everything on.

Give the system a few minutes. The inverter lights or screen should indicate the system is back online. If the monitoring system shows power production again, your reset was successful.

If the system does not turn back on or shows error codes, it’s time to call a professional. Issues with the inverter, damaged wiring, or battery failures should not be handled without proper training.

To avoid problems in the future, it’s a good idea to have professionals perform regular checks on your system. Many issues can be caught early with routine monitoring and maintenance. Standard maintenance can include:

• Inspecting the inverter lights.
• Cleaning panels with water and a soft brush every few months.
• Trimming trees or branches that create new shade.

Resetting your solar panel system after a power outage is usually simple, but it helps to understand the basic components and the correct procedure. From knowing when to reset to understanding what each part does, staying informed can save time and restore your solar power faster. Always follow safety steps and do not hesitate to call a professional if something seems off.

Vesta Home Energy can assist with solar system inspections, repairs, and routine maintenance. If your system does not reboot after an outage or you want a full system checkup, our licensed professionals are here to help. Contact us today to learn about our maintenance services!