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SMA Solar Technology Error Codes

Complete Australian reference for SMA Sunny Boy inverter diagnostic codes with professional troubleshooting guidance and repair solutions

Identify issues with your SMA solar system and understand proper response procedures for Australian installations

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SMA Inverter Models in Australia

SMA Solar Technology offers a comprehensive range of premium inverter systems designed for Australian residential and commercial solar installations. The Sunny Boy series delivers single-phase inverter technology with high efficiency and reliability compatible with Australian grid standards (230V single-phase / 400V three-phase, 50Hz), while Sunny Tripower models provide three-phase solutions for larger installations. These diagnostic codes apply to SMA inverter systems installed across Australia and comply with AS/NZS 4777.2 grid connection standards. All SMA inverters installed in Australia must be installed by CEC (Clean Energy Council) accredited installers. Error indicators appear as numeric error codes on the inverter display, LED status indicators, and status messages in the Sunny Portal monitoring system, providing comprehensive diagnostic information for system operators and installers.

Reading Error Codes

• Check inverter display for numeric error codes (e.g., 33, 39, 102, 202, 301)
• Review LED status indicators on inverter front panel
• Check Sunny Portal for system status messages
• Note error code number and any additional information
• Consult SMA installation manual for your specific model

SMA Product Series

• Sunny Boy - Single-phase high-efficiency inverters (230V, 50Hz)
• Sunny Tripower - Three-phase inverters for larger systems (400V, 50Hz)
• Sunny Central - Large-scale central inverters
• Data Logger - System monitoring and communication
• Sunny Portal - Cloud-based monitoring platform

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Understanding SMA Diagnostic Codes

SMA inverter systems feature sophisticated diagnostic capabilities that continuously monitor system performance and automatically detect operational issues. When a problem is identified, the system communicates through multiple channels: numeric error codes displayed on the inverter, LED status indicators, and status messages in the Sunny Portal monitoring system. This comprehensive diagnostic framework enables rapid problem identification and helps determine appropriate response procedures. All SMA inverter series (Sunny Boy, Sunny Tripower) utilise continuous performance monitoring with real-time error detection. Error codes are typically numeric (e.g., 33, 39, 102, 202, 301, 501, 3401, 3501, 6402, 7001) that indicate specific system conditions or faults. Some codes like 33 and 39 may appear particularly in winter months and are often non-critical. Always reference your specific model's installation and service manual for precise code definitions and model-specific information.

Australian Standards Compliance: SMA inverters installed in Australia must comply with AS/NZS 4777.2 grid connection standards and be installed by Clean Energy Council (CEC) accredited installers. All electrical work must be performed by licensed electricians in accordance with Australian wiring rules (AS/NZS 3000).

Grid Connection Errors

Issues with AC grid voltage, frequency, and connection parameters.

Code	Meaning	Possible Causes	Solutions
102	Grid Fault/Grid Overvoltage Fast - Inverter detected fast overvoltage in grid	•Utility grid voltage too high •Grid voltage fluctuations •Transformer tap settings •Grid instability •Voltage regulation issue	Do not attempt to override safety shutdown Check utility grid voltage with calibrated multimeter (should be 230V ±10% for single-phase, 400V ±10% for three-phase) Contact your DNSP (Distribution Network Service Provider) to report voltage issues Request DNSP to lower tap transformer if voltage consistently high Wait for grid voltage to return to normal range System will automatically reconnect when voltage stabilises within acceptable limits Contact CEC-accredited installer if voltage issues persist May require DNSP intervention
202	Grid Fault/Grid Undervoltage Fast - Fast undervoltage in grid detected	•Utility grid voltage too low •Grid voltage fluctuations •Transformer issues •Grid instability •Voltage drop in distribution	Do not attempt to override safety shutdown Check utility grid voltage with calibrated multimeter (should be 230V ±10% for single-phase, 400V ±10% for three-phase) Contact your DNSP (Distribution Network Service Provider) to report voltage issues Wait for grid voltage to return to normal range System will automatically reconnect when voltage stabilises within acceptable limits Contact CEC-accredited installer if voltage issues persist
301	Grid Fault/Voltage Increase Protection - Inverter detected unexpected voltage increase in grid	•Grid voltage increase protection activated •Voltage rise protection triggered •Grid instability •Voltage regulation issue	Check grid voltage parameters with calibrated multimeter Verify grid parameters are correctly configured Wait for grid conditions to stabilise System will automatically reconnect when conditions are normal Contact CEC-accredited installer if problem persists
501	Grid Fault/Grid Frequency Disturbance - Grid frequency deviation from allowable range detected	•Grid frequency too high •Grid frequency too low •Grid instability •Frequency fluctuations •Grid synchronisation issue	Check grid frequency with calibrated multimeter (should be 50Hz ±0.5Hz for Australian grid) Verify frequency is within allowable limits (49.5Hz to 50.5Hz) Inverter will automatically attempt to reconnect when frequency returns to normal Wait for grid frequency to stabilise Contact your DNSP (Distribution Network Service Provider) if frequency is consistently out of range Contact CEC-accredited installer if problem persists
33	Input Voltage Too High - Inverter recognises input voltage is too high	•Too many modules per string •String voltage exceeds maximum •Cold weather voltage rise •Incorrect string configuration •Module mismatch	Check PV generator wiring configuration Review PV system design and sizing Verify number of modules per string matches inverter specifications Account for cold weather voltage rise in calculations (important in Australian alpine regions) Verify module specifications match system design Contact CEC-accredited installer to verify string configuration This may occur in winter months and is often non-critical
39	Insufficient Conditions for Feed-in - Inverter not feeding in due to insufficient conditions	•Low solar irradiance •Insufficient DC voltage •Grid conditions not met •Startup conditions not fulfilled •Normal winter operation	No action required - this is often normal in winter months Inverter will automatically resume operation when conditions are optimal Check solar irradiance levels Verify DC voltage is sufficient Wait for conditions to improve This is typically non-critical and resolves automatically

DC Voltage and Isolation Errors

Issues with DC input voltage and electrical isolation.

Code	Meaning	Possible Causes	Solutions
3401	DC Overvoltage / Overvoltage Input A (SW) - Input voltage at Input A is too high	•Too many modules per string •String voltage exceeds maximum •Cold weather voltage rise •Incorrect string configuration •Module mismatch	Check DC input voltage at Input A with calibrated multimeter Verify number of modules per string matches inverter specifications Review string configuration in installation manual Account for cold weather voltage rise in calculations (important in Australian alpine regions) Verify module specifications match system design Contact CEC-accredited installer to verify string configuration
3501	Insulation Resistance / Isolation Fault - Isolation fault detected in DC circuit	•Damaged PV module insulation •Water ingress in junction boxes •Damaged DC wiring insulation •Ground fault in PV array •Moisture in connections	Immediately shut down the system Do not attempt to restart until fault is resolved Inspect all PV module connections and junction boxes Check DC wiring for damage or water ingress (especially after heavy rain) Test isolation resistance with megohmmeter (minimum 1 MΩ per AS/NZS 5033) Check for moisture in connections Contact CEC-accredited SMA installer immediately This is a serious safety condition requiring professional diagnosis
DC Voltage Too Low	DC input voltage below minimum operating threshold	•Too few modules per string •Shading on panels •Faulty modules •DC wiring losses •String configuration error	Check string voltage with calibrated multimeter Verify minimum number of modules per string Inspect panels for shading (trees, buildings, debris) Check for faulty modules in string Verify DC wiring connections Review string configuration Contact CEC-accredited installer if voltage remains low

Temperature and Overheating Errors

Issues with inverter temperature and thermal protection.

Code	Meaning	Possible Causes	Solutions
6402	Self-Diagnosis / Overtemperature - Inverter detected internal overheating	•Insufficient ventilation •Direct sunlight on inverter •High ambient temperature •Blocked air vents •Faulty cooling fan	Improve ventilation around inverter Ensure inverter is not in direct sunlight (critical in Australian summer) Check that air vents are not blocked Verify adequate clearance around inverter Check cooling fan operation Allow inverter to cool down before restart Contact CEC-accredited installer if temperature remains high after improving ventilation
7001	Fault Sensor Internal Temperature - Internal temperature sensor in inverter is defective	•Faulty temperature sensor •Sensor wiring issue •Internal sensor failure •Communication error with sensor	Check temperature sensor connections Verify sensor is functioning Contact CEC-accredited SMA installer for sensor diagnostics May require inverter service or replacement Do not attempt to repair yourself

DC Current and Power Errors

Issues with DC current and power generation.

Code	Meaning	Possible Causes	Solutions
6406	DC Overcurrent / Overcurrent Input A (HW) - Too high current at Input A detected	•Too many modules per string •Short circuit in string •Faulty modules •DC wiring issue •Current exceeds maximum	Check DC current at Input A Verify string configuration Inspect for short circuits in string Check for faulty modules Verify DC wiring connections Contact CEC-accredited installer for diagnosis Do not attempt to repair yourself
No DC Power	Inverter not receiving DC power from solar panels	•DC disconnect open •String breakers off •Faulty DC connections •No solar irradiance •Panel failure	Check DC disconnect switches Verify string breakers are ON Inspect DC connections Check for solar irradiance (daytime) Verify panels are generating DC voltage Check for panel or string failures Contact CEC-accredited installer if DC power should be available

Communication and Monitoring Errors

Issues with communication and monitoring systems.

Code	Meaning	Possible Causes	Solutions
No Communication with Data Logger	Inverter cannot communicate with SMA Data Logger	•Communication wire break •Data Logger offline •Network issue •Communication protocol error	Check communication wiring between inverter and Data Logger Verify Data Logger is powered and online Check network connection Restart Data Logger if needed Verify communication settings Contact CEC-accredited installer if communication cannot be restored
Sunny Portal Not Accessible	Sunny Portal monitoring not accessible or showing errors	•Internet connection issue •Data Logger offline •Server connectivity problem •Account access issue	Check internet connection Verify Data Logger is online Check Sunny Portal server status Verify account credentials Restart Data Logger if needed Contact CEC-accredited SMA installer if portal remains inaccessible

Internal Inverter Errors

Issues with inverter internal systems and hardware.

Code	Meaning	Possible Causes	Solutions
Internal Inverter Error	Internal inverter fault or hardware error	•Internal inverter fault •Control board issue •Hardware failure •Component malfunction	Attempt inverter restart by power cycling If error persists, contact CEC-accredited SMA installer Do not repeatedly restart if error continues Note error code and contact CEC-accredited installer May require inverter replacement or repair
Power Stage Error	Inverter power stage fault	•Power stage failure •IGBT failure •DC/AC conversion issue •Hardware malfunction	Contact CEC-accredited SMA installer immediately This requires professional diagnosis Inverter may need repair or replacement Do not attempt to repair yourself

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Critical Safety Notice

Do not attempt DIY repairs on your SMA solar system. The majority of diagnostic codes relate to high-voltage DC and AC electrical systems, grid connection safety mechanisms, or critical safety features. Specific codes requiring immediate professional intervention include: 3501 (Isolation Fault), 6402 (Overtemperature), and 6406 (DC Overcurrent). Upon encountering these codes, immediately shut down the system if safe to do so and contact a CEC-accredited SMA installer without delay.

Professional service by CEC-accredited installers is mandatory—contact a licensed solar installer or reach out to CEC-accredited SMA installer for expert assistance.

Australian Requirements: All inverter repairs must be performed by Clean Energy Council (CEC) accredited installers in accordance with AS/NZS 4777.2 and Australian wiring rules (AS/NZS 3000). Unauthorised work on electrical systems poses extreme danger and violates Australian electrical safety regulations.

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Maintenance Guidelines for Australian Installations

Scheduled Service Requirements

✓Professional inspection and service annually by CEC-accredited SMA installer
✓Monthly visual inspection of solar panels for damage, soiling, or bird droppings
✓Clean panels quarterly or as needed based on local conditions (dust, pollen, coastal areas)
✓Monitor system performance daily through Sunny Portal
✓Check inverter status and LED indicators monthly
✓Verify Data Logger is online and communicating

Proactive Maintenance Strategies

✓Keep panels clean to maximise energy production
✓Trim trees and vegetation to prevent shading
✓Ensure adequate ventilation around inverter (critical in Australian summer)
✓Monitor production trends for early problem detection
✓Keep firmware updated for latest features and fixes
✓Review system alerts and error codes promptly

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does error code 33 (Input Voltage Too High) mean?

Error code 33 indicates that the inverter recognises the input voltage is too high. Check PV generator wiring configuration and review PV system design and sizing. Verify the number of modules per string matches inverter specifications and account for cold weather voltage rise in calculations (important in Australian alpine regions). This may occur in winter months and is often non-critical. Contact a CEC-accredited installer to verify string configuration.

What does error code 39 (Insufficient Conditions for Feed-in) mean?

Error code 39 indicates that the inverter is not feeding in due to insufficient conditions. No action is required - this is often normal in winter months. The inverter will automatically resume operation when conditions are optimal. Check solar irradiance levels and verify DC voltage is sufficient. This is typically non-critical and resolves automatically.

What should I do if I see error code 102 (Grid Overvoltage Fast)?

Error code 102 indicates that the inverter detected fast overvoltage in the grid. Do not attempt to override the safety shutdown. Check utility grid voltage with calibrated multimeter (should be 230V ±10% for single-phase, 400V ±10% for three-phase) and contact your DNSP (Distribution Network Service Provider) to report voltage issues. Request DNSP to lower tap transformer if voltage consistently high. Wait for grid voltage to return to normal range. The system will automatically reconnect when voltage stabilises within acceptable limits. Contact a CEC-accredited installer if voltage issues persist.

What does error code 3501 (Isolation Fault) mean?

Error code 3501 indicates an isolation fault detected in the DC circuit. Immediately shut down the system and do not attempt to restart until the fault is resolved. Inspect all PV module connections and junction boxes, check DC wiring for damage or water ingress (especially after heavy rain), and test isolation resistance with megohmmeter (minimum 1 MΩ per AS/NZS 5033). This is a serious safety condition requiring professional diagnosis. Contact a CEC-accredited SMA installer immediately.

What should I do if my inverter shows error code 6402 (Overtemperature)?

Error code 6402 indicates that the inverter detected internal overheating. Improve ventilation around the inverter, ensure it is not in direct sunlight (critical in Australian summer), check that air vents are not blocked, verify adequate clearance around the inverter, and check cooling fan operation. Allow the inverter to cool down before restart. Contact a CEC-accredited installer if temperature remains high after improving ventilation.

Can I repair my SMA system myself?

High-voltage DC and AC electrical work must exclusively be performed by CEC-accredited licensed professionals to ensure safety compliance with Australian standards. Homeowners can safely perform basic tasks like cleaning panels and monitoring the Sunny Portal, but all technical repairs require certified CEC-accredited SMA installers. Unauthorised work on electrical systems poses extreme danger and violates Australian electrical safety regulations and building codes.

How do I check if my Data Logger is working?

Check Data Logger status in the Sunny Portal. Verify the Data Logger is powered and online, check the network connection, and verify communication settings. If the Data Logger is offline, check communication wiring between the inverter and Data Logger, restart the Data Logger if needed, and contact CEC-accredited installer if communication cannot be restored.

How often should I clean my solar panels?

Solar panels should be cleaned quarterly or as needed based on local conditions. Panels in dusty areas, areas with heavy pollen, or coastal areas may need more frequent cleaning. Keep panels clean to maximise energy production. Inspect panels monthly for damage or excessive soiling that may require immediate cleaning.

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Summary

Proper interpretation of diagnostic codes is essential for effective SMA solar system troubleshooting in Australian installations. This comprehensive reference enables quick problem identification and guides appropriate response actions. SMA systems utilise numeric error codes displayed on inverter displays, LED status indicators, and status messages in the Sunny Portal monitoring system to indicate specific sensor and system malfunctions. Sunny Boy and Sunny Tripower inverters provide diagnostic information through error codes and monitoring systems for convenient diagnosis.

⚠️Complex diagnostic situations, especially those involving high-voltage DC and AC electrical systems and grid connection safety, require immediate professional evaluation by CEC-accredited installers. Critical codes demanding urgent response include: 3501 (Isolation Fault), 6402 (Overtemperature), and 6406 (DC Overcurrent). These indicators represent serious safety hazards requiring certified CEC-accredited SMA installer response. Adherence to scheduled maintenance protocols and immediate attention to diagnostic codes extends equipment service life and minimises long-term operational costs. Note that some codes like 33 and 39 may appear particularly in winter months and are often non-critical—always consult your specific unit's installation and service manual for precise interpretations. All repairs must comply with AS/NZS 4777.2 grid connection standards and Australian wiring rules (AS/NZS 3000).