Your SMA inverter has stopped feeding energy into the grid and is displaying an event code on the screen, via its LED indicators, or through the Sunny Portal. Every event code corresponds to a specific condition the inverter has detected. Some clear themselves within minutes. Others need a qualified electrician.
SMA has been manufacturing solar inverters longer than almost anyone. Their event code library is extensive, but the numbering is consistent and logical. Lower numbers (1xx–8xx) relate to grid faults, while higher numbers (3xxx–8xxx) relate to the DC side, internal hardware, and communication. This guide covers the codes you are most likely to encounter on a residential or light commercial SMA system in Australia.
This guide applies to the SMA residential and light commercial range installed in Australia: Sunny Boy (single-phase, all generations including the current SBS series), Sunny Tripower (three-phase), and legacy models including SB-TL, STP-TL, and SMC series. Event codes are consistent across SMA’s product range, though some codes only apply to specific models.
Last reviewed: April 2026. Event code lists verified against current SMA documentation, ennexOS Sunny Portal alert descriptions, and SMA Online Service Center resources. Contact PSW Life Support if your code is not listed or the recommended steps do not resolve the issue.
Contents
How SMA event codes work
SMA categorises events into three types:
- Information — Operational messages that do not indicate a fault. The inverter continues to operate normally. Examples include time synchronisation, firmware updates, and Grid Guard code notifications.
- Warning — The inverter has detected a condition that may affect performance but has not stopped operating. Warnings are displayed on the LCD status screen and in the Sunny Portal.
- Error — The inverter has detected a condition that requires it to stop feeding into the grid. The inverter disconnects for safety and displays the event code. Some errors clear automatically when the external condition resolves (e.g., grid voltage returns to normal). Others require professional service.
Event codes appear in several places depending on your inverter model. The Sunny Portal (now “Sunny Portal powered by ennexOS”) shows both the event number and a plain-English description.
How to find your event code
LCD-equipped inverters (Sunny Boy SB-TL, Sunny Tripower STP): The event code and description appear on the LCD screen when a fault is active. Press the button to scroll through the display pages.
LED-only inverters (newer Sunny Boy SBS series): Check the LED indicators on the front panel for general status, then log in to the Sunny Portal or SMA Energy app for the specific event code and description.
Sunny Portal powered by ennexOS: Log in at ennexos.sunnyportal.com (this replaces the classic Sunny Portal). Navigate to your system and check the event log under your inverter. All active and historical events are listed with timestamps, event numbers, and descriptions. If your system has not yet been migrated to ennexOS, you can still access the classic portal at sunnyportal.com.
SMA Energy app: Download the SMA Energy app (iOS or Android). The app shows your system status, current production, and any active event codes.
Before you look up your code: try a restart
Many SMA event codes resolve with a standard system restart. Before contacting your installer, try this:
- Switch OFF the AC circuit breaker for the inverter (in your switchboard, labelled “Solar” or “Inverter”)
- Switch OFF the DC isolator (red rotary switch on the underside of the inverter)
- Wait at least five minutes. The inverter display should go completely blank and all LEDs should be off
- Switch ON the DC isolator first
- Switch ON the AC circuit breaker
- Wait for the inverter to complete its start-up sequence. The display should show “Waiting for grid voltage” followed by a countdown, then begin feed-in
If the code reappears after the restart, note the exact event code number and the time it occurred, then look it up below.
Safety notice: Never open the inverter cover or disconnect DC connectors yourself. DC cables from solar panels carry dangerous voltage during daylight hours. All work inside the inverter or on DC wiring is restricted to licensed electricians under Western Australian electrical safety legislation.
Grid and AC event codes (1xx–8xx range)
These codes indicate the grid supply at your property is outside the inverter’s permitted operating range. The inverter disconnects to comply with AS 4777.2 protection requirements and restarts automatically when conditions return to normal.
In Perth, event codes 101–105 and 301 are the most common SMA faults. Grid voltage on the SWIS network rises during high-solar-export periods, particularly in suburbs with high rooftop PV penetration.
| Code | Description | What to do |
|---|---|---|
101–105 | Grid voltage too high. The grid voltage or impedance at the connection point exceeds the permitted limit | Most common event code in Perth. The inverter disconnects and waits for voltage to normalise. Usually clears by mid to late afternoon. If persistent, your installer can check AC wiring gauge and length, verify the country setting, or request a Western Power network voltage assessment |
202–206 | Grid disconnection / utility grid not available. The grid has been disconnected, the AC cable is damaged, or the grid voltage is too low | Check your switchboard for tripped breakers. Confirm there is no area outage on the Western Power outage map. Ensure the AC cable is not damaged and is connected correctly. If the grid is available and this code persists, contact your installer |
301 | Grid fault. The ten-minute average of the grid voltage is no longer within the permitted range | Similar to 101–105 but based on a sustained average. Common in Perth during extended peak solar periods. If persistent, your installer should investigate AC wiring or request a network assessment |
401–404 | Grid disconnect due to frequency change. The inverter has stopped feed-in due to grid frequency fluctuations | Automatic. The inverter restarts when frequency stabilises. Rare in WA. If persistent, contact your installer |
501 | Grid frequency outside the permitted range | Automatic. If persistent, contact your installer to verify protection parameter settings are appropriate for Australia |
601 | Excessive DC in grid current. The inverter’s monitoring has detected too much direct current in the AC output | May indicate an insulation or measurement fault. If persistent, contact your installer |
701 | Frequency not permitted. The grid power frequency is outside the permissible range set for the inverter | Automatic if transient. If persistent, your installer should verify the country/frequency settings |
801 | Waiting for grid voltage. The inverter understands there has been a grid failure (power outage) | Check your main switchboard breakers. Confirm whether the area has an outage. The inverter will restart automatically once grid supply returns and the mandatory reconnection timer expires (AS 4777.2 requires a minimum waiting period before reconnection) |
1001 | L and N connection swap. The active and neutral connections at the inverter are reversed | Contact your installer. This is a wiring fault that needs correction |
1302 | L and N not connected. The AC connection to the inverter is incomplete | Contact your installer. Check the AC cable and connections |
1501 | Value/country data error. The inverter’s country setting or grid protection parameters are incorrect | Contact your installer. The inverter needs to be reconfigured with the correct country code for Australia. This requires the SMA Grid Guard code |
DC, insulation, and PV array event codes (3xxx range)
These codes relate to the DC side of the system: solar panels, DC wiring, and the PV array’s insulation from earth. The 3xxx range contains some of the most serious fault codes in the SMA library. Insulation faults (3501) and residual current faults (3701) are safety-critical.
| Code | Description | What to do |
|---|---|---|
3301–3303 | DC input low power. The inverter is not receiving enough power from the solar panels to begin feed-in | Normal at dawn, dusk, during heavy cloud, or rain. If this appears during clear midday conditions, check for panel shading, a tripped DC isolator, or a string fault. Contact your installer if persistent in good sunlight |
3401–3407 | DC overvoltage. The PV string voltage exceeds the inverter’s maximum input voltage | Contact your installer immediately. This should not occur in a correctly designed system. Do not restart without professional inspection. Possible causes: string configuration error, panel bypass diode fault, or extreme cold weather increasing open-circuit voltage |
3501, 3503 | Insulation failure. The inverter has detected a ground fault in the PV array or the insulation resistance is too low | ⚠️ Contact your installer. Do not restart without professional inspection. Common causes: damaged MC4 connectors, water ingress in a DC isolator or junction box, degraded cable insulation, or panel-level faults. More common after rain or storms. If the fault clears in dry weather but returns after rain, there is a water ingress point that needs to be found and sealed. Note: on some Sunny Boy models, this fault latches and must be manually cleared through the Sunny Portal settings after the physical cause has been fixed |
3601 | High discharge current. A leakage current to earth has been detected on the DC side during normal operation | Contact your installer. Similar causes to 3501. The DC wiring and panels need insulation testing |
3701 | Residual current too high. High earth leakage current detected | ⚠️ Contact your installer. Do not touch uninsulated wires. Similar causes to 3501 and 3601. This is a safety-critical fault. Like 3501, this code may latch on some models and require manual clearing after repair |
3801–3802 | DC overcurrent. The inverter is measuring excessive current from the solar panels | Contact your installer. Possible causes: string wiring error, damaged panel, or bypass diode fault |
Clearing latched insulation fault codes (3501, 3701): On some Sunny Boy models (particularly the SB 3.0–6.0 and SB 7.7), event codes 3501 and 3701 can latch and prevent the inverter from restarting even after the physical fault has been repaired. After your installer has found and fixed the cause, the codes can be cleared through the Sunny Portal (ennexos.sunnyportal.com) under the inverter’s settings. SMA advises not performing this reset more than once per day.
Hardware and internal event codes (6xxx–7xxx range)
These codes indicate a fault within the inverter itself. Always try a full restart first. If the code returns, professional service is required.
| Code | Description | What to do |
|---|---|---|
6002 | Waiting for DC start conditions. The inverter has sufficient grid connection but DC voltage is too low to begin feed-in | Normal at dawn and dusk. If persistent during good sunlight, check for a tripped DC isolator or panel fault |
6402 | Over-temperature. The inverter’s internal temperature has exceeded the safe operating limit | Clean the cooling fins on the rear of the enclosure and the air ducts using a soft brush. Ensure the inverter has sufficient ventilation, the ambient temperature has not exceeded 40°C, and the inverter is not exposed to direct sun. In Perth, common on 40°C+ days. Consider a shade hood if this occurs regularly. If persistent after improving ventilation, contact your installer |
7001–7002 | Self-diagnosis error. The inverter has detected an internal hardware or measurement fault | Restart. If persistent, contact SMA or your installer. The inverter may need service or replacement under warranty |
7102 | Parameter file not found or defective. The required parameter file is missing or corrupt | If the inverter uses an SD card for data logging, check the card is properly seated. Contact your installer if persistent |
Communication and system management event codes (8xxx range)
These codes relate to communication between the inverter and monitoring systems, energy management devices, and the Sunny Portal. Communication events do not stop the inverter from generating power, but they can affect monitoring, export limiting, and system management features.
| Code | Description | What to do |
|---|---|---|
8003 | Communication disturbed. The cause must be determined by service | Check your internet connection and WiFi. If persistent, contact your installer or SMA service |
8206 | Electric arc detected (AFCI). The inverter’s arc fault detection has triggered | ⚠️ Potential fire risk. Contact your installer immediately. Do not restart without professional inspection. On some SMA models (particularly the Tripower Core1), false arc fault triggers can occur due to radio crosstalk between DC homeruns from different inverters. Your installer can adjust the arc fault response settings if false triggers are confirmed |
8708 | Timeout in communication for active power limitation. Communication to the system controller (e.g., Sunny Home Manager) has been lost | Check that the connection to the Sunny Home Manager or energy meter is intact. Verify no cables are damaged or disconnected. If persistent, contact your installer |
8709 | Timeout in communication for reactive power specification | Same as 8708. Check system manager connection |
8710 | Timeout in communication for cos-Phi specification | Same as 8708. Check system manager connection |
SMA LED status indicators
SMA inverters use a combination of green, red, and blue LEDs. The exact LED layout varies by model, but the colour meanings are consistent.
| LED | State | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
Green | Solid or pulsing | Normal operation. The inverter is feeding power to the grid. Pulsing indicates active feed-in; the speed corresponds to output level |
Green | Flashing | The inverter is connected to the grid but not yet feeding in (start-up, low DC input, or waiting for reconnection timer) |
Green | Off | No feed-in. Night mode, fault state, or no DC input |
Red | Solid or flashing | A fault or error has occurred. Check the LCD screen, Sunny Portal, or SMA Energy app for the event code |
Blue | Solid | The inverter is communicating with the Sunny Portal. Monitoring data is being transmitted |
Blue | Off | No communication with the Sunny Portal. Check your WiFi or network connection |
All LEDs off | — | No power to the inverter. Check that the AC breaker, DC isolator, and on/off switch are all in the ON position |
Codes that need immediate professional attention
Most SMA event codes are either temporary (grid-related) or informational. The following codes require prompt action from a qualified electrician. Do not attempt a restart without professional advice if you see any of these:
- 3501, 3503 (Insulation failure) — Ground fault or low insulation resistance in the PV array. Safety-critical
- 3701 (Residual current too high) — Earth leakage current detected. Electrical shock hazard
- 3401–3407 (DC overvoltage) — DC voltage exceeds the inverter’s maximum. Do not restart without inspection
- 8206 (Arc fault detected) — Potential fire risk in DC wiring
- 1001 (L and N swap) — AC wiring polarity is reversed. Installation fault
For any code in this list, contact PSW Life Support or call your original installer.
SMA monitoring: Sunny Portal migration to ennexOS
SMA has been migrating all systems from the classic Sunny Portal to “Sunny Portal powered by ennexOS” since 2024. The migration happens automatically — you do not need to do anything. Your existing Sunny Portal login credentials work on the new platform at ennexos.sunnyportal.com.
Key changes to be aware of:
- The classic Sunny Portal at sunnyportal.com will eventually stop receiving live data updates after your system is migrated
- All historical energy data and power data (up to 60 days) transfers to the new platform
- The SMA Energy app continues to work normally and shows data from the new platform
- Systems using Sunny WebBox or SMA Cluster Controller will not be migrated and remain on the classic portal
If your inverter’s blue LED is off or the Sunny Portal shows no recent data, your inverter has likely lost its WiFi connection. The solar system continues to generate power normally; only monitoring is affected.
Keeping your SMA firmware current
SMA releases firmware updates that improve grid compliance, fix known bugs, and add features. Keeping firmware current can prevent or resolve many event codes.
- Newer models (SBS series, Sunny Tripower with integrated WiFi): Firmware updates can be pushed remotely by SMA through the Sunny Portal if the inverter is online. Your installer can also update via the SMA 360° app during a site visit.
- Older models (SB-TL, STP-TL, SMC): Firmware updates typically require an SD card or USB dongle and a site visit from your installer.
SMA recommends keeping your inverter connected to the internet and enabling event notifications in the Sunny Portal so you are alerted to both faults and available firmware updates.
Frequently asked questions
My inverter shows event codes 101–105 every day around midday. Is it broken?
No. These are the most common SMA event codes in Perth. Under AS 4777.2:2020, your inverter must disconnect when grid voltage exceeds the permitted threshold. This is common in suburbs with high rooftop solar penetration. The inverter restarts automatically when voltage drops. If this is significantly reducing your generation, your installer can verify the country and voltage settings or request a Western Power network voltage assessment.
What does event code 801 (Waiting for grid voltage) mean?
The inverter has detected that the grid supply is not available. This usually means a power outage, a tripped breaker in your switchboard, or a disconnected AC cable. Check your breakers first, then confirm whether there is an area outage. The inverter will restart automatically once grid supply returns.
I fixed a ground fault but the inverter still shows 3501 and will not restart. What do I do?
On some Sunny Boy models, event codes 3501 and 3701 latch after the physical fault triggers them. Even after the repair, the code remains stored and prevents restart. Your installer can clear the latched codes through the Sunny Portal (ennexos.sunnyportal.com) under the inverter’s settings. SMA advises performing this reset no more than once per day.
Event codes 33 and 39 appear in winter but clear by mid-morning. Is this a fault?
Not usually. These codes relate to low DC input conditions. During winter, shortened daylight hours and low sun angles mean the PV array takes longer to reach the inverter’s minimum operating voltage. The codes clear once irradiance levels rise sufficiently. This is normal seasonal behaviour.
My SMA inverter shows a red LED but I cannot see an event code. What do I do?
If your inverter does not have an LCD screen (newer SBS models), the event code is only available through the SMA Energy app or Sunny Portal. Log in and check for active events. If you cannot access the app, try a full restart. If the red LED persists, contact your installer with the approximate time it appeared.
I have an event code not listed here. What should I do?
Contact PSW Life Support with the event code number, your inverter model and serial number, and the approximate time the event occurred. We service SMA inverters across Perth and can diagnose many issues remotely through the Sunny Portal.
References
- SMA — Sunny Portal powered by ennexOS
SMA — Online Service Center
SMA Australia — Products and support
AS 4777.2:2020 — Grid connection of energy systems via inverters (Part 2: Inverter requirements)
Western Power — Technical Rules and Metering Code
This guide is current as at April 2026. SMA firmware updates may introduce new event codes or modify existing behaviour. Contact PSW Life Support for the latest information.
