SolarEdge DC Overvoltage — Panel String Voltage Too High

What Does This Error Mean?

A DC overvoltage on a SolarEdge inverter means the voltage coming from the solar panels has exceeded the inverter's maximum DC input voltage. This is most often caused by too many panels connected in series, or very cold temperatures causing panel voltage to spike above design levels. Persistent DC overvoltage can damage the inverter's input stage.

Affected Models

SolarEdge SE2200H
SolarEdge SE3000H
SolarEdge SE5000H
SolarEdge SE7000H
SolarEdge SE10000H
SolarEdge StorEdge (all models)
SolarEdge Three-Phase Inverters

Common Causes

Too many panels in series — string voltage at cold temperature exceeds the inverter's maximum DC input
Very cold weather — solar panels produce higher voltage in cold temperatures
SolarEdge power optimizers bypassed or removed — string voltage no longer regulated
Design error by the installer — string sizing did not account for cold temperature voltage rise
Additional panels added to a string without recalculating voltage

How to Fix It

Note the weather conditions when DC overvoltage appeared.

If it appeared on an unusually cold and sunny morning, this is a classic cold-temperature voltage spike. Solar panels produce their highest voltage when cold — the inverter may have been designed close to its voltage limit and cold weather pushed it over.
Check whether any SolarEdge power optimizers were recently removed or bypassed.

SolarEdge optimizers regulate each panel's output voltage. If optimizers have been bypassed or removed, the string voltage is no longer regulated and can exceed safe levels.
Do not add more panels to the existing strings without consulting your installer.

Adding panels to a string that is already near the voltage limit will push it over. Any panel additions must be designed by a qualified solar installer who calculates cold-temperature maximum voltage.
Contact your solar installer if DC overvoltage events are frequent.

Frequent DC overvoltage indicates a system design problem. The installer is responsible for ensuring the system design is within the inverter's specifications.

When to Call a Professional

Persistent DC overvoltage requires your solar installer to inspect the system design. If the string voltage consistently exceeds the inverter's rated maximum, panels may need to be removed from the string or the system redesigned.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can DC overvoltage damage a SolarEdge inverter?

Yes — sustained overvoltage above the rated DC input maximum can damage the inverter's input capacitors and transistors. A single brief event is unlikely to cause damage if the inverter disconnected quickly. Repeated events or sustained overvoltage can cause premature failure. Fix the root cause promptly.

What is the maximum DC input voltage on a SolarEdge inverter?

Most SolarEdge single-phase inverters have a maximum DC input voltage of 480V DC. This must not be exceeded even at the coldest expected temperature. Your installer's string sizing calculation should have included a cold temperature voltage check.