Reading Your Inverter

Your inverter(s) will turn on and off automatically every day. During daylight hours, the inverter displays production data from your system. At night, the inverter is in standby mode because your PV array is not producing any power.

Your inverter is equipped with LED status indicators that allow you to determine the operating mode of the inverter as well as possible operation errors. For a complete list of the indicators that might display on your inverter, please refer to the operating manual that came with your system.

If your system did not come with a printed manual, you may obtain a copy from our database.
Simply search for your inverter and click on the link to download the manual. 
 

General Safety Precautions

Your system was designed and installed according to international safety requirements, but as with all electrical and electronic equipment, certain precautions must be observed when operating the equipment.

To reduce the risk of personal injury, be sure to observe all of the safety precautions listed in the operation manual for your system.
 

Turning Your System Off

You should not need to turn off your system but in case of an emergency, your system can be turned on and off by using the AC and DC disconnects, which are switches used to connect or disconnect components in your PV system. The AC and DC disconnects for your system should be clearly labeled. The AC system should always be disconnected before the DC system.

To turn your system off, please contact TFS or refer to the operation manual for your system.

Upkeep & Maintenance

General Safety Precautions:

  • Do not cover or inhibit airflow around the inverter. Doing so will prevent the inverter from adequately cooling.
  • Do not attempt to open your inverter. Inverters should only be serviced by an authorized professional.

  • In the event of a power outage, the inverter is designed to shut down. This feature protects utility workers who might be working to restore power to the area. Your system will not produce electricity during blackouts. When utility power resumes, the inverter will automatically re-connect to the utility and begin normal operation.

  • Should you experience an emergency such as a fire, explosion, gas leak, severe damage to your PV system or fuel spill around the system components, shut down the system immediately by turning the AC and DC disconnects off. Use your best judgment when shutting off the inverter during an emergency. If the emergency requires that you seek safety immediately, do so and then alert emergency personnel to the inverter’s location in your home.

System Maintenance - PV Panels:

Cleaning – TFS does not recommend cleaning your panels. Seasonal rains should be sufficient for keeping your panels clean. If severe soiling occurs (bird droppings, leaves or debris), you can clean panels with water and a soft cloth or sponge. Do not use chemical products or abrasive cleaning materials that could scratch the surface of the panels and void the warranty. To avoid panel damage, do not clean the panels during the day when the panels are hot. Spraying cold water on a hot panel could result in panel damage and void your warranty. Only clean panels in the early morning or late evening when the panels are cool.

Shading – PV panels should be kept free from shade caused by trees, power lines or other obstructions. Check for trees that could be shading the panels during daylight hours and trim the trees if necessary.

System Maintenance - Inverter:

Cleaning – The inverter should be free of dust and debris. You should periodically check to make sure the fans are free of debris and operating normally. The intake screens should also be clean and well-ventilated.

Shading – During the day, the inverter will become warm to the touch. This is part of the inverter’s normal operation. Unlike your solar panels, external heating from exposure to the sun may cause excessive internal heating. Make sure that your inverter is shaded from direct sunlight.