SolarEdge Relay Fault: What This Hardware Error Means
A relay fault on your SolarEdge inverter (error code 18xA5 or similar 18xAx codes) indicates a problem with the internal relay that connects your solar system to the grid. This is a hardware failure that requires professional service.
What Does the Relay Do?
The output relay is a safety switch inside your inverter. It physically connects and disconnects your solar system from the electrical grid. Before the inverter starts exporting power, it tests this relay to make sure it can safely disconnect if needed (like during a power outage). A relay fault means this safety test failed.
Why This Happens
Mechanical wear. Relays are electromechanical devices — they have moving parts that eventually wear out after thousands of switching cycles.
Power surges. Lightning strikes or grid surges can damage relay contacts.
Manufacturing defect. In rare cases, the relay may have been defective from the factory.
What to Do
A relay fault cannot be fixed by power cycling or changing settings. The inverter needs to be serviced or replaced.
- Contact SolarEdge support with the exact error code
- Check if your inverter is still under warranty (most SolarEdge inverters have 12-25 year warranties)
- A certified technician will either repair or replace the inverter
Hardware failures happen. SolarDoctor makes sure you know about them the same day — not months later.
Get your free health score →While a relay fault requires professional repair, catching it early minimizes your production losses. SolarDoctor monitors your system's health score daily, so you'll know something is wrong within 24 hours — not when your next electric bill arrives weeks later.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a relay fault on a SolarEdge inverter?
A relay fault means the internal relay that connects your inverter to the grid has failed or is not operating correctly. The relay is a safety device that disconnects your system from the grid during power outages or faults.
Can a SolarEdge relay fault be repaired?
Relay faults typically require inverter repair or replacement, as the relay is an internal component. If your inverter is under warranty (typically 12-25 years), SolarEdge may replace it at no cost.
How much does it cost to replace a SolarEdge inverter?
A new SolarEdge inverter costs $1,000-$2,500 depending on the model and size. Installation labor adds $300-$500. Check your warranty first — most SolarEdge inverters have a 12-year standard warranty, extendable to 25 years.
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