Samil Solar River Inverters; Mr Solar give advice related to identifying, confirming and or resolving some of the faults detailed below, it starts with safely shutting down and restarting the solar inverter and the solar PV system.

This is something that nearly all solar PV systems installed in the UK would have been designed to be carried out safely by the solar PV system owner.

  1. Turn off the SOLAR SUPPLY MAIN SWITCH on the switchboard or Inverter AC Isolator (if present).
  2. Turn off the PV Array DC Isolator located at the inverter.
  3. Wait for approximately 10 minutes.
  4. Turn on the SOLAR SUPPLY MAIN SWITCH and / or AC Isolator (if present).
  5. Turn on the PV ARRAY DC Isolator.                                                                         
  6. Check if this clears the error.
Samil Power Solar Inverter: No lights, No Display

If you find the inverter with no lights or display working during the day, there is either a problem with the solar panels or with the solar inverter. Follow the shutdown and restart procedure outlined above and if the problem persists Contact us to discuss the next steps.

Samil Power Solar Inverter Fault Codes and Explanations:

* Grid Fault – The solar inverter is measuring grid (mains) conditions such as voltage or frequency that are out of range. See * Not Utility below.

If this fault persists after a safe shutdown and restart then contact us to arrange for a solar engineer to visit to establish whether the fault lies with the Samil solar inverter or with the grid.

* No Utility – The solar inverter is not measuring a grid (mains) voltage suggesting that mains power to the unit has been disconnected.

If this fault persists and mains power is available to other local circuits then check that all isolators, MCBs and RCDs on the AC side of the solar PV system are ‘On’.

Following this contact Mr Solar who will organise a site visit and or replacement Inverter or a site visit to access your needs.

  • Isolate the solar inverter: Both the AC and DC supplies need to be safely isolated and proven to be isolated using testers before working on the inverter.
  • Release the electrical connections: Release both the AC and DC cables and any monitoring cables from the inverter
  • Remove the faulty solar inverter: Disconnect the faulty inverter from it’s mounting plate/bracket and remove the plate/bracket.
  • Mount the new solar inverter: Secure the mounting bracket to the mounting surface and secure the new solar inverter to the mounting bracket.
  • Connect the electrical connections: Prepare, make and prove the AC and DC electrical connections into the inverter.

Call Us Now for help and guidance

on repair or replacement 01603 394104 or 01493 289118

 

Samil Solar (Solar River) Inverter Faults – FAQs

Are Samil Solar / Solar River inverters still supported?

Samil Power (Solar River) inverters are now obsolete, and manufacturer support is limited or no longer available in many cases. This can make repairs and spare parts difficult to source, particularly for older models.


What are common faults with Samil Solar River inverters?

Common issues we see include:

  • Inverter not turning on or shutting down completely

  • Persistent fault codes or warning lights

  • No generation despite panels producing DC voltage

  • Intermittent generation or frequent drop-outs

  • Internal component failure due to age

Many of these faults occur as the inverter reaches the end of its expected lifespan.


How long do Samil Solar River inverters typically last?

Most Samil Solar River inverters have a typical lifespan of 7–12 years. Many systems installed under early Feed-in Tariff schemes are now reaching or exceeding this age, making inverter failure increasingly common.


What does it mean if my Solar River inverter shows a fault code?

Fault codes usually indicate internal electrical faults, grid connection issues, insulation resistance problems, or component failure. While some faults may clear temporarily, recurring fault codes usually require professional testing and often indicate that replacement is the most reliable solution.


Can a faulty Samil inverter stop my system generating completely?

Yes. If the inverter fails, your solar panels may still be producing DC electricity, but it cannot be converted into usable AC power. This results in no generation and loss of Feed-in Tariff income.


Is it safe to keep using a faulty Solar River inverter?

Not always. Some faults can pose electrical or fire risks, particularly with ageing components. If the inverter shows persistent faults, warning lights, or causes breakers to trip, the system should be switched off (if safe to do so) and inspected by a qualified professional.


Can Samil Solar River inverters be repaired?

In some cases, minor faults can be repaired. However, due to:

  • Age of the units

  • Limited availability of spare parts

  • Lack of manufacturer support

Replacement is often the safest and most cost-effective option, especially for critical internal faults.


Will replacing my Samil inverter affect my Feed-in Tariff?

No. Replacing an inverter does not affect your Feed-in Tariff payments, provided the system capacity remains the same and the work is carried out correctly. We ensure all replacements are compliant and correctly documented.


Can you replace a Samil Solar River inverter with a modern alternative?

Yes. Mr Solar can replace Samil Solar River inverters with modern, reliable alternatives that offer:

  • Improved efficiency

  • Better monitoring

  • Longer warranties

  • Enhanced safety features

We’ll assess your existing system and recommend the most suitable replacement.


Do you work on systems you didn’t install?

Yes. We regularly test, inspect, and replace Samil Solar River inverters on systems installed by other companies across Norfolk and Suffolk.

 

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