Warning What does this mean?

Your system is down or running degraded, but this is not an immediate safety danger. Work through the safe steps below.

Growatt Inverter Error 117: Meaning, Causes & Safe Fix

Error 117 means there is a fault in the inverter's relay circuit — the relays that safely connect and disconnect your system from the grid. The inverter will not operate until this is resolved.

What should I do first?

Two quick questions — we'll point you to the right starting point.

Is this code still showing on your inverter's display?

What this code means

Relays are electromechanical switches that connect your inverter to the grid only when it is safe to do so. Error 117 means the inverter's self-check found something wrong with this relay circuit, so it refuses to feed power as a safety precaution.

What is this downtime costing you?

Rough estimate while your system isn't producing. Adjust the numbers to match your setup.

System size (kW) Peak sun hours / day Electricity rate ($/kWh)

–per day

–per week

–per 30 days

≈ – kWh of lost production per day.

Estimate only — assumes ~80% real-world output vs. nameplate. Actual losses depend on weather, shading, panel direction, and your tariff.

Common causes

Relay component wear or failure
Internal control board fault
A voltage spike that damaged the relay circuit

Safe steps to try

Work top to bottom, ticking off each step as you complete it. 0 of 4 done.

Note the error code and the time it appeared.
Perform one orderly restart: AC breaker off, DC switch off, wait 2–3 minutes, DC switch on, then AC breaker on.
Check the display — if Error 117 is gone and the inverter resumes normal operation, monitor it for a day.
Do not repeatedly power-cycle the unit trying to force it past the fault.

Is your inverter still under warranty?

Before paying for a repair, check — your installer may fix this free.

Brand Year installed

Based on typical standard warranty terms — always confirm with your warranty card or installer paperwork, as terms vary by model, region, and purchase date.

When to call an electrician

Call your installer or Growatt service if Error 117 remains after one restart — Growatt's documentation states the inverter will need service or replacement. Do not attempt to bypass or reset it repeatedly.

Frequently asked questions

What does the relay do in my inverter?

It is the safety switch between your solar system and the grid. The inverter constantly tests it; if the test fails, it shuts down rather than risk an unsafe connection.

Can I still use solar power with Error 117?

No — the inverter will not produce power until the relay fault is resolved. Your home will draw from the grid as normal.

Will a restart fix Error 117?

Sometimes, if it was a transient glitch. But Growatt's official guidance is clear: if the error persists after a restart, the unit needs professional service or replacement.

Need a professional?

This fault may need professional diagnosis. Contact a qualified solar electrician in your area.

Sources: meaning and troubleshooting verified against the manufacturer's documentation — Troubleshooting for Growatt TL&MTL (Ver1.2) 2013-7-15, Growatt New Energy ('There is something wrong with the relay circuit. Restart the inverter, if the error still exists, please contact Growatt service to replace an inverter.')