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.

Solis Inverter OV-DC Error: Meaning, Causes & Safe Fix

The DC voltage from your solar panels is higher than your Solis inverter can handle — usually because too many panels were wired in series on one string.

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

OV-DC means 'over DC voltage' (variants 01–04). Every inverter has a maximum DC input voltage. If a panel string's voltage exceeds it — common on cold, bright mornings when panel voltage peaks — the inverter raises this alarm to protect its electronics.

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

Too many panels connected in series on a single string for the inverter's maximum DC voltage
String voltage spiking on cold, bright mornings when panel voltage peaks
Incorrect string design by the installer

Safe steps to try

Work top to bottom, ticking off each step as you complete it. 0 of 5 done.

Write down the exact code and when it appeared (morning spikes point to string design)
Do NOT disconnect DC strings yourself to try to fix it
Restart the inverter once: AC OFF, DC OFF, 5-minute wait, DC ON, AC ON
If the code clears later in the day as panels warm up, still report it — the string is oversized
Contact your installer: the string needs redesigning with fewer panels in series

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 if this code appears at all — an over-voltage string is a design fault that only the installer can correct by rewiring panels into compliant strings. Do not keep restarting to work around it.

Frequently asked questions

Can over-voltage damage my inverter?

The inverter's protection prevents immediate damage by refusing to operate, but the underlying string design is wrong and must be corrected — don't ignore it.

It only happened once on a cold morning — is that OK?

If it appeared on a cold morning and cleared as panels warmed up, the string is sized too close to the limit. Report it to your installer regardless.

Why does this happen more on cold mornings?

Solar panel voltage rises as temperature drops. A string sized too close to the inverter's voltage limit will trip the protection on cold, bright mornings — a classic sign of an oversized string.

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 — Solis S5-GR3P(3-13)K Three Phase Inverter User Manual (Ginlong Solis), Table 9.1