Critical What does this mean?

A safety-rated fault — there may be a risk of electric shock, fire, or equipment damage. Do not try to fix this yourself. Call a qualified electrician.

Growatt Inverter Error 119: Meaning, Causes & Safe Fix

Error 119 means the inverter's internal GFCI safety device — the component that protects against electric shock from ground faults — may be damaged. Treat this as a safety issue and call a professional.

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

GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) is the safety device that disconnects the inverter if it detects dangerous leakage current. Error 119 means the inverter's self-test found something wrong with this GFCI device itself — the very component that keeps you safe may not be working.

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

Internal GFCI sensing circuit failure
Moisture ingress affecting the sensing circuit
Component aging

Safe steps to try

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

Do not touch the inverter casing more than necessary.
Note the exact error code shown on the display.
You may attempt one restart (AC breaker off, DC switch off, wait 2–3 minutes, DC on, AC on) — but only once.
If the error persists, leave the system off and call your installer.

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 immediately if Error 119 appears more than transiently. Because this fault concerns the shock-protection device itself, do not keep resetting it — if it persists after restarts, Growatt's documentation states the inverter must be replaced.

Frequently asked questions

Is Error 119 dangerous?

Potentially, yes. The GFCI is what protects against electric shock from ground faults. If the device providing that protection is itself faulty, the system should be treated with caution until a professional checks it.

Can I keep using my solar panels with Error 119?

No. The inverter has shut itself down. Leave it off and get professional help.

Will the error go away on its own?

Unlikely — this indicates an internal hardware problem. Growatt's official guidance is to restart a few times, then replace the unit if the error persists.

Need a professional?

This fault is a safety risk — do not attempt to fix it yourself. 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 ('something may be wrong with the GFCI device inside the inverter'); fault name 'GFCI Device Damage' per Growatt TL User Manual 2012-08-17