Photovoltaic inverter trips on rainy days

Can a solar inverter cause a trip?

Depending on the design of the electronics within the inverter it is possible that a leakage to earth from the panel could result in a trip. One way of determining this would be to switch off the isolator for the PV and see if you get any more trips, if that cures the issue the solar system in some way looks like the culprit.

Can a PV inverter trip an RCD?

The technician is incorrect. It is almost certain your PV inverter is transformerless, meaning there is no isolation between the grid and the PV panels. The result is PV leakage currents can indeed trip an RCD though inverters are supposed to check for and fault if such leakage exists though this feature can be disabled.

Can a PV system tripping a RCD in wet weather?

If not, I will have to assume that tripping the RCD in wet weather has a different source and the PV system has nothing to do with it. The solar panels produce DC voltage, that is then converted to AC and stabilised before being applied to your mains. As such the technician is correct that the panels are not directly connected to the mains.

Can a solar inverter leak if it rains?

You can't categorically say that it is not the PV without testing. The inverter itself could have earth leakage or, if transformerless, could be leaking AC through the array via bonding (roof systems almost never are bonded though), or through the wet building to earth when it rains. Easily eliminated by switching off PV at AC isolator next time.

How do I know if a PV inverter is causing a trip?

There should be an isolator between the CU and the pv inverter. It should take seconds to confirm the PV is not causing the trip. It will have nothing to do with the PV.. Ramp test the rcd and ascertain what your normal earth leakage is at.. From there you will be able to suss out what you have left over..

Do solar panels work if it rains?

The short answer: your solar panels will still capture and convert light into electricity during rainy or cloudy weather. So, if you live in an area that gets a lot of rain or has a number of overcast days throughout the year, don’t rule out solar panels.