Inverter Repair: Keep Your Power Flowing Off-Grid
- Kerri Cuthbert
- Jul 8
- 4 min read
Table of Contents
If you rely on solar panels or a leisure battery setup in your campervan, you’ll know your inverter is the unsung hero — converting stored battery power into usable electricity for lights, appliances, and gadgets. But when your inverter fails, so does your off-grid lifestyle.
This post explores the importance of professional inverter repair, the most common problems you might face, and how SMS Electronics offers trusted repair services across the UK. Whether you’re on the road or powering your home with solar, this guide will help keep your energy flowing.
Why Inverter Repairs Matter for Off-Grid Systems
Inverters are a vital part of any renewable or mobile energy setup. They convert 12V or 24V DC battery power into 230V AC power — the same type your kettle or laptop uses. If an inverter breaks down, the whole system can grind to a halt.
At SMS Electronics, we specialise in repairing both solar inverters and leisure inverters. From domestic solar setups using Growatt or SolarEdge units to campervans powered by Victron or Mastervolt, we’ve helped hundreds of customers avoid costly replacements.
Quick Fact: Inverters are the most common point of failure in solar PV systems, accounting for over 40% of faults according to the BBC.
At SMS Electronics, we specialise in repairing both solar inverters and leisure inverters. Learn more about our company and values.
Common Inverter Faults Explained
It’s easy to assume an inverter fault means a total write-off, but many issues are both diagnosable and repairable. Here are some of the most frequent problems we see:
Fault Type | Common Cause | Repairable? |
No Output | Blown capacitor or fuse | ✅ Yes |
Overheating | Fan failure or blocked vents | ✅ Yes |
Error Codes | Software or PCB issue | ✅ Often |
Shuts Down Randomly | Voltage irregularities or wiring | ✅ Likely |
Dust buildup leads to overheating. Check out Renogy’s tips on inverter care.
Expert Insight: Many issues only affect a single component. Our team performs component-level diagnostics, meaning you avoid paying for an entire new unit when one chip is the problem.
Need help diagnosing an issue? Visit our solar inverter repair service page. your inverter is the unsung hero — converting stored battery power into usable electricity. Learn how solar PV works.
Solar vs Leisure Inverters: Key Differences
While both convert DC to AC, their uses and configurations differ:
Inverter Type | Typical Use | Common Brands We Repair |
Solar Inverter | Grid-tied or off-grid home PV systems | Growatt, Huawei, Fronius, SolarEdge |
Leisure Inverter | Campervans, caravans, boats, off-grid | Victron, Mastervolt, Sterling, Cotek |
Learn more about our leisure inverter repairs — we support systems from 500W to 8000W.
Is Repair Better Than Replacement?
Absolutely — and here’s why.
A full inverter replacement can cost upwards of £400, especially for high-end units like Fronius or Victron. But if your existing unit only has a minor component fault, you could save hundreds by repairing it.
At SMS Electronics, we:
Repair inverters down to the component level
Perform post-repair load testing to the inverter’s full capacity
Soak-test every repaired unit for long-term reliability
Top Tip: If your inverter is beeping, showing error lights, or refusing to power up — don’t bin it! Get a professional diagnostic first.
You can read more about the cost savings of repair vs replacement in this guide by Which?.
Top Maintenance Tips for Inverter Longevity
Keep your inverter running smoothly with these simple tips:
Keep air vents clean – Dust buildup leads to overheating
Avoid damp environments – Moisture causes internal damage
Stick to power limits – Don’t overload with high-draw appliances
Use clean, fused wiring – Avoid DIY fixes using cheap leads
Update firmware where available – Especially on smart solar units
Stat: A 2023 report by GOV.UK showed that proactive maintenance reduces solar inverter faults by up to 35%.
Our Professional Testing & Repair Process
When an inverter arrives at SMS Electronics, here’s what happens:
Visual Inspection – We identify obvious damage or burnt components
Full Diagnostic Testing – We simulate the fault and isolate the issue
Component-Level Repair – Only the faulty parts are replaced
Load & Soak Testing – We test your unit to its maximum rated wattage
We support over 30 brands — including:
Victron Energy
Growatt
Huawei
Fronius
SMA
Mastervolt
Sterling
Cotek
Top Tip: Always send your inverter in with cables and any error logs if available — it speeds up the diagnostic process!
Summary
Whether you’re a campervan owner relying on a 12V inverter or a homeowner running a solar setup, inverter issues don’t have to mean total replacement. At SMS Electronics, we offer reliable, cost-effective inverter repairs trusted across the UK.
From Growatt and Victron to Fronius and Huawei, our expert team will get you powered back up with minimum fuss.
Explore our full range of inverter services or contact us to book a diagnostic today.
FAQs
Can you repair my Victron inverter?
Yes — we regularly repair Victron inverters for campervans and off-grid setups.
What if my inverter is out of warranty?
No problem. We repair most brands, even when the manufacturer no longer supports them.
How long does a repair take?
Turnaround is usually 3–5 working days, depending on the fault and parts required.
Is it cheaper to repair or replace?
Repair is nearly always cheaper, especially when only one part is faulty.
What types of inverters can’t be repaired?
Some very old or heavily damaged inverters — especially those with discontinued parts or irreparable circuit board damage — may be beyond repair. If this is the case, our engineers will advise you before proceeding.
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