Reve-DC: DC reverse

The "DC Reverse" error, also known as "Reve-DC", indicates that one or more of the DC input strings connected to the inverter have reversed polarity. This means the positive (+) and negative (-) wires from the solar panel array are connected to the wrong terminals on the inverter.

Why it’s problematic

A reversed DC connection can cause damage to the inverter’s internal components and potentially lead to a fire hazard.
It prevents the inverter from operating correctly and generating power.

Possible causes

Incorrect wiring during installation: The most likely cause of a DC reverse error is an error during the initial installation where the positive and negative wires from the solar panels were mistakenly connected to the wrong terminals on the inverter.

Before you begin

Safety First: Working with electrical equipment always involves risks. Ensure you are qualified and follow appropriate safety precautions. Disconnect the inverter from both AC and DC sources before performing any physical inspection or adjustments.

Gather Information: Before starting troubleshooting, have the inverter manual on hand. You should also gather information about the inverter model and serial number, the installation date, and the PV array configuration (number of panels, capacity, and number of strings).

Troubleshooting steps

Wait for low solar irradiance: To safely correct a reversed polarity issue, it is crucial to work during a time when the solar irradiance is low, such as at night. This ensures that the current flowing through the PV strings is minimal, reducing the risk of electrical shock or damage to the inverter. Use a clip-on ammeter to confirm that the DC string current is below 0.5A.
Turn off the DC switches: Once you have confirmed that the solar irradiance and string current are low, turn off the DC switches that isolate the PV strings from the inverter.
Check the polarity of the PV strings: Carefully inspect the wiring of the PV strings, using a multimeter if necessary, to identify the positive (+) and negative (-) wires. Refer to the inverter’s manual and labels to determine the correct polarity for each DC input terminal.
Correct any reversed connections: If you find any reversed connections, disconnect the wires and reconnect them to the correct terminals, ensuring that the positive (+) wire goes to the positive (+) terminal and the negative (-) wire goes to the negative (-) terminal.
Restart the inverter: Once you have corrected the polarity issue, turn the DC switches back on and then restart the inverter.

Verifying the solution

Once the inverter is restarted, observe its display to confirm that the "DC Reverse" error has disappeared. If the issue has been resolved, the inverter should start up normally and begin generating power. You can further verify the solution by monitoring the inverter's performance in the MyAutarco app or through other monitoring systems.

If the problem is not resolved

If the error persists after following all the above steps, there might be an internal fault within the inverter.

As a system owner: In this case, contact the inverter installer or distributor for further assistance. You can find the details of your installer in the MyAutarco app.
As a certified installer: Contact Autarco Support, you can submit a support case via Helios.