FailureMode
Real-time clock failure
- ID
fm:real-time-clock-failure- IRI
https://solarlattice.org/kb/fm/real-time-clock-failure- Status
- active
A real-time clock failure is a fault in the inverter's internal clock module, the part that keeps time and date. If the clock module has a hardware error, the display shows an error message and the inverter stops feeding current into the grid. If the clock module is in emergency mode, the time can drift or be lost, but the inverter keeps feeding the grid normally. Some inverters also report a communication error with the clock module. Wrong time stamps can also follow a long power outage that drains the clock's backup supply, or a clock that has not been synchronized. For time problems, reset the time and date on the inverter, and use network time sync where it is available to keep the clock accurate. If the hardware error stays active or the clock does not initialize, call a manufacturer-trained service technician.
Claims
affects
c1 drafted · lead
Real-time clock module
presents_as
c2 drafted · lead
Inverter shutdown
With a hardware error in the clock module, the inverter shows an error and stops feeding current into the grid.
c3 verified · fact
Inaccurate clock time
When the clock module runs in emergency mode, the time is inaccurate but grid feed-in continues as normal.
verified by: review-workflowverified on: 2026-10-23
c4 verified · fact
System clock time lost
Emergency mode of the clock module may lose the time.
verified by: review-workflowverified on: 2026-10-23
c5 verified · fact
Internal communication failure
Reported as a communication error with the real-time clock module.
verified by: review-workflowverified on: 2026-10-23
detected_by
c6 verified · fact
Inverter display check
The inverter display shows an error message for the clock module hardware error.
verified by: review-workflowverified on: 2026-10-23
caused_by
c7 verified · fact
Extended power outage
In one device, the supercapacitor that backs up the clock drained during an extended power loss, leaving time stamps inaccurate.
verified by: review-workflowverified on: 2026-10-23
mitigated_by
c8 verified · fact
Inverter clock reset
Reset the time and date when the clock module is in emergency mode or time stamps are wrong.
verified by: review-workflowverified on: 2026-10-23
c9 verified · fact
Time server configuration check
Using the SNTP feature keeps time stamps accurate.
verified by: review-workflowverified on: 2026-10-23review note: support check: partial - SNTP use to keep time stamps accurate is stated, but it is not a 'configuration check' per se; mostly matches though.
c10 verified · fact
Contact manufacturer service
Call a trained service technician if the hardware error persists, or when the clock has not initialized.
verified by: review-workflowverified on: 2026-10-23
Referenced by
Data