How to Reset a GoodWe Inverter

To reset a GoodWe inverter, hold the power button for 5 seconds, wait 30 seconds, then power it back on.

That is the quick answer, but there is more to it depending on what is actually going wrong. A reset can fix a range of common issues, from frozen displays to grid connection faults. Knowing how to reset a GoodWe inverter properly can save you a callout fee and get your solar system generating again within minutes.

This guide covers every type of reset, from a basic soft reset right through to a full factory restore. We will also explain when a reset will not fix the problem and you need a qualified technician instead.

When You Might Need to Reset a GoodWe Inverter

GoodWe inverters are reliable units, and we have installed hundreds of them across the Mid North Coast. But like any piece of electronics, they can occasionally need a restart.

Common situations where a reset helps include:

• The inverter screen is frozen or unresponsive
• Error codes appear after a power outage or grid fault
• The inverter is not exporting to the grid despite panels producing power
• Wi-Fi or monitoring connectivity has dropped and will not reconnect
• You have changed your internet router and the inverter needs to re-pair
• A firmware update has stalled partway through

Before You Start: What You Will Need

A GoodWe inverter reset does not require any special tools. But a bit of preparation makes the process smoother and safer.

• Your inverter manual (or download it from the GoodWe website)
• Access to your solar DC isolator (usually located next to the inverter)
• Access to your main switchboard (for the solar AC breaker)
• A phone with the SEMS Portal app installed, if you want to verify monitoring after the reset
• A torch if the inverter is in a dimly lit area

Check the weather forecast as well. You do not want to be working around your switchboard in the rain. If your inverter is mounted outdoors, wait for dry conditions.

How to Soft Reset a GoodWe Inverter (Basic Restart)

A soft reset is the first thing to try. It clears temporary faults without changing any settings. Think of it like restarting your phone when an app freezes.

1. Locate the DC isolator switch next to your inverter and turn it to the OFF position.
2. Go to your switchboard and turn off the solar AC breaker (it should be labelled).
3. Wait at least 30 seconds. This allows the capacitors inside the inverter to fully discharge.
4. Turn the AC breaker back on at the switchboard.
5. Return to the inverter and turn the DC isolator back to ON.
6. The inverter will boot up and run through its startup sequence. This usually takes 1 to 3 minutes.

Once the screen shows normal operation and a grid connection, you are done. Check the SEMS monitoring portal after 10 minutes to confirm data is flowing again.

How to Hard Reset a GoodWe Inverter

If a soft reset did not clear the fault, a hard reset is the next step. This is essentially the same process but with a longer wait time to fully clear the inverter’s memory buffer.

1. Turn off the DC isolator.
2. Turn off the AC breaker at the switchboard.
3. Wait a full 5 minutes. Do not skip this. The extended wait ensures all volatile memory is cleared.
4. Turn the AC breaker back on.
5. Turn the DC isolator back on.
6. Allow the inverter to complete its full startup cycle.

A hard reset resolves most error codes related to grid faults, communication dropouts, and sensor glitches. If the same fault code returns within a few hours, the problem is likely hardware related and needs professional diagnosis.

How to Factory Reset a GoodWe Inverter

A factory reset wipes all custom settings and returns the inverter to its default configuration. This is rarely needed, but it can help if settings have been corrupted or if the inverter was previously configured for a different system.

Important: After a factory reset, your installer will need to reconfigure grid export limits, Wi-Fi settings, and any custom parameters. Do not do this unless you are comfortable with the reconfiguration, or you have a technician lined up.

1. On the inverter front panel, press and hold the centre button to enter the menu.
2. Navigate to System Settings using the arrow buttons.
3. Select Factory Reset or Restore Defaults (the wording varies by model).
4. Confirm the reset when prompted.
5. The inverter will restart automatically with default settings.

On newer GoodWe models (DNS, SDT, and SMT series), you can also trigger a factory reset through the SEMS Portal app. Navigate to the device settings page and look for the restore option.

Soft Reset vs Hard Reset vs Factory Reset

Not sure which reset to try? Here is a quick comparison to help you decide.

Start with a soft reset. Only move to a hard reset if the soft reset did not work. Factory resets should be a last resort.

Common GoodWe Error Codes That a Reset Can Fix

GoodWe inverters display fault codes on the LCD screen when something goes wrong. Some of these are temporary and clear with a reset. Others indicate a hardware problem.

• Error 1 / Grid Fault: Usually caused by a brief grid outage. A soft reset clears this in most cases.
• Error 7 / DC Bus High: Can occur after a voltage spike. Try a hard reset with the full 5 minute wait.
• Error 21 / GFCI Fault: Ground fault detected. A reset may clear a false positive, but if it returns, call a technician. This one can indicate a real wiring issue.
• Error 23 / Leakage Current High: Similar to Error 21. Reset once, and if it comes back, do not keep resetting. Get it checked.
• Communication Error: The inverter has lost contact with the monitoring dongle. A soft reset usually fixes this.

If your error code is not listed here, check the GoodWe support documentation or give us a call. With 25+ years of experience in the solar industry, the team at SolaXs has seen just about every fault code there is.

When a Reset Will Not Fix the Problem

A reset is a great first step, but it is not a magic fix for everything. Some problems need hands-on diagnosis from a CEC accredited installer.

Call a professional if:

• The same error code returns within hours of resetting
• The inverter makes unusual buzzing or clicking noises
• You notice a burning smell near the inverter or switchboard
• The inverter is physically damaged (cracked casing, water ingress, scorch marks)
• Your solar production has dropped significantly but panels look clean and undamaged
• The inverter is completely dead with no display at all, even after restoring power

These symptoms can point to failed components, DC wiring faults, or panel-level issues that are beyond a simple reset. If you are on the Mid North Coast, the local SolaXs solar installation team can diagnose and repair most GoodWe inverter faults on site.

Keep Your GoodWe Inverter Running Smoothly

Knowing how to reset a GoodWe inverter is a useful skill for any solar owner. Most minor faults clear with a simple soft reset, and you can be back up and generating within minutes.

For anything beyond a basic restart, it is worth getting a qualified technician involved. Solar inverters deal with high voltages, and guesswork is not worth the risk.

The SolaXs team has been helping homeowners across Port Macquarie and the Mid North Coast with GoodWe inverter installations, repairs, and upgrades for over 25 years. If your inverter is playing up and a reset has not sorted it, get in touch and we will get it diagnosed for you.

You can also check out our solar battery options if you are looking to add storage to your existing system.