Here's What Error Code 67 Really Means — And How to Fix It with Sona Solar Zimbabwe

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Sudden Silence and a Error Code 67? Understanding Why Your Solar System Gets Overloaded and How Sona Solar Zimbabwe Can Help Keep the Lights On

HARARE – In a world where consistent electricity is unreliable, the investment in a solar energy system offers a promise of steady power, a vital defence against disruptive blackouts. Your solar inverter acts as the command centre for this system, skilfully directing power from the sun and batteries to keep your home or business running smoothly. However, sometimes this vital piece of equipment might unexpectedly go quiet and display a message – often a number known as an error code. Understanding these codes is like learning the language of your system; it helps you know what's happening and how to respond effectively.

One error message that can cause sudden frustration is Error Code 67. When this code appears, your system usually stops providing power, indicating what’s known as an "Overload." Seeing this happen right when you need power can be jarring, but it’s important to know that an overload isn't usually a sign that your system is broken. Instead, it's a safety feature kicking in to protect your equipment.

Figuring out why an overload happened and what to do about it might seem technical, but it's essential for keeping your power running reliably. In Zimbabwe, where independent solar systems are heavily used, understanding common issues like overload is particularly valuable. This is where the practical experience of companies like Sona Solar Zimbabwe becomes invaluable. 
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As a respected leader in the local solar industry, Sona Solar’s team has deep experience with systems operating under real-world conditions here and knows exactly how to diagnose, explain, and resolve overload problems simply and effectively.

Understanding the "Overload" Message: What Does Code 67 Really Mean?

Imagine your solar inverter is like an electrical pipe designed to carry a certain maximum amount of water (electricity) at one time. This limit is the inverter's power rating, usually shown in units like kVA (kilo-volt-amperes) or kW (kilowatts). It tells you the total amount of power the inverter can safely handle and deliver to your appliances simultaneously.

An overload (Error 67) occurs when the combined power needed by all the appliances and devices you have switched on at the same time, and which are connected to your inverter, exceeds this maximum capacity of your 'electrical pipe'. The system is trying to pull more power out than the inverter is built to provide safely.

Why Your System Might Hit an Overload (It's Often About Which Appliances Are On)

Overload errors are very common, especially when you're running entirely on your solar system during a power cut. This happens because:

We Try to Run Everything: During an outage, we often want to use all the appliances we normally would, putting a heavy demand on the solar system.

"Power Hungry" Appliances: Many common household items use a surprisingly large amount of electricity, especially when they first switch on or when they heat things up. Turning on just one or two of these while others are already running can suddenly push your system over its limit. Think about items with heating elements or powerful motors. Common examples of appliances that use a lot of power are:

Kettles and Toasters: They heat water or bread very quickly, requiring a lot of power instantly.

Microwaves: They cook food fast using a significant amount of electricity.

Electric Irons: They need to get very hot to work.

Hair dryers and blowers  :They use heat and sometimes a motor.

Electric Heaters: Any form of electric heating (fan heaters, oil radiators, bar heaters) is a major power consumer.

Solar Experts from Sona Solar highly recommend not to use solar power on the above mention power hungry appliances.

Some Power Tools: Tools used for DIY or workshops can have high power demands.

Appliances Starting Up: Some devices, like fridges or washing machines, have a high 'startup surge' – they briefly use a lot more power when their motor first kicks in. If this happens at the same time you turn on a kettle, it can cause an overload.

When you switch on one of these "power hungry" items while other devices are already running on your solar power, the total amount of electricity needed can suddenly jump higher than your inverter's limit. The inverter spots this and triggers Error 67.

Why the Inverter Shuts Down: It's a Safety Hero!

When your inverter detects that you're asking for too much power (an overload), it doesn't keep trying to push it through. Instead, it performs an almost immediate safety shutdown, showing Error 67. This shutdown is actually a good thing!

Trying to make an electrical device deliver more power than it's designed for is dangerous. It can cause the inverter's internal parts to get dangerously hot, potentially leading to severe, permanent damage to the inverter and battery, and even creating a risk of fire. The overload shutdown is a vital safety feature. It acts like a circuit breaker or fuse in your main power box that trips to stop the power flow immediately and protect your expensive solar equipment from harm.

Quick Steps to Fix Error 67 and Get Your Power Back On:

If your inverter displays Error 67 and shuts off the power, don't panic. Follow these simple steps to get back online:

Check the Code:
Quickly look at the inverter screen to see that it says Error 67. This confirms it was an overload.

Think About What Caused It: Ask yourself or anyone else nearby: "What did we just turn on right before the power went off?" That appliance (or those few appliances turned on together) is almost certainly the reason for the overload.

Switch OFF High-Power Appliances - IMMEDIATELY: Go around your house or building and turn off all the appliances that use a lot of power that were recently turned on or were running. Focus on the items we listed earlier (kettles, irons, heaters, microwaves, etc.). Make sure to switch them off at the wall socket or on the appliance itself.

Reduce Overall Power Usage: Even after turning off the most likely culprits, switch off any other appliances you don't absolutely need right now (like lights in empty rooms, TVs no one is watching, phone chargers for full phones). This reduces the total demand on the system even further.

Allow the Inverter to Reset: Your inverter is designed to try and turn itself back on automatically once the overload is gone (i.e., you've reduced the power being used). Give it about 30 seconds to a couple of minutes. Some inverters might need you to press a button to reset (check your manual).

Manual Restart (If Needed): If the inverter doesn't come back on automatically after a short wait, look in your user manual for the specific steps to manually reset the system after an overload.

Gradually Bring Loads Back On: Once the inverter is back on and supplying power, do NOT just turn everything back on at once. Start by switching on only the truly essential, low-power things (like basic lights in the rooms you're in, your Wi-Fi router). If the system stays on, you can slowly add back other necessary appliances, one by one. Be mindful of your inverter's total capacity and avoid turning on multiple high-power items at the same time again.

Preventing Overloads in the Future: Be Smart with Your Solar Power

The best way to avoid the interruption and frustration of Error 67 is to understand your solar system's limits and manage how you use electricity, especially when relying purely on battery power:

Know Your Inverter's Capacity: Find out the kVA or kW rating of your inverter. This is its maximum power limit. If you're unsure, ask the company that installed it or check the label on the inverter unit or your system's paperwork.

Know Your Appliances' Power Needs: Get a general idea of which devices use the most power. As a rule of thumb, anything that creates heat or has a large motor uses a lot of power.

Plan Your Power Usage (Load Management): This is the most important habit! Think about when you use high-power appliances. Avoid using more than one or two high-load items simultaneously when your system is running on battery. Stagger their use. For example, boil the kettle first, wait a few minutes, then use the microwave, etc.

Connect Non-Essential High-Load Items Separately:
If possible, have items like geysers or pool pumps connected only to the grid side of your power if you have it, or ensure they are on a circuit not backed up by the inverter unless your system is specifically designed for such large loads.

When to Call the Experts: Sona Solar Zimbabwe (0786231488)

While most overload errors happen because of simply trying to use too many power-hungry appliances at once, if you are getting Error 67 frequently or unexpectedly, it could point to a different issue within your system. It’s definitely time to contact solar professionals like Sona Solar Zimbabwe if:

You are getting Error 67 very often, even when you are carefully managing which appliances you turn on.

The overload happens when you are using a combination of appliances that, based on your inverter's stated power rating, should be well within its capacity.

You are unsure about your inverter's power limit or which of your appliances are the biggest power users.

Your inverter does not reset or come back on after you have switched off appliances and followed the manual's steps.

You suspect there might be an actual problem with the inverter itself or the electrical wiring connected to it.

You need a professional to assess if your current solar system is appropriately sized for your household's actual power needs and how you use appliances, and whether an upgrade might be needed to comfortably run the devices you require.

Sona Solar Zimbabwe's team are experienced technicians who understand the specific conditions and power demands in Zimbabwe. They have the right tools to accurately measure how much power your appliances use, check if your inverter is performing correctly, inspect the wiring for any hidden issues, and figure out whether the problem is simply needing better load management habits or if there's a technical fault requiring repair. Their local knowledge means they can provide practical, effective advice and solutions tailored to your situation.

Seeing Error Code 67 (Overload) on your solar inverter is a common signal, especially with the reliance on backup power in Zimbabwe. It's your system telling you it needs you to reduce the amount of power being drawn at that moment. By understanding what it means, knowing the immediate steps to take, learning smart ways to manage your appliance usage, and knowing when to reach out for professional help, you can handle these situations effectively and ensure your valuable solar system continues to provide safe and reliable power.

For expert diagnosis, professional troubleshooting, and reliable solutions for your solar system errors, including Overload (Error 67), contact Sona Solar Zimbabwe's experienced team:

Call: 0786231488

Get the right knowledge and the expert support you need to keep your independent power flowing and navigate power cuts with confidence.





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