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Generac•PWRcell

Analysis by Marcus & Team

Generac PWRcell Error 1063: Troubleshooting Guide

Troubleshooting Generac PWRcell Inverter Error 1063. Diagnose and resolve grid communication faults in your residential solar+storage system. Safety & Solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

•What does it mean when my Generac PWRcell inverter is 'off-grid'?

When your Generac PWRcell inverter is 'off-grid', it is operating independently from the utility power grid. This can happen during a power outage or if the system is intentionally configured to operate in off-grid mode. Power is supplied by the solar panels and/or the battery.

•How do I reset a Generac PWRcell inverter?

To reset a Generac PWRcell inverter, first turn off the AC and DC disconnect switches. Wait approximately 5 minutes, and then turn the DC disconnect switch back on first, followed by the AC disconnect switch. This will initiate a reboot of the inverter's control system.

•What is the warranty on a Generac PWRcell inverter?

The standard warranty for Generac PWRcell inverters is typically 10 years. However, it's essential to review the specific warranty documentation provided at the time of purchase or installation, as coverage details and durations may vary.

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Marcus leads the technical research department at Storage Faults. Together with a team of systems analysts, he specializes in translating complex solar storage error codes into actionable diagnostic steps for the US market.

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Technical Recommendation:

Try power cycling the inverter. Turn off the AC and DC disconnects, wait 5 minutes, then turn them back on. This can sometimes clear temporary communication glitches. Also, check the voltage at the neutral-ground bond; excessive voltage here can indicate a ground fault that's interfering with grid synchronization.

Possible Causes:

Loss of grid voltage or frequency outside acceptable limits.
Faulty grid monitoring circuit within the inverter.
Communication failure between the inverter and the grid service provider's meter.
Loose or corroded wiring connections on the AC side of the inverter.
Firmware glitch affecting grid synchronization algorithms.
Damaged or malfunctioning grid-tie relay within the inverter.

How It Works:

The PWRcell hybrid inverter uses sophisticated power electronics to manage energy flow between solar panels, battery storage, and the electrical grid. Error 1063 typically points to a failure in the inverter's grid synchronization circuitry or communication interface. This includes the phase-locked loop (PLL), anti-islanding protection, and the communication module responsible for grid monitoring and control. The inverter continuously monitors grid voltage, frequency, and impedance to ensure safe and stable operation. Disruptions to these parameters or failures in the monitoring circuitry trigger fault conditions like Error 1063.

Critical Safety Precautions:

Working with electrical equipment can be dangerous. This procedure should only be performed by qualified personnel familiar with NEC 690 requirements and OSHA safety practices. Always disconnect the AC and DC power sources to the inverter before performing any maintenance or troubleshooting. Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, insulated gloves, and arc-rated clothing. Be aware of arc flash hazards and maintain safe working distances.

Step-by-Step Fix:

1

*Verify Grid Voltage and Frequency:** Use a calibrated multimeter to measure the AC voltage and frequency at the inverter's AC input terminals. Ensure they are within the acceptable range specified by Generac and the local utility (e.g., 240V ±5%, 60Hz ±0.5Hz).
2

*Inspect Wiring Connections:** Carefully examine all AC wiring connections at the inverter, disconnect, and circuit breaker. Tighten any loose connections and replace corroded terminals. Ensure proper wire gauge and torque specifications per NEC 110.14(D).
3

*Check Grid-Tie Relay Operation:** A qualified electrician should use a multimeter to test the continuity of the grid-tie relay when the inverter is supposed to be connected to the grid. If the relay is not closing properly, it may need replacement.
4

*Review Inverter Event Logs:** Access the inverter's service menu (using the manufacturer-specified key combination) and review the event logs for any other related errors or warnings preceding Error 1063. This can provide clues to the root cause.
5

*Update Inverter Firmware:** Check for any available firmware updates from Generac. Outdated firmware can sometimes cause communication issues. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully for firmware updates.
6

*Contact Generac Technical Support:** If the problem persists, contact Generac technical support for further assistance. Provide them with the fault code, inverter model number, and any relevant observations.
7

*Verify Anti-Islanding Functionality**: Confirm that the anti-islanding feature is operating correctly. Per IEEE 1547, the inverter must cease to energize the grid within 2 seconds of a grid disturbance. Test with simulated grid loss (only by qualified personnel).

Observed Symptoms:

The Generac PWRcell system displays Error 1063, indicating a communication fault between the inverter and the grid. This may manifest as a loss of grid-tie functionality, inability to export power to the grid, or failure to charge the battery from the grid. The system may switch to off-grid mode even when grid power is available.

Preventative Care:

Regularly inspect AC wiring connections for tightness and corrosion.
Ensure proper ventilation around the inverter to prevent overheating, which can affect component reliability.
Keep the inverter firmware up to date.
Schedule periodic system inspections by a qualified electrician.
Monitor system performance through the Generac monitoring app and address any unusual behavior promptly.