A solar inverter shouldn’t make a lot of noise. But many Texas homeowners start noticing a repeating click… click… click… coming from their inverter, especially during hot afternoons or when heavy appliances turn on inside the house.
Sometimes the inverter clicks once or twice per day.
Sometimes it clicks every few seconds.
Sometimes it clicks nonstop until the system shuts down.
Whether it’s a soft relay click or a loud, sharp snap, the sound means one thing:
Your inverter is repeatedly disconnecting and reconnecting to the electrical system.
This is not normal.
Clicking can be harmless if it happens occasionally at sunrise and sunset.
But if it's happening during the day, while producing power, or every time the AC turns on — you are experiencing a real system issue.
In this blog, we’ll break down every reason a solar inverter clicks, what the sound means, why it’s more common in DFW, and what homeowners should do to fix it before the clicking turns into a full shutdown.
Why a Solar Inverter Clicks During Normal Operation
Inverters contain electrical relays — tiny switches that open and close to control electricity.
A single click during these events is normal:
- system startup at sunrise
- system shutdown at sunset
- switching MPPT modes
- reconnecting after a short grid disturbance
This should happen once or twice per day.
Anything more than that is abnormal.
If your inverter is clicking repeatedly, rapidly, loudly, or inconsistently, the system is struggling to stay connected to stable power.
When Inverter Clicking Becomes a Problem
There are three types of problem clicking:
1. Frequent clicking (every few minutes)
Voltage instability or wiring issues.
2. Rapid clicking (every few seconds)
Critical inverter malfunction or grid issues.
3. Loud, sharp clicking
Relay failure or internal overheating.
Any of these need professional attention.
The Real Reasons Your Solar Inverter Keeps Clicking
Here are the most common causes — from least severe to most dangerous.
1. High Grid Voltage in Your Neighborhood
High grid voltage is one of the top causes of inverter clicking in Texas.
When voltage exceeds safe limits, the inverter must disconnect immediately.
The relay clicks when it disconnects and clicks again when it attempts to reconnect.
This cycle can repeat endlessly.
Common triggers:
- summer solar surges
- heavy neighborhood energy use
- transformer overheating
- utility-side issues
Signs this is the cause:
- clicking happens in the afternoon
- inverter shows “overvoltage” or voltage-related errors
- production drops at the same time
- system works fine in winter
2. AC or Heat Pump Startup Spikes Causing Dropouts
Your HVAC system uses huge startup surges (inrush current).
When the AC kicks on, it may momentarily:
- pull voltage down
- cause voltage swings
- trip the inverter
- force a reconnect cycle
If clicking always happens when cooling or heating starts, this is likely the reason.
Other appliances that can trigger this:
- electric water heaters
- pool pumps
- well pumps
- EV chargers
- large refrigerators
3. Loose or Failing Wiring Under the Solar Panels
Loose MC4 connectors or damaged wiring cause unstable electrical flow.
The inverter senses the issue, disconnects, then tries again — which creates repeated clicking.
Possible wiring issues include:
- heat-expanded connectors
- wildlife damage
- corroded connectors
- melted insulation
- poor installation practices
- string imbalance
This is one of the more serious causes because loose wiring can also cause:
- arcing
- hot spots
- system shutdown
- fire hazards
4. Inverter Overheating in Texas Heat
When an inverter overheats, it attempts to lower output or reset itself.
Each reset triggers a relay click.
Overheating is extremely common in DFW due to:
- 100°F+ rooftop temperatures
- poor airflow around the inverter
- direct sun exposure
- clogged inverter fans
- high summer production
Signs of overheating:
- loud humming before clicks
- hot casing
- inverter shuts down midday
- jagged production lines
- system works again at sunset
5. Failing Internal Components or Relay Damage
Relays can wear out over time, especially in harsh heat.
When relays fail, you may hear:
- loud sharp clicks
- rapid-fire clicking
- lingering buzzing followed by clicks
A failing relay will eventually cause:
- inverter shutdown
- partial production
- voltage irregularities
- total inverter replacement
6. Ground Faults or Isolation Problems
If the inverter senses a grounding issue, it will:
- disconnect,
- click,
- test the circuit,
- attempt restart,
- click again.
This repeats until the fault is resolved.
Ground issues can develop after:
- storms
- wire expansion
- aging components
- critter damage
- moisture intrusion
7. Rapid Shutdown System Triggering Repeatedly
If the RSD switch or its wiring is loose, the system may repeatedly enter shutdown mode.
This results in:
- clicking
- temporary power loss
- intermittent production
- voltage instability
RSD issues need immediate inspection.
8. Failed Optimizer or Microinverter Causing Voltage Drop
If one panel stops providing proper voltage or current:
- the inverter attempts to rebalance the string
- the relay may click during attempts
- the inverter may disconnect and reconnect
A failing optimizer can cause clicking across the entire system.
9. Sudden Cloud Cover or Shade Shifts
Rapid shade changes can occasionally cause the inverter to switch tracking modes and click.
However, this only causes occasional clicks — not constant ones.
If the clicking continues regardless of weather, the issue is deeper.
Why Inverter Clicking Is More Common in Texas
DFW creates perfect conditions for inverter stress:
Extreme heat
Overheats inverters and causes thermal shutdowns.
Aging neighborhood transformers
Can’t always handle modern solar loads.
Rapid weather changes
Fast sun-to-shade shifts stress MPPT.
Heavy AC usage
Load spikes everywhere on the grid.
Dust and pollen buildup
Weakens panel voltage, stressing the inverter.
Texas is one of the hardest climates for inverter longevity.
What Clicking Says About Your Solar System's Health
Repeated clicking is a symptom — not the problem.
It signals:
- unstable voltage
- electrical imbalance
- wiring degradation
- overheating
- inverter wear
- failing electronics
- grid problems
If ignored, clicking almost always progresses into:
- reduced production
- inverter shutdown
- string failure
- complete system outage
How to Fix a Solar Inverter That Keeps Clicking
Here’s how professionals diagnose and resolve the issue.
1. Schedule a Full Solar Maintenance & Diagnostic Service
This is essential to identify:
- voltage patterns
- grid instability
- relay behavior
- overheating
- optimizer performance
- wiring issues
- RSD problems
Clicking always has a cause — and diagnostics reveal it.
2. Clean the Solar Panels Professionally
Dirty panels:
- reduce voltage
- create mismatch
- force the inverter to work harder
- worsen clicking during high heat
Clean panels reduce inverter stress.
3. Inspect and Tighten All Wiring Under the Array
A wiring inspection checks:
- MC4 connectors
- cracked wiring
- loose plugs
- corroded connections
- damaged conduit
- wildlife chewing
Wiring is one of the most common and most dangerous causes of repeated clicking.
4. Evaluate Inverter Cooling and Ventilation
Technicians check:
- fan operation
- airflow
- direct sun exposure
- heat sink function
- thermal logs
Fixes may include improved shading or repositioning.
5. Test Optimizers or Microinverters for Proper Performance
A failing optimizer can destabilize voltage across the entire string.
Technicians will:
- test each device individually
- check voltage drop
- replace faulty components
6. Measure Grid Voltage and Load Interactions
This determines whether:
- the grid is unstable
- the AC is causing voltage spikes
- utility voltage exceeds limits
Voltage problems are extremely common in summer.
When a Solar Detach & Reset Is Needed
A Solar Detach & Reset (D&R) may be required when clicking is caused by:
- wiring under the array
- loose or failing connectors
- multiple optimizers failing
- hidden moisture damage
- RSD wiring issues
- significant voltage imbalance
A D&R gives full access to every hidden component.
