When the system displays a "Soft Start Fault" alarm, what should I do?

To prevent the grid from charging the battery, you can set the energy storage system to operate in Maximum Self-Consumption Mode.

In this mode:

The system will prioritize storing surplus photovoltaic power in the battery.

When photovoltaic generation is insufficient or during nighttime without sunlight, the system will power loads using energy from the battery.

The grid will not be used to charge the battery, achieving purely photovoltaic self-consumption and optimized energy storage.

By using Maximum Self-Consumption Mode, GSL Energy users can increase their photovoltaic self-consumption rate while avoiding unnecessary grid charging. This helps reduce electricity costs and enhances energy storage utilization efficiency.

GSL Energy lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) batteries exhibit the following notable features in residential, commercial, and industrial energy storage applications:

Exceptional Safety

LiFePO₄ batteries utilize a unique chemical structure that makes thermal runaway or overheating highly unlikely. Even in extreme environments, they maintain safe and stable operation, significantly reducing the risk of fire hazards.

High Cycle Life

This type of battery offers outstanding cyclic stability. Even under high-intensity loads or frequent charge/discharge conditions, it maintains a long service life, providing reliable long-term energy solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial storage.

With their safety, reliability, and high durability, GSL Energy LiFePO₄ batteries are among the most trustworthy energy storage batteries on the market, suitable for a wide range of storage application scenarios.

Even when electricity prices are low, an energy storage system may still sell surplus power to the grid under the following circumstances:

The battery is fully charged

When the energy storage battery reaches its charging limit, and surplus photovoltaic power cannot be stored, the system will sell it to the grid, thereby increasing economic benefits.

Intelligent peak and valley arbitrage

GSL Energy's AI-powered Energy Management System (AI EMS) adjusts the battery storage strategy in response to fluctuations in electricity prices. For instance, when negative electricity prices are imminent, the system may discharge in advance to pursue peak and valley arbitrage, thereby minimizing electricity costs and maximizing revenue.

Abnormal meter wiring

If the meter, CT, or wiring direction is incorrect, the readings may be inaccurate, leading the system to misjudge the amount of electricity available for sale. It is recommended to use the Wiring Check Function to verify whether the meter wiring is correct.

GSL ENERGY recommends that users comprehensively consider battery status, peak and valley electricity prices, and meter readings when implementing photovoltaic electricity sales strategies to maximize economic benefits.

PV generation can be impacted by system configuration, electrical connections, and site environmental conditions. Please check the following items step by step.

1) System Settings Check

Operating Mode / EMS Control
If the system is under EMS scheduling or special operating modes (e.g., time-of-use strategy, grid-priority, or remote dispatch), PV output may be limited by the control logic.
→ Verify current mode on the inverter/EMS monitoring platform.

Export Limitation / Zero Export Setting
When Export Limitation (Zero Export) is enabled, and the battery has reached its charge cut-off SOC, while site loads are low, the inverter will intentionally reduce or stop PV generation to prevent exporting to the grid.

Battery Priority Logic
If the battery is already fully charged and the load demand is low, PV generation will automatically decrease.

System Alarms or Faults
Check the inverter or monitoring APP for any active alarms related to PV input, grid, battery, or meter communication.

2) Cable Connections & Electrical Inspection

Smart Meter / CT Installation
An incorrect meter or CT direction will cause wrong power readings, leading the system to misjudge the load and suppress PV output.
→ Confirm meter wiring direction and phase sequence.

PV Polarity & Connection
Use a multimeter to measure PV string voltage and confirm:

Correct polarity (no reverse connection)

Stable DC voltage within normal range

PV Start-up Voltage Too Low
If the PV voltage is below the inverter start-up threshold, PV will not activate.

Single-phase inverter: PV ≥ 120V

Three-phase inverter: PV ≥ 220V

PV Voltage Too High (Overvoltage Protection)
If the PV string voltage exceeds the inverter protection limits, the inverter will stop accepting PV input.

Single-phase inverter: PV ≤ 600V

Three-phase inverter: PV ≤ 1000V

PV Connector / MC4 Contact Issue
Loose or poorly crimped MC4 connectors can interrupt PV input intermittently.

3) Environmental & Site Conditions

Weather & Irradiation
Cloud cover, high temperature, or low sunlight intensity will directly reduce PV output.

Shading on Panels
Shadows from buildings, trees, dust, or panel orientation issues can significantly limit PV generation.

Load Demand vs. Zero Export Logic
In zero-export scenarios, PV generation is dynamically adjusted according to real-time load consumption.

If the battery is full

The load is low

Zero export is enabled
→ PV output will be reduced intentionally by the inverter.

4) Recommended Troubleshooting Steps

Check inverter/EMS monitoring for alarms

Verify meter/CT wiring direction

Measure PV string voltage with a multimeter

Confirm PV polarity and connector condition

Check battery SOC and export limitation settings

Inspect panels for shading or dirt