Growatt Error 116: EEPROM Read/Write Failure
Error 116 means the Growatt had trouble reading from or writing to its EEPROM, the small memory chip on the control board that stores the inverter's settings. A single Error 116 can be a glitch that a restart clears. But the pattern of when it appears tells you a lot about whether it is harmless or whether the control board is failing.
Why the timing matters
There is a well-known clue with Error 116 on Growatt inverters: when does it show up?
- Only first thing in the morning, as the inverter wakes up, then runs fine all day. This pattern is common and often tolerable, though still worth reporting.
- Throughout the day, or repeatedly. A persistent all-day Error 116 points to a real fault in the EEPROM or control board, which usually means a board replacement.
What to do
- Note when it appears. Watch whether it is a one-time morning event or an all-day recurrence. That single observation guides everything.
- Power-cycle the inverter. Turn off the AC breaker, then the DC isolator, wait 5 minutes, then restart. A transient Error 116 can clear here.
- If it keeps returning all day, contact your installer or Growatt. A persistent EEPROM fault typically needs the control board replaced; it is not something you fix from the outside.
Related Growatt codes
FAQ
It only happens in the morning. Is that bad?
A morning-only Error 116 that clears and runs fine all day is a common pattern and often manageable, but it is still worth mentioning to your installer so they can keep an eye on the board's health.
Can I fix the EEPROM myself?
No. The EEPROM is on the inverter's control board. A persistent fault means the board needs servicing or replacing by a qualified technician.
Sources
- Growatt inverter user manual and error-code reference (Error 116 = EEPROM read/write failure; check timing, control board replacement if all-day).
- Growatt installer documentation.