SPF 3000TL LVM-ES / SPF 3500–5000 ES Lite off-grid (fault codes 01–81)
Growatt 81 error code
Host loss — the parallel system has lost the host inverter (F81 on the ES Lite).
Likely causes
- Host inverter powered off or faulted
- Parallel communication cable between host and slaves broken
- Program 23 settings wrong so no unit is configured as host
- Host inverter hardware fault
Checks to run, in order
- 1Check whether the parallel communication cables are connected well
- 2Check whether program 23 settings are right for the parallel system
- 3Confirm the host inverter is powered and not in fault
Fixes
- Restore power to the host inverter
- Reseat the parallel communication cables
- Correct program 23 and restart the stack
When to escalate
If the problem still exists after these checks, contact a Growatt repair centre.
Fix it with the right tools
Check the system around the fault before replacing parts: load, battery bank, PV string and commissioning settings. If you need a second opinion, send the code and your inverter model to our team.
Before you open the inverter
- Isolate both the AC and DC sides, then confirm the display is dead before touching terminals.
- Use insulated tools and one hand where possible. DC arcs do not self-extinguish like AC.
- If you see burnt terminals, swollen cells, leaking electrolyte or a burning smell, stop and escalate instead of resetting the fault.
Questions installers ask
What does Growatt 81 mean?
Host loss — the parallel system has lost the host inverter (F81 on the ES Lite).
How do I fix Growatt 81?
Restore power to the host inverter Reseat the parallel communication cables Correct program 23 and restart the stack
When should I escalate Growatt 81?
If the problem still exists after these checks, contact a Growatt repair centre.
Can I reset Growatt 81 myself?
Only after isolating the AC and DC sides and running the checks above. If Growatt 81 returns immediately, stop resetting it and escalate; a repeating fault usually points to a real circuit, battery or hardware problem.
Which models show Growatt 81?
Growatt 81 is documented for SPF 3000TL LVM-ES / SPF 3500–5000 ES Lite off-grid (fault codes 01–81). Confirm the code on your own unit's display or manual before ordering parts.
More Growatt error codes
- Growatt 01Fan is locked (displayed as F01 on the SPF ES Lite).
- Growatt 02Internal component temperature is over 100 °C (F02 on the ES Lite).
- Growatt 03Battery is over-charged / battery voltage is too high (F03 on the ES Lite).
- Growatt 04Battery voltage low.
- Growatt 05Output is short-circuited (F05 on the ES Lite).
- Growatt 06Output voltage is too high. The manual groups 06/58 as 'output abnormal' — inverter voltage above 150 Vac or below 40 Vac.
Guidance reviewed 17 October 2026 by the Mishka Energy installer team. Error codes vary by brand, model family and firmware; confirm against the manufacturer manual.
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