8709 on a SMA Solar Technology AG Sunny Boy: Communication to the system control absent
Short answer
On a SMA Solar Technology AG inverter, 8709 means: Communication to the system control absent. The inverter keeps running with some functions stopped. An engineer is needed to fix the cause.
Reviewed 24 September 2026 · 1 source
What it means
The manual says: Communication to the system control absent.
Part involved: system manager / control communication.
When it shows: Communication to the system control absent.
Likely causes:
- SMA corrective measures: Ensure that the connection to the System Manager is intact and that no cables are damaged or that no plugs have been pulled.
Is it safe?
| Does the inverter stop? | Partly |
|---|---|
| Severity | Warning |
| Engineer needed? | Yes |
The inverter keeps running with some functions stopped.
Resetting itself: yes.
Manual reset: Automatic when condition clears.
What you can check
- Read the event number and message in the SMA Energy app / Sunny Portal (ennexOS) or the inverter's web interface and note the date/time for your installer. A red LED on the inverter means an event has occurred.
- Check your home Wi-Fi/router is working and the SMA app/Sunny Portal can see the system.
- Check any SMA Data Manager / Home Manager is powered and its network cable is plugged in (do not open anything).
What the engineer will check
- Check connection to System Manager, cabling and plugs; confirm fallback setting (active power may be limited to set percentage).
Who to ask for: PV installer / monitoring.
Certification: Qualified electrician (BS 7671; MCS-certified PV installer for work on the PV array/DC side).
What you might notice
Sources
- Operating manual SUNNY BOY 3.0/3.6/4.0/5.0/6.0 ↗ · SBxx-1AV-41-BE-en-21 Version 2.1 · page 102 · Reviewed 24 September 2026
A code explains what the controller detected, not a confirmed root cause.
Reviewed: 24 September 2026