Solar Not Working? We Find the Fault and Fix It
Professional solar PV diagnostics, inverter replacements, performance testing and thermal drone inspections for homes and businesses — including systems installed by other companies.
Is Your Solar System Underperforming?
Solar PV systems are generally reliable, but inverters, wiring, meters, connections and individual panels can develop faults as the installation gets older.
A system may still appear to be operating while producing considerably less electricity than expected. Early diagnosis can help prevent further damage and reduce the amount of generation or FIT income being lost.
- Solar generation has noticeably reduced
- FIT or export payments have fallen
- The system is producing no electricity
- The inverter displays an error or warning light
- The generation meter has stopped recording
- Fuses, MCBs or breakers trip repeatedly
- The monitoring app is offline or showing incorrect readings
Birds nesting beneath your panels?
Mr Solar installs Enviroguard bird protection for existing solar-panel systems. The array can be assessed alongside cleaning, cable inspection and any required repairs.
Common Solar PV Faults We Investigate
We inspect the complete system rather than simply replacing the first component that displays an error.
Inverter Failure
The inverter converts the DC electricity generated by the panels into usable AC electricity.
- Fault codes and warning lights
- Blank display or no output
- Clicking during start-up
- Overheating or ventilation issues
- Age-related component failure
Wiring and Connections
Loose, damaged or degraded wiring can reduce performance and may present a serious electrical risk.
- Damaged DC cables
- Overheated connectors
- Loose terminations
- Water ingress
- Intermittent generation
Faulty Solar Panels
One defective panel or bypass diode can affect the performance of a complete string.
- Defective cells
- Hail or storm damage
- Manufacturing defects
- Hotspots and failed diodes
- Poor original installation
Dirty or Shaded Panels
Dirt and changing shade patterns can cause a noticeable reduction in output.
- Bird droppings
- Pollen and dirt deposits
- Leaves and organic debris
- Tree growth
- New buildings or obstructions
Meter and Monitoring Faults
A generating system may appear faulty when the real problem is its meter, CT clamp or monitoring connection.
- Generation meter stopped
- Import and export shown in reverse
- CT clamp installed incorrectly
- Wi-Fi or app disconnected
- Missing portal data
Bird and Animal Damage
Birds and rodents can damage cables and create nesting material beneath the array.
- Cables chewed or displaced
- Nesting beneath panels
- Restricted ventilation
- Heavy panel contamination
- Protective bird guard installation
Thermal Drone Surveys
Thermal drone inspections provide a safe, fast and non-invasive way to examine solar arrays that are difficult to inspect properly from ground level.
High-resolution thermal imaging can reveal abnormal heat patterns associated with damaged cells, failed bypass diodes, poor connections and underperforming strings.
A thermal survey may identify:
- Overheating panels and electrical hotspots
- Defective solar cells
- Failed bypass diodes
- Underperforming strings
- Loose or high-resistance connections
- Patterns of shading or contamination
How Our Solar Repair Process Works
Tell Us the Problem
Send us the inverter make, model, fault code, postcode and photographs where possible.
On-Site Testing
We inspect the inverter, panels, strings, protection, meters, wiring, earthing and monitoring system.
Clear Findings
We explain what has failed, what remains serviceable and the recommended remedial work.
Repair and Verify
Approved work is completed, tested and checked to confirm that the system is operating correctly.
Get Your Solar Working Properly Again
We repair systems installed by Mr Solar and systems installed by other companies — even where the original installer has stopped trading or no longer provides support.
Mr Solar Ltd
Beacon Innovation Centre
Camelot Road, Gorleston
Great Yarmouth, NR31 7RA
Solar PV Repairs: Your Questions Answered
How do I know whether my solar system is faulty?
Reduced generation, lower FIT or export payments, inverter error codes, repeated tripping or no generation can all indicate a fault. Comparing current output with previous years can also reveal gradual underperformance.
Is it safe to leave a faulty system switched on?
Not always. Damaged wiring, overheating components and insulation faults may present a safety risk. If there is heat, smoke, a burning smell or visible damage, isolate the AC supply if it is safe and contact a professional.
How long should a solar inverter last?
Many solar inverters operate for approximately 7–12 years, although lifespan varies by manufacturer, installation environment, loading and maintenance.
Can dirt and partial shading substantially reduce output?
Yes. Partial shading, bird contamination and accumulated debris can affect individual panels or complete strings. Testing helps distinguish a cleanliness issue from an electrical or component fault.
Do you repair systems installed by another company?
Yes. Mr Solar diagnoses and repairs existing systems regardless of the original installer. We support many customers whose installers have ceased trading or no longer provide technical assistance.
Will replacing an inverter affect my Feed-in Tariff?
A correctly documented like-for-like replacement will not normally end a valid FIT agreement. However, system changes must preserve compliant generation metering and may need to be reported to the FIT licensee. We will explain the requirements before work proceeds.
Will you need scaffolding?
Many inverter, meter, monitoring and ground-level faults can be investigated without scaffolding. Safe roof access may be required where panels, rooftop cables, mounting equipment or bird nesting must be inspected or repaired.
Which areas do you cover?
We provide solar testing, inspection and repair services throughout Norfolk and Suffolk.
Work Completed by Qualified Professionals
Solar PV testing and remedial work is completed with regard to applicable UK electrical regulations, manufacturer requirements and relevant industry guidance.
Applicable standards and guidance include:
- BS 7671 IET Wiring Regulations
- MCS requirements and MIS 3002 where applicable
- Manufacturer installation and safety instructions
- DNO notification or approval where required
Customers should not open enclosures, disconnect DC connectors or attempt rooftop repairs themselves. Solar panels generate DC electricity whenever exposed to light.
Arrange professional testing before a small fault becomes a larger problem.
Speak to Mr Solar about low generation, inverter errors, battery faults, monitoring problems or a system that simply does not look right.