Not sure what a fault code means, why your solar generation has dropped or whether your battery is behaving normally? Send your question to Mr Solar and our team will help you understand the sensible next step.
Solar faultsInverter warningsBattery questionsFIT & export help
Clear guidance from a local solar specialist.
Send us the details of your system, fault code or question and we can help you decide whether advice, remote support or an engineer is the sensible next step.
How can we help?
What Can You Ask Us About?
You do not need to know the technical language. Tell us what the system is doing, include any warning code you can see and we will help point you in the right direction.
01
Solar Performance
“Why is my solar generating less than usual?”
02
Inverter Fault Codes
“What does this red light or error code mean?”
03
No Generation
“My solar has completely stopped producing electricity.”
04
Battery Storage
“Why is my battery charging or discharging differently?”
05
FIT & Export
“Will this change affect my Feed-in Tariff or export payments?”
When online advice is not enough
Some Solar Faults Need Proper On-Site Testing
Some questions can be answered from the information you provide, but no remote assessment can electrically test your system, inspect hidden wiring or confirm that an installation is safe.
Remote advice is general guidance only and does not replace professional testing or inspection where an electrical or equipment fault is suspected.
Contact us directly if:
The solar system has stopped generating completely
Fuses or circuit breakers repeatedly trip
A persistent inverter fault code will not clear
You smell burning or see visible heat damage
You suspect an electrical or fire-safety risk
There is damaged DC cabling or connectors
The panels or inverter have suffered physical damage
Mr Solar provides professional solar PV and battery testing, inspection and repairs across Norfolk and Suffolk, including systems originally installed by other companies.
Ask Mr Solar
Send Mr Solar a Message
Send the details directly to our team and include as much information about the system or fault as possible.
Name *
Email
Phone number *
Street Postcode
Please let us know your service needs
Gorleston: 01493 289118 Norwich: 01603 394104
Contact Form
Keep your existing Contact Form 7 form here.
Frequently asked questions
Ask Mr Solar FAQ
Can you diagnose my solar system from a message?
We can often narrow down the likely cause from the symptoms, fault code, monitoring screenshots and equipment details, but some faults require electrical testing or an engineer on site before a diagnosis can be confirmed.
Should I reset my inverter?
Only follow the manufacturer’s published user restart procedure. Do not open the inverter or disconnect solar DC connectors.
Can I ask about a system Mr Solar did not install?
Yes. Yes. We provide professional repair and Rescue support for suitable systems installed by other companies as well as our own installations.
Can I ask about Feed-in Tariff or export payments?
Yes. We can explain general FIT, generation-meter and export issues. Specific metering or compliance questions may require us to review your system paperwork.
What information should I provide?
The inverter or battery make/model, exact fault code, postcode, when the issue started and what the monitoring app is showing are all helpful.
Ask Mr Solar
Ask the question. If it needs testing, we’ll take it from there.
Send your question to our Norfolk team for guidance, or book professional support when the problem needs testing or an on-site visit.
There are a few reasons why your solar inverter might not be working. Here are some of the most common causes:
Power outage: If there is a power outage, your inverter will not be able to operate. This is because the inverter needs power to convert the DC power from your solar panels into AC power that can be used by your home or business.
Faulty wiring: If the wiring between your solar panels and your inverter is faulty, it can cause problems with the inverter’s operation. This could be due to a loose connection, a damaged wire, or a faulty connector.
Faulty inverter: If the inverter itself is faulty, it will not be able to convert the DC power from your solar panels into AC power. This could be due to a number of factors, such as a bad capacitor, a short circuit, or a software glitch.
Overheating: If the inverter overheats, it will shut down to protect itself. This could be due to a number of factors, such as a lack of ventilation, a high ambient temperature, or a dirty cooling fan.
If you think your solar inverter might not be working, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the problem. First, check to see if there is a power outage. If there is, you will need to wait for the power to come back on before you can troubleshoot the inverter.
If there is no power outage, you can check the wiring between your solar panels and your inverter. Make sure that all of the connections are tight and that there are no damaged wires. You can also try resetting the inverter by turning it off and then back on again.
If you have checked the wiring and reset the inverter and it is still not working, you may need to call a solar technician to diagnose the problem. The technician will be able to check the inverter for any faults and make repairs if necessary.
Here are some tips to help you prevent your solar inverter from not working:
Regularly inspect the wiring: Make sure that all of the connections are tight and that there are no damaged wires.
Keep the inverter clean: The cooling fan on the inverter needs to be able to circulate air freely. If the fan is dirty, it will not be able to cool the inverter properly and it could overheat.
Install a surge protector: A surge protector can protect the inverter from power surges.
Have the inverter serviced regularly: A solar technician can inspect the inverter for any faults and make repairs if necessary.
By following these tips, you can help to keep your solar inverter working properly and avoid any problems, If for some reason you may need our help as we are the best solar panel installers in Norwich please use the contact form below and some will be in touch about how we can help you.
Solar Photovoltaic cells are often advertised as an investment that saves you money in the medium/ long run. Let’s consider a a house in East Anglia, The average home electricity power use is;
2,900 kWh per year, priced at 28.34p Per KWH, £822 Per year electricity charge for metered electricity. (According to OFGEM)
Now, the house has a standard concrete roof, tiled, facing South, no Shading, standard
4.0kw (11 Solar Panels) generating 3,600kwh Electric per year;
2,900 kwh (we will use electricity per year )x 28.34p = £821 Per Year
4.kw Solar PV cost £4,995, pay back 6 years + Added re-sale value to the property + added protection of future increases in electricity costs.
If you have fixed your tariff until 2023 in favour of potential future savings as energy sky rockets in price, the maths looks like this,
2,900 kwh per year x 40.0p = £1,160cost of 4.kw Solar PV £4,995 pay back 4.3 years pay back + Added re-sale value to the property + added protection of future increases in electricity costs.
we can add electricity storage systems, divert solar energy to the hot water emersion if you have a tank for hot water. The above is a simple example and reflects good conditions, so tell us about your situation and we will do the maths for you to check.
Solar PV Calculator: What Could Your Roof Generate?
A calculator is a useful starting point, but a credible result needs roof direction, pitch, shading, usable dimensions and local solar data — not simply a postcode and panel count.
A better estimate starts with better property information.
01
Usable roof area
Chimneys, roof windows, ridges, edges and access zones reduce the number of modules that can actually be fitted.
02
Direction and pitch
South is not mandatory. East and west arrays can perform well and spread output more evenly through the day.
03
Shading
Trees, neighbouring roofs, chimneys and aerials can affect individual modules and the inverter design.
04
System losses
Temperature, cables, inverter conversion, dirt, mismatch and downtime mean annual AC energy is not simply panel wattage multiplied by sunshine hours.
From kWp to kWh
Power rating and annual energy are different.
A 5kWp array is the combined laboratory-rated peak power of its modules. Annual generation is measured in kilowatt-hours and varies with the location and roof.
For example, ten 500W panels equal 5.0kWp, while twelve 450W panels equal 5.4kWp. The larger array will not necessarily deliver the best household value if much of its output is unused or the roof has different shading.
Use the calculator as an early estimate. The MCS proposal and site-specific design should provide the project figure used for the purchasing decision.
No. Savings also depend on electricity use, tariff, export rate, battery behaviour and future energy prices.
Should I enter panel wattage or array size?
Use the exact input requested. Array size in kWp is panel wattage multiplied by panel quantity and divided by 1,000.
Why can two 5kWp systems generate differently?
Orientation, pitch, shade, local weather, inverter design and downtime can all differ.
Start with a proper solar assessment.
Tell Mr Solar about your property, electricity use and future plans. We will recommend a system around the building and the way you actually use energy.
Solar panels work by converting sunlight into electricity. They are made up of photovoltaic cells, which are made of semiconductor materials like silicon. When light hits a photovoltaic cell, it knocks electrons loose from their atoms. These electrons then flow through the cell, creating an electric current.
The amount of electricity that a solar panel produces depends on the amount of light it receives. Solar panels work best in direct sunlight, but they can also produce some good electricity on cloudy days.
Solar panels are a clean and renewable source of energy. They do not produce any emissions, so they are good for the environment. Solar panels are also a relatively affordable way to generate electricity.
Here is a more detailed explanation of how solar panels work:
Sunlight hits a photovoltaic cell.
The sunlight knocks electrons loose from their atoms.
These electrons flow through the cell, creating an electric current.
The electric current is then collected by wires and carried away to be used.
Solar panels are made up of many photovoltaic cells. These cells are connected together in series, which means that the current from each cell flows into the next cell. This creates a larger current that can be used to power appliances or to feed into the electricity grid.
Solar panels are a great way to reduce your reliance on fossil fuels and to help the environment. If you are considering installing solar panels, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
The amount of electricity that a solar panel produces depends on the size of the panel and the amount of light it receives.
Solar panels can be affordable to purchase and install, but they can save you money on your electricity bills in the long run.
Solar panels require very little maintenance.
If you are interested in learning more about solar panels, there are many resources available online and at your local library. You can also talk to a solar installer to get more information about your specific needs.
“Our trained solar experts will be happy to assist you with your decision to go solar.“ Mr Solar
The Manufacture of the solar panel. We recommend brands like Canadian Solar & TRINA SOLAR, however there are some very good options for the cost.
Solar Panel Cost. This is tricky to navigate as some of the cheaper panels may give better results when combined with the right inverter or other technologies
Solar Panel Quality. Quality panels are backed by great warranties on solar energy production
Energy Efficiency. this is a score, but if combined with the wrong inverter or failing to account for shading will seriously affect the production of electricity
Temperature Coefficient. this is a range of temperature where the panels work best, some panels may not do so well in hot climates
Durability.
Size, colour, depth all need considering
Types of Solar Cells Used, polycrystalline, monocrystalline and thin-film
Switch off lights and appliances. It’s probably the most obvious energy-saving tip but switching lights off can make a difference to your energy usage.
Reduce energy consumption.
Turn the heating down. 1 degree makes a massive difference
Insulate your home. Make sure the heat is not going out through the walls or roof by insulating them properly
Get a smart thermostat. A programable heat and hot water stat is essential, or Hive will do switch the heating on off as required over the internet
Choose an energy-efficient boiler.
Get Solar Panels reduce your electricity bill and earn 1 point per panel on the EPC.
10 Reasons Why We Love Solar PV Panels
Renewable Energy Source.
Lower Electricity Rate Escalations.
Provides Local Jobs for the Service and Energy Industry.
Benefits the Local Community.
Prepares for the Electric Vehicle Revolution.
Generate Your Own Electricity.
Low Profile with No Light or Noise Pollution.
Reduces Electricity Bills.
Diverse Applications.
Low Maintenance Costs.
Start saving from day one.
Solar panels significantly improve your resale value.
They are a clean and renewable source of energy. Solar panels do not produce any emissions, so they help to reduce air pollution and climate change.
They can save you money on your electricity bills. The amount of money you save will depend on the size of your solar system and your energy usage, but many people see a significant reduction in their bills after installing solar panels.
They increase the value of your home. Studies have shown that homes with solar panels sell for more than homes without solar panels.
They are a good investment. The cost of solar panels has come down significantly in recent years, and the return on investment is typically very good.
They are easy to maintain. Solar panels require very little maintenance, and most manufacturers offer warranties of 25 years or more.
They are a hedge against rising energy prices. As the cost of electricity continues to rise, solar panels can help you protect yourself from those increases.
They are good for the environment. Solar panels help to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, which is a major contributor to climate change.
They are a way to be more self-sufficient. With solar panels, you can generate your own electricity and reduce your reliance on the grid.
They are a way to show your support for renewable energy. By installing solar panels, you are helping to create a more sustainable future.
They are cool! Solar panels are a great way to show off your commitment to sustainability and renewable energy.
If you are looking for a way to save money, reduce your environmental impact, and invest in a sustainable future, solar panels are a great option.
A lot will depend on two factors, outlay money and your energy usage. The cost of Solar Panels has come down dramatically over the last 10 years so looking for an affordable package is quite easy compared to the early days of the feed in tariff which saw 4kw been sold for £18,995. We now do 4kw Solar pv systems for under £4,995 as a installed and commissioned system with options to upgrade with electricity battery storage.
Electricity consumption, the following figures apply: Low consumption is estimated as being between 1,800kWh and 2,400kWh. Medium consumption at 2,900kWh to 4,200kWh. High consumption is between 4,300kWh and 7,100kWh per year. We will need to check your bills if you don’t know and work out the best system for your needs.
Mr Solar We will provide a detailed proposal taking into account all the areas where we can see to reduce your energy consummation and reduce your bills.
The number of solar panels you need will depend on a number of factors, including:
Your annual electricity usage
The size of your roof
The orientation of your roof
The amount of sunlight your roof receives
The efficiency of the solar panels you choose
A solar panel’s wattage rating tells you how much electricity it can generate under ideal conditions. To calculate how many solar panels you need, you can divide your annual electricity usage by the wattage rating of the solar panels you are considering.
For example, if your annual electricity usage is 10,000 kWh and you are considering solar panels with a wattage rating of 300 watts, you would need about 33 solar panels.
However, it is important to note that ideal conditions are rarely met. The amount of sunlight your roof receives will vary depending on your location, the time of year, and the weather. You may need more solar panels than the calculation above suggests to generate enough electricity to meet your needs.
It is also important to consider the efficiency of the solar panels you choose. More efficient solar panels will generate more electricity per watt, so you may need fewer of them.
If you are serious about installing solar panels, I recommend getting a quote from Mr solar. They can help you assess your needs and recommend the right number of solar panels for your home.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind when calculating how many solar panels you need:
You may need more solar panels if you want to generate enough electricity to power your entire home.
You may need fewer solar panels if you are willing to export excess electricity back to the grid.
You may need to adjust your calculations if you live in a cloudy or shady area.
Solar PV panels, also known as photovoltaic or PV panels, will last more than 25 years. In fact, many solar panels installed as early as the 80s are still working at expected capacity. Not only are solar panels remarkably reliable, solar panel durability and efficiency has increased dramatically over the last 20 years.
We now see power outputs up to 600kw per solar pv panels. In the early days most were limited to 250kw. With the development of technology solar is now the most affordable type of energy for the home.
The industry standard for the lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years. However, a solar panel won’t die after 25-30 years – rather, its power output will decrease a significant amount below what the manufacturer projected.
The amount of power output loss over time is called the degradation rate. The median solar panel degradation rate is about 0.5%-1.5%, which simply means that a solar panel’s energy production will decrease at a rate of 0.5% per year. So, after 20 years, your panels should still be working at about 90% of its original output.
There are a few factors that can affect the lifespan of solar panels, such as:
The quality of the solar panels
The installation location
The amount of sunlight exposure
The climate
The maintenance and cleaning
Overall, solar panels are a very durable and long-lasting investment. They can generate clean energy for decades, helping you save money on your electricity bills and reduce your environmental impact.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about the lifespan of solar panels:
Most solar panel manufacturers offer a production warranty that guarantees that your panels will produce a certain amount of electricity for a certain number of years. This warranty can be a valuable way to protect your investment.
Even after the warranty period expires, solar panels can continue to produce electricity, albeit at a lower rate.
As solar technology continues to improve, the lifespan of solar panels is likely to increase.
If you are considering installing solar panels, it is important to factor in the lifespan of the panels into your decision. Solar panels can be a great way to save money on your electricity bills and reduce your environmental impact, and they can last for many years.
