Ask Mr Solar

Got a Solar or Battery Question? Ask Mr Solar.

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 faults Inverter warnings Battery questions FIT & export help
Mr Solar service engineer providing solar PV technical support
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
Useful fault guides

Go Straight to the Right Help

Solar Not Generating?

Common causes including inverter problems, FIT meter issues, dirt, wiring and installation faults.

Solar generation guide →

Inverter Fault?

Error-code guidance and professional diagnosis for legacy and modern solar PV inverters.

Inverter fault guide →

Need a Repair?

Professional testing, inspection, inverter replacement, battery diagnostics and system takeover.

Repair support →

No Original Installer?

Ongoing support, servicing and membership options for suitable orphaned solar and battery systems.

Rescue Service →
Professional local support

If the Problem Needs an Engineer, We’re Here

Mr Solar provides professional solar PV and battery testing, inspection and repairs across Norfolk and Suffolk, including systems originally installed by other companies.

MCS Certified
NAPIT Registered
TrustMark
HIES
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.

    Future for Solar Panels

     

    What is the future for Solar Panels?  As Mr Solar PV are experts in Solar Panel installers, here are a few of the most promising:

    These are just a few of the latest advances in solar technology. As the solar industry continues to grow, we can expect to see even more exciting developments in the years to come.

    Solar Technology

    In addition to the advances mentioned above, there are also a number of other areas of solar technology that are seeing promising developments. These include:

    The future of solar energy is bright, and these latest advances are just a taste of what is to come. As the technology continues to improve, solar energy is becoming a more and more viable option for meeting our energy needs.

    If you have a business in the area and looking to have us install solar panels in your Norwich home or business we would be happy to provide you a quote.

     

    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 = £1,160 cost 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.

    You can do some sums on our free Solar PV Calculator

    Estimate before survey

    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.

    MCS Certified
    NAPIT Approved
    Norfolk & Suffolk
    Established 2011
    The important inputs

    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.

    Residential rooftop solar array used for a generation estimate
    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.

    Calculator FAQ

    Can a calculator promise savings?

    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.

    Here are 5 facts about why solar energy makes sense:

    1. Solar energy is abundant and renewable. The sun is a virtually limitless source of energy, and solar panels can convert sunlight into electricity even on cloudy days.
    2. Solar energy is clean and produces no emissions. This makes it a good choice for people who are concerned about the environment.
    3. Solar energy is becoming more affordable. The cost of solar panels has been declining in recent years, and solar is now a cost-competitive option for many homeowners and businesses.
    4. Solar energy can save you money on your energy bills. If you install solar panels on your home, you can generate your own electricity and reduce your reliance on the grid.
    5. Solar energy can increase the value of your home. Studies have shown that homes with solar panels sell for more than homes without solar panels.

    Here are some additional facts about solar energy:

    Battery Storage systems are now affordable amd makes the systems up to 90% off grid if installed and specified correctly.

    If you are considering switching to solar energy, there are many resources available here to help you get started. You can talk to a solar panel installer, visit a solar energy website, or attend a solar energy workshop.

    The benefits of going solar in the UK are similar to those in other countries. Here are some of the key benefits:

    Overall, there are many good reasons to go solar in the UK. If you are considering making the switch, be sure to do your research and talk to Mr solar to learn more about the benefits and costs of solar energy.

    Here are some additional benefits of going solar in the UK:

    If you are considering going solar in the UK, be sure to check with Mr Solar to see if there are any rebates or incentives available.

    Save Energy Save ££££

    Cost of going solar v solar savings

    Home Battery Storage

     
     
    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:

    1. Sunlight hits a photovoltaic cell.
    2. The sunlight knocks electrons loose from their atoms.
    3. These electrons flow through the cell, creating an electric current.
    4. 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

      1. The Manufacture of the solar panel. We recommend brands like Canadian Solar & TRINA SOLAR, however there are some very good options for the cost.
      2. 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         
      3. Solar Panel Quality. Quality panels are backed by great warranties on solar energy  production 
      4. 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 
      5. Temperature Coefficient. this is a range of temperature where the panels work best, some panels may not do so well in hot climates 
      6. Durability. 
      7. Size, colour, depth all need considering 
      8. Types of Solar Cells Used, polycrystalline, monocrystalline and thin-film
      10 Reasons Why We Love Solar PV Panels

      What are the Benefits of Going Solar?

      1. 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.
      2. 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.
      3. They increase the value of your home. Studies have shown that homes with solar panels sell for more than homes without solar panels.
      4. 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.
      5. They are easy to maintain. Solar panels require very little maintenance, and most manufacturers offer warranties of 25 years or more.
      6. 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.
      7. They are good for the environment. Solar panels help to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, which is a major contributor to climate change.
      8. 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.
      9. They are a way to show your support for renewable energy. By installing solar panels, you are helping to create a more sustainable future.
      10. 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.

      How It Works