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.
AIKO Neostar all-black panels: maximum power from limited roof space.
AIKO’s current Neostar 3P54 residential range combines N-type ABC back-contact technology with outputs from 470 to 500 W and module efficiency up to 25.0%.
470–500 WUp to 25.0% efficientN-type ABCBack-contact aesthetics
AIKO places the electrical contacts on the rear of the cells. Removing visible front-side busbars gives the panel a more uniform black appearance and leaves more of the front surface available to collect light.
The 500 W model is rated at 25.0% efficiency in a compact 1762 × 1134 mm format, making it particularly attractive where roof area is limited.
Cell format: 108 half-cells in the manufacturer’s 3P54 compact residential format.
Key figures
470, 475, 480, 485, 490, 495 and 500 W bins
23.5% to 25.0% module efficiency
-0.26%/°C temperature coefficient
15-year product warranty, extendable to 25 years where applicable
30-year linear performance warranty
Benefits
Why homeowners choose AIKO.
Power per square metre
High efficiency helps maximise array size when only a limited number of modules fit.
All-black appearance
Back-contact cells remove the silver grid lines seen on conventional front-contact panels.
Shading optimisation
The architecture is designed to improve behaviour under partial shading conditions.
Strong hot-weather performance
A low temperature coefficient helps limit output loss as module temperature rises.
Long-term output
N-type technology supports low first-year and annual degradation figures.
Compact residential size
The format is designed for domestic roof handling rather than oversized utility modules.
System design
What the wattage means on your roof.
Twelve 500 W AIKO panels create a 6.00 kWp array. Twelve 470 W panels create 5.64 kWp.
The final design will account for roof direction, pitch, shading, cable routes, inverter input limits and any planned battery, EV charger or heat pump.
Mr Solar recommendation: AIKO is our premium power-density and aesthetics choice where the customer wants the cleanest all-black appearance or needs to maximise output from a restricted roof.
Manufacturer source: AIKO Neostar 3P54 470–500 W datasheet. Specifications can change; the exact model and datasheet will be identified in your quotation.
Which panel is right for your roof?
Mr Solar will compare usable roof area, shading, orientation, appearance, inverter design and your energy goals before recommending a panel and array size.
Solar panels on new homes are becoming increasingly common, and it’s likely that they will become mandatory in the near future. This is due to a combination of factors, including:
Increasing awareness of climate change: There is a growing public awareness of the need to reduce carbon emissions, and solar power is a clean and renewable energy source.
Falling costs of solar panels: The cost of solar panels has fallen dramatically in recent years, making them a more affordable option for homeowners.
Government incentives: The UK government offers S.E.G incentives for homeowners to install solar panels, such as tax breaks and rebates in some cases.
Improved technology: Solar panels are becoming more efficient and reliable, making them a more attractive option for homeowners.
Benefits of solar panels on new homes:
Reduced energy bills: Solar panels can generate a significant amount of electricity, which can help to reduce your energy bills as much as 90% with battery storage
Increased property value: Studies have shown that homes with solar panels tend to sell for more money than homes without solar panels.
Reduced carbon footprint: Solar power is a clean and renewable energy source, so installing solar panels can help to reduce your carbon footprint.
Energy independence: Solar panels can help you to become more energy independent, reducing your reliance on the grid.
Potential drawbacks of solar panels on new homes:
Upfront cost: The initial cost of installing solar panels can be high.
Weather dependence: Solar panels rely on daylight to generate electricity, so their performance can be affected by weather conditions.
Maintenance: Solar panels require some maintenance, such as cleaning and occasional repairs.
A solar-diverter can send suitable surplus electricity to an immersion heater instead of exporting it immediately. It can be valuable—but only where the cylinder, immersion and control arrangement are suitable.
The controller follows export and adjusts the immersion load.
A compatible diverter monitors electricity flow at the grid connection. When surplus solar would otherwise be exported, it proportionally supplies the immersion heater, subject to system limits and the cylinder thermostat.
01
Use genuine surplus
The control should avoid importing expensive electricity merely to heat water unless a scheduled boost has been chosen.
Where a battery is installed, the homeowner should understand whether surplus fills the battery or heats water first.
04
Compare export value
Diverted electricity gives up its export payment. The value depends on the alternative water-heating fuel and the current export tariff.
Suitability survey
Check the plumbing and electrical arrangement first.
Hot-water cylinder and immersion heater present
Immersion element condition and rating
Dedicated circuit and protection
Meter sensor location and direction
Battery and EV-charger priorities
Space-heating system and hot-water schedule
A diverter does not turn PV panels into solar-thermal collectors. It uses PV electricity in a conventional electric immersion heater.
Solar hot-water FAQ
Will it heat a full cylinder every day?
Not necessarily. Available surplus changes with season, weather, household demand and array size.
Should the battery or immersion come first?
It depends on energy prices, hot-water fuel, export rate and household routine. Compatible systems can be configured around the preferred priority.
Can it work with a heat pump?
Sometimes, but control integration is different. A resistive immersion diverter should not be assumed to control a heat pump correctly.
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.
A strong balance of power, durability and appearance.
Vertex S+ is designed for residential and commercial rooftops in a manageable 1762 × 1134 mm format. Its dual-glass construction replaces a conventional polymer backsheet with a second glass layer.
Current 2026 wattage bins run from 450 to 475 W, with the 475 W module reaching 23.8% efficiency.
Cell format: Trina lists 144 cells for this NEG9R.28 design. This differs from the common 108 half-cell / 54 full-cell-equivalent terminology used by some other manufacturers.
Key figures
450, 455, 460, 465, 470 and 475 W bins
22.5% to 23.8% module efficiency
Dual 1.6 mm glass construction
Up to 25-year product and 30-year power warranties
Benefits
Why we specify Trina Vertex S+.
Dual-glass protection
Glass on both sides supports durability and resistance to moisture and environmental stress.
High efficiency
Up to 23.8% efficiency helps increase kWp without using oversized commercial modules.
Strong loading
The datasheet lists 5,400 Pa snow and 4,000 Pa wind test loads.
Low degradation
N-type technology supports 1% first-year and 0.4% annual degradation figures.
Broad compatibility
The residential format is designed for mainstream inverters, optimisers and mounting systems.
Refined roof finish
Black framing and a consistent cell layout suit modern all-black residential arrays.
System design
What the wattage means on your roof.
Twelve 475 W Vertex S+ panels create a 5.70 kWp array; sixteen create a 7.60 kWp array.
The final design will account for roof direction, pitch, shading, cable routes, inverter input limits and any planned battery, EV charger or heat pump.
Mr Solar recommendation: Trina Vertex S+ suits customers wanting dual-glass construction, high efficiency and a well-established residential panel platform.
Manufacturer source: Trina Vertex S+ NEG9R.28 2026 datasheet. Specifications can change; the exact model and datasheet will be identified in your quotation.
Which panel is right for your roof?
Mr Solar will compare usable roof area, shading, orientation, appearance, inverter design and your energy goals before recommending a panel and array size.
The TOPHiKu6 CS6.1-54TM-H range spans seven wattage bins from 435 to 465 W. It combines a dark residential appearance with mainstream electrical characteristics and established manufacturer support.
A -0.29%/°C power temperature coefficient and low degradation figures help maintain energy yield over the long term.
Cell format: 108 half-cells — the compact format commonly described as a 54 full-cell-equivalent residential panel.
Key figures
435, 440, 445, 450, 455, 460 and 465 W bins
21.3% to 22.8% module efficiency
1800 × 1134 mm module format
30-year linear power performance warranty
Benefits
Why we use Canadian Solar.
Balanced specification
A useful mix of output, efficiency, electrical compatibility and price positioning.
All-black finish
The dark frame and module face create a cleaner appearance on visible residential roofs.
N-type TOPCon
Modern cell technology supports low degradation and strong lifetime energy yield.
Temperature performance
The -0.29%/°C coefficient helps reduce heat-related power losses.
Mechanical strength
The datasheet describes enhanced snow and wind loading performance for suitable installations.
Flexible system sizing
Multiple wattage bins allow the exact supplied module to be matched to project availability and design.
System design
What the wattage means on your roof.
Ten 450 W Canadian Solar panels create a 4.50 kWp array; sixteen create a 7.20 kWp array.
The final design will account for roof direction, pitch, shading, cable routes, inverter input limits and any planned battery, EV charger or heat pump.
Mr Solar recommendation: Canadian Solar is a strong all-round option when the priority is a proven N-type all-black panel with a balanced specification and competitive system cost.
Mr Solar will compare usable roof area, shading, orientation, appearance, inverter design and your energy goals before recommending a panel and array size.
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.
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:
Perovskite solar cells: Perovskite solar cells are a new type of solar cell that have the potential to be much more efficient than traditional silicon solar cells. In 2022, researchers achieved a record efficiency of 34.2% with perovskite solar cells. This is still lower than the efficiency of silicon solar cells, but perovskite solar cells are much cheaper to produce.
Transparent solar cells: Transparent solar cells are a type of solar cell that can be used to create windows that generate electricity. This could revolutionize the way we build buildings, as it would allow us to generate electricity from the sun while still letting in natural light.
Concentrating solar power (CSP): CSP is a type of solar power that uses mirrors to concentrate sunlight onto a receiver, which then heats a fluid to generate steam. This steam can then be used to drive a turbine to generate electricity. CSP is a very efficient way to generate solar power, and it is also capable of storing energy, which makes it a good option for providing baseload power.
Solar-powered drones: Solar-powered drones are a new technology that is being used for a variety of applications, such as delivering packages, inspecting infrastructure, and providing surveillance. Solar-powered drones are able to fly for long periods of time without refueling, which makes them ideal for these types of applications.
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:
New materials: Researchers are constantly developing new materials for solar cells, with the goal of creating cells that are more efficient, durable, and affordable.
Improved manufacturing processes: New manufacturing processes are being developed that can produce solar cells more efficiently and at a lower cost.
Smart solar systems: Smart solar systems are being developed that can track the sun, adjust their output, and even communicate with the grid. These systems can help to optimize the performance of solar panels and make solar energy more reliable.
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 = £1,160cost 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.
Here we will give the facts about Solar PV Panels and separate the Myth from Fact.
The most asked question is; do I qualify for free solar panels?
Fact, Solar Panels could have been free when the Feed In Tariff was available, so the customer got free daytime electricity and the supplier got the feed in tariff (Rent A Roof). The Feed in Tariff Scheme died in 2019 and many free Solar panels were finished long before this as the Tariff disappeared.
For clarity, this was written on the 19.10.2023.
The ECO4 Scheme is a government-funded energy efficiency scheme that helps low-income households and households that receive certain state benefits to make energy efficiency improvements to their homes. This can include measures such as loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, and solar panel installation.
Despite these changes, there remain some common misconceptions around solar panels that prevent many households giving them any thought. So, how much do solar panels cost and how much energy do they produce?
Prices have dropped substantially since the demise of the Feed in Tariff, *SEG replaced this in 2020 and offers very little for you exported electricity, A mislay 4p Per KWH working out to be about £100 per year on a standard Home, we are now forecasted to be paying 41p Per KWH in Oct 2022. However, 0% VAT on your purchase of Solar Panels is a great incentive saving hundreds of £.
Please try our Solar Pv Calculator, this will work out how much you could save and what the likely cost would be.
