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.

    Canadian Solar TOPHiKu6

    Canadian Solar N-type all-black panels: dependable output and strong value.

    Canadian Solar’s current TOPHiKu6 all-black residential range offers 435–465 W outputs, N-type TOPCon technology and module efficiency up to 22.8%.

    435–465 WUp to 22.8% efficientN-type TOPConAll-black format
    Canadian Solar TOPHiKu6 all-black residential panels
    435–465 WCurrent power range
    Up to 22.8%Maximum module efficiency
    N-type TOPConCell technology
    All-blackResidential roof finish
    Why we use this range

    A practical all-black N-type residential module.

    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.

    Canadian Solar-style all-black modules installed by Mr Solar
    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.

    Manufacturer source: Canadian Solar TOPHiKu6 All-Black 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.

    There are a few reasons why your solar inverter might not be working. Here are some of the most common causes:

    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.

    Solar Home

    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:

    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 = £1,160 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

      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.

      Information we used, Free Solar Panels by Author;

      Which Magazine

      Ofgem ECO4

      Energy Savings Trust

      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.