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.
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.
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.
GivEnergy legacy system support
Support for existing GivEnergy battery and inverter installations.
GivEnergy Ltd entered administration and ceased trading in April 2026. Mr Solar is not promoting new GivEnergy sales, but we continue to help owners of existing systems with practical diagnostics, electrical checks, monitoring investigation and repair options where parts and access permit.
Existing systemsFault diagnosticsMonitoring checksIndependent support
Software support ceasedOngoing company support is unavailable
Mr Solar helpsIndependent diagnostics and repair options
Important status update
What changed for GivEnergy owners.
GivEnergy Ltd entered administration on 9 April 2026 and ceased trading with immediate effect. The appointed administrator stated that hardware warranties and ongoing user and software support from GivEnergy Ltd would cease, and advised consumers to approach their installer for initial support.
Our position: Mr Solar is no longer presenting GivEnergy as a new-sales option. We will assess existing installations and explain what can realistically be tested, repaired, reconfigured or replaced.
Visual inspection, relevant electrical testing, meter checks and review of inverter or battery indications.
Monitoring investigation
Review available app data, connectivity, meters and symptoms. Cloud or account functions may be outside an independent installer’s control.
Repair or replacement route
Where parts or support are unavailable, we explain safe alternatives and the implications of replacing components.
No false warranty promise: Mr Solar cannot reinstate a manufacturer warranty, guarantee access to GivEnergy cloud services or promise that every fault can be repaired. Charges apply for inspection and diagnostic work unless agreed otherwise.
Capacity translated into everyday use
Understanding the size of your existing battery.
GivEnergy systems were installed with different capacities and inverter ratings. The model label and system records help separate stored energy from the power the installation can deliver.
Two different limits: kWh describes how much energy is stored; kW describes how much power the inverter and battery can deliver at once. A system can have plenty of stored energy but still be unable to run every high-power appliance simultaneously.
Illustrative examples
A 5 kWh battery is roughly 5 hours at a steady 1 kW load before allowances
A 10 kWh battery is roughly 5 hours at 2 kW
High-power appliances can exceed inverter output even when energy remains
Reported ‘battery empty’ symptoms may involve reserve settings, metering, communication or cell condition
Figures are simple energy illustrations, not guaranteed runtime. Allow for battery reserve, conversion losses, temperature, ageing and changing household demand.
Before contacting us
Send the details that make diagnosis faster.
Model labels
Clear photographs of the inverter, battery and serial-number labels.
Error evidence
Fault codes, warning lights and screenshots from any accessible monitoring.
System history
Installation date, original paperwork and when the problem began.
Current behaviour
What charges, discharges, imports or exports differently than expected.
Do you need help with an existing GivEnergy system?
Send us the model details, symptoms and monitoring screenshots. We will explain whether an inspection is appropriate and what support can realistically be offered.
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.
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
