Although solar power systems are pretty reliable, sometimes problems do occur. Sometimes issues can be resolved in minutes.
If you know how!
Its safe to say if you are reading this then you have an issue with your solar system. Let us take you through some simple checks to try to get you out of trouble and if not resolve the issue at least identify a likely cause.
How to identify if you have a problem
- Your PV generation meter has stopped incrementing or is permanently off with nothing showing on the screen
- Your FIT return for the last period was substantially smaller than the previous year, maybe even nil
- Your inverter is showing a warning light or an error on the screen
- Your electricity bill has vastly increased
- The system keeps tripping the circuit breakers
- Your monitoring software has alerted you to a solar problem
Steps to Rectify the Problem
We have put together a series of steps to help you try to rectify some of the more common issues found in Solar PV systems, both in the home and business.
If you do think you have a problem, the first thing to do is check the time, remember after the sun goes down the solar panels will produce next to no power and the whole PV system including the PV generation meter will probably be off. If you are reading this at 1pm then its fair to say you definitely should be producing power.
Simple Steps to Rectify
Step 1: Check the PV generation meter
Check your generation meter is powered up and showing a value on the screen, if not then that suggests either the meter is faulty or the inverter is not generating any power, go to step 2.
If you are seeing a value but it is not incrementing then that also suggests the inverter is faulty, go to step 2.
**Be careful that you check the correct meter, you should have one for the mains supply into your house and one for your solar PV system**
Step 2: Check consumer unit/fuse box
Find where your PV system connects back into your house and check the RCD and any other circuit breakers or fuses.
All breaker switches should be active and showing green/be facing in the up position. If so go to step 3.
If any have tripped try to reactivate it by switching the RCD/Circuit breaker back to the upward/green position. It should stay in place. If it just trips again go to step 5
Step 3: Check the inverter
Is the inverter generating power? Usually the display will give you a clue depending on what inverter you have. If the inverter screen indicates it is generating power but your meter is not incrementing, your meter is most likely to be faulty. Move to step 4.
If you do not have a display on your inverter you will not be able to check this so move to step 4.
Is the inverter showing any errors? If so please note down the error code and go to step 4.
Is the inverter showing signs of life (you may have to tap the screen or a button)?
If not, check the connectors that plug into the inverter are not loose, still no life? Go to step 5.
Step 4: Reboot inverter
Find your AC isolator (usually the red one) and switch it to the ‘off’ position, next locate the DC isolator(s) and switch each one to the ‘off’ position.
Once the inverter is powered off and the screen has gone blank wait 30-60 seconds and follow the above procedure in reverse.
You have now reset your inverter and should see it start to produce power within a few minutes. If the problem is still present go to step 5
Step 5: Grab a pen & paper
You’ve now run out of things that you can tackle yourself, its time to make some notes of your problem.
Record any of the troubleshooting you have done, including any error codes from all equipment. Photos are always good way to show us your problem too. Call the number below to speak to one of our engineering staff.
CALL 0330 345 3400, WE ARE HERE TO HELP!
Other Common Problems
RIso Errors
This means there is low insulation resistance and suggests the DC cabling and/or connectors are faulty. Usually worse in winter.
EO31
ABS/Aurora Power One inverters suffer from this common failure of the internal relays.
Birds nesting undrer panels
We find all sorts nesting under those solar panels, they like to chew everything, causing all sorts of issues.
Disturbance Vac Bfr Error
SMA inverter with an AC coupling problem, sometimes an easy fix, sometimes replacement.
Meter failure
We can replace all types of meter, single & 3 phase, single & bi-directional, smart.
No Grid
This suggests the inverter has either failed internally or that it has lost its connection to the mains supply in your property.
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4 weeks ago Read More
Scott designed and carried out a PV cell installation recently. The quote was competitive and the correspondence quick and concise. The fitting was arranged within a week, once the specification was agreed. On site, assisted by Mike, they were helpful and friendly and despite a difficult routing for the cable they came up with a successful solution. The end result is a very tidy, externally & internally, solar fit for the property. Great job and communication throughout, overall I'm very satisfied with their service and would recommend them.
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3 weeks ago Read More
Thank you for your outstanding service we received with regards to our solar panels which needed a new inverter. In next to no time, the problem was identified, a replacement ordered, delivered and fitted and the solar panels immediately started to record our readings. I have 100% confidence in recommending Bolido!
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2 weeks ago Read More
Very refreshing to get such a thorough and decent service. My company, a solar installations company needed technical assistance on-site for two projects. We also needed help with some of our own IT systems particularly with providing secure internet and network access between us and our clients, primarily for sharing power generation data but also increasingly alongside power usage data. Scott and his team were great with our clients and we just left to it. They were also quick to understand exactly what we wanted to achieve. They carried out all of the work, quickly, cleanly and with the minimum of fuss. We are now in a great position network and IT wise, moving forward we are confident in being able to service bigger clients with however sophisticated a network solution they might require. Highly recommend this company.
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1 week ago Read More
Fantastic and thorough service from these guys following birds nesting and ruining the connections on our solar installation. Great communications throughout, and friendly professional service.