My Givenergy system went offline, so I lost control of it. Ron from STS and Craig from Norfolk Solar were most helpful in diagnosing the problem by phone. Full marks for their patience and ability.
Tony Jackson · Jul 2026 Google
Urgent · Inherited system
Inherited solar system not working
You've moved into a house with solar panels — but they're generating nothing, showing zero on the display, or throwing error codes. Some of these faults are simple to fix in five minutes. Others mean the previous owner left you an unresolved repair.
Free remote diagnostic pay only if we fix it — from £95 if remediable remotely
- Some faults are fixable in minutes
- Inherited faults need proper diagnosis
- Warranty may still apply
Before you assume it's broken
A significant number of 'not working' inherited systems are simply isolated — the previous owner turned off the isolation switches and didn't turn them back on. Check the inverter isolation switches and the solar circuit breaker before assuming a fault.
Absolutely wonderful support. I have a GivEnergy system that was installed in 2022, and a firmware update was flagged in the app, so I proceeded to update the software .... and immediately regretted it, as my inverter came up with an error, and was not working at all! With no GivEnergy support available, and my installer saying there was nothing he could do, I googled help, and found Ron. What a stroke of good luck! Submitted an on line enquiry late morning, and received phone call just after 5 pm, and later that evening Ron was able to supply me with old firmware no longer available on the GivEnergy web site. I was then able to update the firmware using a GivEnergy youtube video as reference, and hey presto the system was back up and running. One further slight adjustment by Ron and we are back normal. What a relief. I have no hesitation in recommending Solar Tech Support if you have a problem. Great service! And if you are a GivEnergy system owner, whatever you do, DO NOT UPDATE FIRMWARE!
Neill Ginn · Jul 2026 Google
This company are a rare gem, I had a very unusual problem following a failed firmware upgrade on my GivEnergy kit. I then found out GivEnergy were in administration and had dismissed all their support staff! None of the usual fixes to try and restore my inverter comms would work, and I looked everywhere, forums, GivEnergy youtube support videos - even AI couldn't figure it out. My installer was talking about huge sums for system replacements, and being vague / evasive about if they'd even install replacement GivEnergy inverter. Enter Solar Tech Support, reassuring and knowledgeable from the very start, I've learnt loads about my solar system though the friendly chat while my engineer worked as he diagnosed the problem and figured out a fix procedure that I've not found anywhere else - amazing. If you need solar system repairs - especially if you like me have been left high and dry by GivEnergy, I cannot recommend this company enough. Give them a call.
Andy Thomas · Apr 2026
Ron took me through a diagnostic to confirm my GivEnergy Inverter had a fault. A common one as it turns out with the AC Inverter. As GivEnergy is defunct there is no immediate fix, aside from sourcing 2nd hand replacement. It may be that a fix becomes available over the summer which would make a lot of GivEnergy customers happy (Again)
Tony Deacon · May 2026
Ron was brilliant. He really tried to help. He spent hours trying to fix our GivEnergy AIO and ultimately it became apparent that it needed parts to fix the BMS management system. As there appears to be no replacement parts available on the market, he gave excellent advice on what options are now available to move forward. He is incredibly helpful and knowledgeable.
Mark Mayson · Jun 2026 Google
I sent a message on their website regarding a problem I have on my Givenergy system. Although not supplied by Ronald, I thought it was worth an email. Within the hour on a Saturday, he phoned and we discussed the problem. He logged in remotely and gave excellent advice. I'm too far away for his on-site help but he did diagnose the problem and was happy also to chat through my thoughts about an upcoming solar/battery install I'm planning. Great bloke.... if only he was nearer!
Philip · Apr 2026
Why inherited solar systems aren't generating
In order of how commonly we see each cause on inherited systems.
System is isolated (switched off)
The AC or DC isolation switch near the inverter is in the OFF position. This is the most fixable cause — takes 30 seconds to check and resolve. Check these first before anything else.
Tripped circuit breaker
The solar circuit breaker in the consumer unit has tripped. Reset it (push to OFF then ON). If it holds, the system may recover. If it trips again immediately, there's a fault on the circuit that needs an electrician.
Active fault code on the inverter
The inverter has detected a problem and stopped generating. The display will show a fault code or error number. Some codes are self-resolving (grid faults); others require engineer attendance (isolation faults, hardware errors). Note the exact code.
Long-dormant fault — unreported
The system has been non-generating for an extended period — sometimes months or years — because the previous owner had no monitoring access and didn't notice. Dormant faults include failed optimisers, corroded connections, and degraded inverter components.
Failed DC string fuses
DC string fuses inside the inverter protect the panel circuits. If a fuse has blown, that string produces no output. Multiple blown fuses can take the whole system offline. Fuse replacement is a straightforward electrical job but requires qualified access to the inverter internals.
Failed inverter or hardware fault
The inverter itself has failed — either a component failure or end-of-life. Inverters typically last 10–15 years. If the system is over 10 years old and showing no output with no obvious cause, inverter failure is a realistic possibility. May be covered by remaining warranty.
Step-by-step diagnostic
Work through these in order during daylight hours. Many cases are resolved at step 1 or 2.
1
Check the inverter display during daylight
Stand in front of the inverter during daylight hours — ideally on a sunny or partly cloudy day between 9am and 4pm. A generating system will show output in watts or kilowatts on the display. If the display is dark, the inverter has no power. If it shows zero, the inverter has power but is not generating. If it shows a fault code or error number, note it down exactly — this is your most important diagnostic data.
If the display is showing a generation figure above zero — even a small one — the inverter is working. Your issue is likely monitoring access, not generation.
2
Check the AC and DC isolation switches
Near the inverter — sometimes directly on the inverter casing, sometimes on the wall beside it — there will be isolation switches. Look for:
•DC isolator: A red or grey rotary switch labelled 'DC Isolator', 'Solar PV' or similar. Connects the panel cables to the inverter. Must be ON.
•AC isolator: Another switch connecting the inverter output to the consumer unit. Sometimes a red rotary, sometimes a white double-pole switch. Must be ON.
If either is OFF, turn it to ON and wait 2–3 minutes. The inverter will go through a startup cycle (this is normal — most inverters have a 30–300 second grid check before they begin generating).
3
Check the solar circuit breaker in the consumer unit
Open the consumer unit (fuse board). Look for a circuit breaker labelled 'Solar', 'PV', 'Inverter', or with a sun or lightning bolt symbol. The switch should be fully in the ON position. If it is in the middle (tripped) position, push it fully to OFF and then firmly to ON. If it trips immediately on reset, stop — there is a fault on the circuit that needs an electrician to investigate. Do not keep resetting a breaker that is tripping.
4
Interpret the fault code if one is showing
If the inverter is powered but showing an error code, write it down exactly and search for it with your inverter brand name. Common inherited system fault codes:
•Grid fault / Grid voltage error: Inverter detected unstable grid conditions. Often self-resolves within minutes to hours. If it persists for days, contact your DNO (Distribution Network Operator).
•Isolation fault / Earth fault / Leakage current: A panel string or cable has a ground fault. Requires engineer attention. Do not reset and leave — this indicates a wiring problem that can be dangerous.
•Optimiser communication fault (SolarEdge): One or more panel optimisers have lost communication or failed. Requires a qualified SolarEdge installer to diagnose on the roof.
•Hardware fault / Component error: Internal inverter fault. Note the code and contact the manufacturer for warranty assessment or a replacement quote.
For Growatt-specific error codes, see our Growatt fault code guide.
5
Assess what professional support is needed
If steps 1–4 haven't resolved the issue, you have an underlying fault that needs professional diagnosis. Before booking an engineer visit, a remote diagnostic session can:
•Access any available monitoring data to assess historical output patterns
•Interpret fault codes and advise on likely root causes
•Confirm whether the fault is covered by remaining warranty
•Advise on whether a warranty claim, independent repair, or replacement is the right route
Systems that have been dormant for months or years
It is more common than people expect to inherit a system that hasn't been generating for a long time. Without monitoring access, the previous owner may not have known the system was inactive — or may have known and chose not to disclose it.
▸
Check the inverter installation date on the label. The inverter label shows the manufacturing or installation date. If the system is over 8 years old, component failure becomes more likely — particularly for older string inverters with electrolytic capacitors that degrade over time. Newer hybrid inverters (under 5 years) are less likely to have hardware-level failures and more likely to have configuration or wiring issues.
▸
Inspect the visible wiring and connections for obvious damage. Without opening any electrical panels yourself, look for visible signs of damage near the inverter — scorching, melted insulation, condensation or corrosion on visible connectors, or cables that appear to have been disturbed. Any of these indicate the system needs an electrician's assessment before it is operated.
▸
Consider whether there may be a warranty or disclosure claim. If the system was non-generating at the point of sale and the previous owner was aware, this may constitute a failure to disclose a material defect. Contact your conveyancing solicitor with any evidence of extended non-generation (from monitoring data if you can access it) to assess whether a claim is viable. Inverter and panel warranties transfer with the property — check the remaining term.
▸
Get a professional assessment before investing in repairs. On a dormant system, a remote diagnostic can confirm whether the issue is a configuration or data fault, or whether it requires physical engineer attendance. A full electrical inspection by a qualified solar engineer is advisable before spending money on component replacements — the scope of the issue needs to be understood first.
Brand guides and fault code resources
Available on-site across Yorkshire & beyond
Inherited a solar system that isn't working? We start with a remote diagnostic to identify the fault, then visit on-site for repairs if needed — across our full coverage area from Leeds to Sheffield, York, Hull, and beyond.
See all areas we cover →Frequently asked questions
Start with the basics during daylight: look at the inverter display — a generating system shows output in watts. Then check the DC and AC isolation switches near the inverter are both in the ON position. Finally, check the solar circuit breaker in the consumer unit hasn't tripped. These three checks take five minutes and resolve a significant number of non-generating inherited systems. If none of these are the cause, note any fault codes on the display and follow the diagnostic guide above.
Check the isolation switches near the inverter. There will be at least one DC isolator (for the solar panel cables) and one AC isolator (for the output to the consumer unit). These are typically red or grey rotary switches. If either is in the OFF or middle position, the system is isolated and will not generate. Turn both to ON during daylight hours and wait a few minutes for the inverter to complete its startup cycle.
Fault codes mean the inverter detected a problem and stopped generating as a safety measure. Common codes on inherited systems include grid fault errors (often self-resolving), isolation faults (ground fault on a panel or cable — needs engineer attention), and hardware errors (internal component failure). Write down the exact code and search it with your inverter brand name — or contact STS for interpretation. Do not ignore isolation fault codes.
If the inverter has power, isolation switches are on, the breaker is holding, but output is zero, likely causes include: failed DC string fuses inside the inverter, failed optimisers (on SolarEdge systems), a DC wiring fault between panels and inverter, or a failed inverter output stage. The panels looking clean from outside tells you very little about the electrical path — faults in this list are invisible from ground level. A remote diagnostic followed by a physical assessment is required to identify the specific cause.
Longer than you might expect — months or even years in some cases. Without monitoring access, a previous owner often has no way to know the system stopped generating. This is particularly common on older solar-only installs where the previous owner never set up monitoring. If you gain monitoring access and can see historical data, check when generation last showed a positive figure. The duration of dormancy affects both the repair scope and potential warranty or disclosure claims.
Possibly. Inverter warranties are typically 5–10 years from installation and transfer with the property. Panel warranties are typically 10–12 years for product faults and 25 years for performance guarantees — also transferable. If the system is within warranty, contact the manufacturer with the serial number and proof of ownership. If the fault developed during the previous owner's tenure and they were aware of it, there may also be a failure-to-disclose claim through your conveyancing solicitor.
The remote diagnostic is free, and there is no fee if we cannot fix the fault. If the fault is remediable remotely, fixes are from £95. An independent inspection with a full written report, suitable for conveyancing disputes, is from £145.
Sometimes within minutes. The first checks, covering the inverter display, the isolation switches, and the solar circuit breaker, take about five minutes and resolve a significant number of non-generating inherited systems. After switching an isolator back on, allow 2 to 3 minutes for the inverter to complete its startup cycle. Faults that survive those checks need a remote diagnostic first, with an on-site visit arranged if hardware work is required.
System fault
Can't get the system generating after working through this?
For a new homeowner with a non-generating system, an independent solar inspection is the right starting point — a written report covering system condition, fault diagnosis, documentation, and a clear repair or warranty route.
- Independent — full written report included
- No fix, no fee · Inspection from £145
- Suitable for conveyancing disputes
We use cookies to measure traffic and improve our ads — including sharing limited, hashed details with Meta (Facebook) and Google to measure ad performance. Accept, or decline for essential cookies only. Privacy policy
STS Solar Tech Support
Usually replies within minutes
Hi there!
Got a solar fault or need a quick answer? Drop us a message — we usually reply within a few minutes. Mon–Fri, 9am–7pm.
Start WhatsApp Chat
Got a solar fault or need a quick answer? Drop us a message — we usually reply within a few minutes. Mon–Fri, 9am–7pm.
End-to-end encrypted