Interactive repair and maintenance enquiry form

Name *

Address *

County

Post Code *

Please be aware that we are based in Lancashire. As you are not close by we will not be able to offer you any on-site services. However, if you have a fault then completing the questions may steer you toward the cause of your issue and in the case of a faulty inverter or other component we may be able to guide you through a DIY repair or replacement.

Nature of your enquiry *

My solar panels are producing some power but I believe there to be a fault nevertheless
My solar panels are producing nothing at all
There is an issue with the array, such as a roof leak, something loose, or a bird or rodent problem, or I need the panels removing
I have a problem with a battery storage system

Are any of these applicable? *

The FIT meter has a blank display instead of showing a reading
My inverter has a message on its display
My system appears to stop working when it rains
A circuit breaker has tripped
I need a quote for insurance purposes
I have solar panels facing in more than one direction
My system includes electrical isolator switches between the solar panels and the inverter

This is not uncommon and is usually caused by poorly fitted connectors underneath the solar panels which are allowing water ingress. The inverter detects the electrical leakage and shuts down until the connectors dry out sufficiently for the system to work. There will probably be a message on the inverter display when this happens. Please continue filling in this form to request a repair.

We will need to gain access to the solar panels in order to sort out your issue. Note that we are based in Chorley, Lancashire and can only travel a reasonable distance. Scaffolding of some sort is almost always required for this type of work, so we will need photographs and a description of your installation in order to ascertain these requirements. We are too often asked for "ballpark" figures based on very vague descriptions. No two jobs are the same and there is no ballpark!

We can't quote prices for this type of work without knowing the information being requested here, and any and all additional information that you feel may be relevant. It really is best to use this form rather than ringing asking for a price, so please help us to help you with lots of photos and information.

The most common cause of a blank meter is a circuit breaker tripping. Please ensure that you have checked all circuit breakers and if any have tripped, check the box above to indicate this. If no circuit breaker has tripped then you may have a faulty meter so please continue with this form.

As you have indicated that your system is producing, but the display on the meter is blank, it is very likely that the meter is faulty. Please continue with this form to arrange a repair.

Please enter the make and model of the meter, and ideally send us a photo using the file submission option below, or email a photo to info@redelectrical.co.uk

The most common erroneous fault report is that a system isn't producing anything when it's not reasonable for it to be expected to. If you've only just noticed that your system isn't producing anything then please ensure that there is sufficient daylight outside. During overcast or misty days, and during the winter, it may be that it's just too dark. *

I understand this and confirm that the reading on my FIT meter does not change from one day to the next.

Which circuit breaker tripped? *

A circuit breaker for the solar panels only
A circuit breaker for other circuits too

Unless there was a noise associated with the circuit breaker tripping, a burning smell or any other reason why you think you shouldn't, try resetting the circuit breaker as it may be a one-off. If it continues to trip then please continue filling in this form.

Try resetting the circuit breaker as it may be a one-off. If it continues to trip then try switching off the solar panels at the a.c. isolator, which may be next to the inverter, then reset the circuit breaker again. If the circuit breaker stays on then you definitely have a fault with the solar panels. If not, the fault could be elsewhere than your solar panels.

Inverter display message *

Please select 'Other' if none are applicable

Inverter display message

Error code E031 is a common fault on Power-One PVI series inverters. It relates to the grid connect relays and usually means that they have overheated and melted holes in the circuit board. There is no satisfactory way to repair your inverter and it will need to be replaced. We can offer a full replacement service, or with basic DIY skills you can replace it yourself by following our tutorial here:DIY replacement of a Power One PVI series inverter

Your inverter has suffered an internal failure and will need to be replaced. If you continue to fill in this form we will be able to quote for installation of a suitable replacement if you're near to us, or a replacement for DIY installation if you're not. It would be helpful if you could use the file submit option further down the page or email us to send photos of the inverter including close-ups of the connectors, and of any adjacent switchgear.

This message usually indicates that the inverter has detected earth leakage from the solar array. This occurs when the connectors on the solar panel strings are not fitted correctly and are allowing ingress of water. This can lead to corrosion and subsequent overheating and fire and must be rectified. We recommend switching off the d.c. isolator(s) to prevent any chance of overheating. Your system will need to be tested and repaired by a professional. If you're close to us then please continue with this form and we'll get in touch. Otherwise you will need to contact a local company to quote for the repair.

What type of building are the solar panels attached to? *

Single storey / bungalow
Two storey
Three storey or higher

Total installed capacity of your system in kW

Number of solar panels

A blank FIT meter is usually indicative of a loss of mains. This can often be a tripped circuit breaker. Please ensure that you've checked around your fusebox or consumer unit for this.
However, it could be a faulty FIT meter and it's a relatively common fault with Elster A100C meters.

Solar panel make and model if known, otherwise wattage of each panel if known and what direction do they face in? *

Inverter manufacturer *

Please select an option. If not known then please choose 'Unknown'. If not listed please choose 'Other'

Inverter model and serial number (optional but can help us with your enquiry)

Your inverter model number and serial number can usually be found on a label on the side or underside of your inverter.

Please note: Samil Power pulled out of the UK market several years ago. Any warranty that you may have left is no longer actionable as Samil do not respond to warranty claims.
In the event that we diagnose an inverter fault we can only sell a replacement from an alternative manufacturer.

Location of inverter(s) *

Loft or attic space
Garage or other accessible space
Other

Inverter access *

Ladder required and available for use
Ladder required and not available on site
No ladder required

Battery storage system description (make and model of inverter, if separate, and make and model of battery or batteries, and locations of equipment *

There are many types of battery storage system. Some are standalone systems, some have their own inverter, and some use the solar inverter. Please be as descriptive as possible.

Please enter the nature of the problem together with any information you think may be useful.

Which company installed your system (if known)

Why do we ask this? Certain companies made consistently the same mistakes/short cuts with their installations and this often gives us a clue as to what might be wrong.

Approximate age of your system (years and months)

If it's around 5 years, is it over or under? This is important as most inverter warranties are 5 years.

A picture speaks a thousand words! If you have any photos or other documents that can help us understand your installation then please upload them here. Particularly useful are photos of the inverter model number sticker, the connections into the inverter and an overall picture of the inverter area showing all isolators etc. You can also email us at info@redelectrical.co.uk

File Upload

Please note that we are based in Chorley, Lancashire and can only offer a repair service within a reasonable travelling distance. However, please feel free to use this interactive tool which may help diagnose your issue, and we can of course supply a replacement inverter or other parts in our online shop.

Email address *

Telephone number(s) *

Please read and confirm your acceptance below *

I confirm that I have read and understood the brief terms and conditions below

I understand that the minimum fee for a local site visit for any purpose is £150 inc VAT.
I acknowledge that RED Electrical normally offers call-out services within a reasonable travelling distance of Chorley, Lancashire and further distances are discretionary and subject to additional charges.