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New homeowner guide · UK-specific · Written by a solar engineer

Just Bought a House With Solar Panels?

No documentation, no monitoring access, no idea what brand it is or whether it's working properly. This is the starting point for most new solar homeowners. Here's exactly what to do — and in what order. Once you're set up, the new solar owner hub covers everything you need to know going forward.
  • Works for systems with and without batteries
  • Covers all major UK inverter and battery brands
  • Health Check from £145 if you want this done for you
Want this done properly?

Our New Owner Health Check covers system identification, monitoring transfer, MCS documentation, performance review, and a written condition report — in a single remote session.

New Owner Health Check — from £145Book a call to discuss

We've helped hundreds of new solar homeowners understand what they've inherited. Most complete their onboarding in a single session.

5.0
13 Trustpilot reviews
Trustpilot Google

I have a GivEnergy system consisting of two batteries, two inverters and a controlling EMS (Energy Management System) which has not worked since Nov 2025. After six months I discovered Solar Tech Support, reached out to them and Ron phoned me back – how often do you get that service? Could not be more helpful – worked directly with me over the phone, outside what I would call normal working hours. Lucid explanations and we were able to discuss the issues and history using camera and email history. As this was a very rare setup, Ron was able to access an EMS expert in the field to confirm the solution. One sunny day in, I am now only paying for standing charge and a few pence for spikes in grid consumption while battery catches up with house demand.

Ian · May 2026 Trustpilot

When my GivEnergy system had an issue, I was completely left without support and had honestly lost all hope. Thankfully, I searched online and found Ron, which completely turned things around. After sending him a message, he responded incredibly fast and called me to assure me that he would get the problem fixed. I really admire his dedicated, supportive nature and his determination to find a solution. With this kind of outstanding attitude and customer service, he has absolutely secured a future customer in me.

Sree · May 2026 Trustpilot

Ron want out of is way to help, nothing was to much. He was very thorough in what he did Very knowledgeable I would highly recommend Ron and his company He did a fantastic job for me. if you have any problems, he'll do his best to help you out and resolve your problem. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them

Dennis Brown · May 2026 Trustpilot

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 Trustpilot

Contacted Ron with a problem and he sorted it out quickly with no problems at all. Very knowledgeable on anything solar/ batteries. I would recommend him to anyone

Phill · May 2026 Trustpilot

I've spoken to Ron a couple of times with issues with my Givenergy installation. Such a friendly knowledge guy very highly recommended. Thank you very much for resolving my issues

michael fairhurst · May 2026 Trustpilot

Contacted Solar Tech Support in desperation. After explaining the issues I had with my system a diagnosis was made and a solution proposed. Fantastic service, even contacted a manufacturer to arrange replacement parts for me. Great communications, explained all they were doing and what I had to do, clearly and precisly. Followed up to confirm all was ok. Excellent service.

Mr Machin · May 2026 Trustpilot

After GivEnergy went into liquidation, just my luck, my battery started playing up (internal board crashed). Contacted my installer - not interested! Found Solar tech support on a Google search. Sooo glad I found this company! Ron is extremely helpful and has plenty of experience. He soon confirmed what the fault was, and helped me to get my system up and running again. Now moved my GivEnergy account to Solar tech support, and will definitely use again if I have more issues. Unusual to find such a helpful company in these times, no morons reading scripts, just direct contact with the engineer.

Keith Ballard · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

Contacted Solar Tech Support when trying to understand what my Givenergy inverter problem might be and what might be my options. Received good/honest advise which backed up my thoughts.

Hugh Speirs · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

Ron is a super star. Two months ago my GivEnergy battery failed a firmware upgrade leaving it a brick. My installer couldn't/wouldn't fix it. GivEnergy couldn't/wouldn't fix it. Then they went into administration and all hope was lost. A flurry of emails later and Ron had diagnosed the fault (failed USB flash drive, something I'd suspected) and talked me through resolving it. Two months of nothing resolved in about 3 hours. It's great to work with someone who pays attention to the details, knows that they're doing (not just following a script) and gets stuff sorted without a fuss or up-charging.

Christopher · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

I can add to the list of customers who had already 'given up' on GivEnergy due to their appalling customer service, and that was before they went into administration (their Trustpilot reviews don't lie!). So you can imagine my desperation when, having changed my ISP and my Inverter, predictably, proving to be the only device that didn't connect automatically to my new network, I found zero prospect of any customer support with GivEnergy having called in the administrators just five days earlier! The salvation came from Solar Tech Support. My IT advisor stumbled across their web site and some very helpful tips for beleaguered GivEnergy customers, as well as an offer to provide direct assistance. Nothing ventured, I decided to drop them an E-Mail, with very low expectations based on my experience of GivEnergy customer support. Within an hour Ron had responded with some pin point advice, and after a few exchanges of E-Mails he had nailed the problem, enabling the combined efforts of my IT advisor and solar installer to resolve it and reconnect my Inverter. Thank you Solar Tech Support, and Ron in particular, for coming to the aid of a deserted and despondent GivEnergy customer. Expert, razor sharp advice and first class customer service, even though I wasn't officially a customer.

customer · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

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 Trustpilot

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 Trustpilot

I have a GivEnergy system consisting of two batteries, two inverters and a controlling EMS (Energy Management System) which has not worked since Nov 2025. After six months I discovered Solar Tech Support, reached out to them and Ron phoned me back – how often do you get that service? Could not be more helpful – worked directly with me over the phone, outside what I would call normal working hours. Lucid explanations and we were able to discuss the issues and history using camera and email history. As this was a very rare setup, Ron was able to access an EMS expert in the field to confirm the solution. One sunny day in, I am now only paying for standing charge and a few pence for spikes in grid consumption while battery catches up with house demand.

Ian · May 2026 Trustpilot

When my GivEnergy system had an issue, I was completely left without support and had honestly lost all hope. Thankfully, I searched online and found Ron, which completely turned things around. After sending him a message, he responded incredibly fast and called me to assure me that he would get the problem fixed. I really admire his dedicated, supportive nature and his determination to find a solution. With this kind of outstanding attitude and customer service, he has absolutely secured a future customer in me.

Sree · May 2026 Trustpilot

Ron want out of is way to help, nothing was to much. He was very thorough in what he did Very knowledgeable I would highly recommend Ron and his company He did a fantastic job for me. if you have any problems, he'll do his best to help you out and resolve your problem. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them

Dennis Brown · May 2026 Trustpilot

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 Trustpilot

Contacted Ron with a problem and he sorted it out quickly with no problems at all. Very knowledgeable on anything solar/ batteries. I would recommend him to anyone

Phill · May 2026 Trustpilot

I've spoken to Ron a couple of times with issues with my Givenergy installation. Such a friendly knowledge guy very highly recommended. Thank you very much for resolving my issues

michael fairhurst · May 2026 Trustpilot

Contacted Solar Tech Support in desperation. After explaining the issues I had with my system a diagnosis was made and a solution proposed. Fantastic service, even contacted a manufacturer to arrange replacement parts for me. Great communications, explained all they were doing and what I had to do, clearly and precisly. Followed up to confirm all was ok. Excellent service.

Mr Machin · May 2026 Trustpilot

After GivEnergy went into liquidation, just my luck, my battery started playing up (internal board crashed). Contacted my installer - not interested! Found Solar tech support on a Google search. Sooo glad I found this company! Ron is extremely helpful and has plenty of experience. He soon confirmed what the fault was, and helped me to get my system up and running again. Now moved my GivEnergy account to Solar tech support, and will definitely use again if I have more issues. Unusual to find such a helpful company in these times, no morons reading scripts, just direct contact with the engineer.

Keith Ballard · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

Contacted Solar Tech Support when trying to understand what my Givenergy inverter problem might be and what might be my options. Received good/honest advise which backed up my thoughts.

Hugh Speirs · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

Ron is a super star. Two months ago my GivEnergy battery failed a firmware upgrade leaving it a brick. My installer couldn't/wouldn't fix it. GivEnergy couldn't/wouldn't fix it. Then they went into administration and all hope was lost. A flurry of emails later and Ron had diagnosed the fault (failed USB flash drive, something I'd suspected) and talked me through resolving it. Two months of nothing resolved in about 3 hours. It's great to work with someone who pays attention to the details, knows that they're doing (not just following a script) and gets stuff sorted without a fuss or up-charging.

Christopher · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

I can add to the list of customers who had already 'given up' on GivEnergy due to their appalling customer service, and that was before they went into administration (their Trustpilot reviews don't lie!). So you can imagine my desperation when, having changed my ISP and my Inverter, predictably, proving to be the only device that didn't connect automatically to my new network, I found zero prospect of any customer support with GivEnergy having called in the administrators just five days earlier! The salvation came from Solar Tech Support. My IT advisor stumbled across their web site and some very helpful tips for beleaguered GivEnergy customers, as well as an offer to provide direct assistance. Nothing ventured, I decided to drop them an E-Mail, with very low expectations based on my experience of GivEnergy customer support. Within an hour Ron had responded with some pin point advice, and after a few exchanges of E-Mails he had nailed the problem, enabling the combined efforts of my IT advisor and solar installer to resolve it and reconnect my Inverter. Thank you Solar Tech Support, and Ron in particular, for coming to the aid of a deserted and despondent GivEnergy customer. Expert, razor sharp advice and first class customer service, even though I wasn't officially a customer.

customer · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

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 Trustpilot

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 Trustpilot
Start Here

The 4 things to do in your first week

You don't need to understand every detail of the system to take these steps. They establish what you have, whether it's working, and give you the foundation to deal with anything that comes later.

1
Locate the inverter and note the make and model

The inverter is usually mounted on a wall in the garage, utility room, or loft. Find the label on the front or side and note the brand name and model number. Take a photo. This single piece of information unlocks everything — monitoring setup, warranty registration, fault code lookup, and configuration guides are all brand-specific.

2
Check the inverter display to confirm the system is generating

During daylight hours, look at the inverter display. A number with "W" or "kW" means the system is generating. A blank display (before sunrise or after sunset) is normal. A fault code, red light, or completely unresponsive unit needs investigation. Do not rely on the monitoring app — it will almost always show "offline" because access is linked to the previous owner's account, not yours.

3
Locate or request the MCS certificate and installation documentation

This should have been provided to you at completion. Check your property documents pack. If it wasn't included, contact your solicitor — they should have received it. If it's missing entirely, we can usually retrieve it from the MCS database using the installation postcode and approximate date. Without it, warranty claims and SEG tariff registration are blocked.

4
Register for monitoring access under your own account

Every monitoring platform has a process for transferring accounts to new homeowners. You'll need proof of ownership (a completion letter or Land Registry document). Start this process early — some brands take 1–2 weeks to process account transfers, and without it you have no visibility into how the system is performing. See the monitoring transfer section below for brand-specific instructions.

ℹ️

Note: If the system appears to have a battery (a separate unit, usually floor-standing or wall-mounted near the inverter), its setup and configuration are almost always locked to the previous owner's account and app. This is separate from inverter monitoring — see the battery setup section for what to do.

Monitoring access
Monitoring

Monitoring is locked to the previous owner — here's how to get it back

Solar monitoring accounts are registered to individuals, not properties. When you buy a house, the monitoring app will show "offline", "no device found", or simply never load — because the data link still points to an account you don't have access to. You need to request a transfer from the manufacturer. Each brand has a different process.

We handle monitoring transfers across all major UK brands

Included as part of the New Owner Health Check. Or book as a standalone service — typically resolved in 2–5 working days.

Transfer monitoring account
Documentation
Docs

MCS certificate, warranties, and what should have been handed over

Solar installations generate a paper trail that's essential for warranty claims, export tariff registration, and future sale. Most of it should have transferred with the property. A lot of it doesn't. Here's what to look for and what to do if it's missing.

Documents that should have been provided at completion

MCS certificate (or HIES/RECC equivalent)
Confirms system was installed to standard
DNO notification / G98 / G99 application
Grid connection notice to your Distribution Network Operator
Inverter and battery warranty documents
Check if warranty is registered to the property or previous owner
FiT / SEG contract or payment history
Required to understand if export payments are being made and to whom
Panel specification sheet
Panel make, model, and rated output — needed for performance assessment
Monitoring account login or transfer details
Often not provided — requires separate transfer request to manufacturer
Faults & performance
Faults

Found something wrong — or not sure if it's working correctly?

Inherited systems sometimes have faults that were never reported or diagnosed by the previous owner — either because they didn't notice, or because the fault appeared gradually. A Health Check identifies these. But if you've already found something specific, these pages are the right starting point.

Not sure if there's actually a fault — or just no visibility yet?

A New Owner Health Check reviews the system systematically — generation data, fault history, settings, and hardware — and produces a written condition report. From £145.

Book Health Check
Battery setup
Battery

Inherited a battery? It needs to be reconfigured for you

Battery storage systems are configured around the previous owner's energy tariff, usage patterns, and preferences. Those settings are almost certainly wrong for you. Charge and discharge schedules, tariff integration, and emergency power settings all need to be reviewed and updated before the battery will work correctly in your situation.

Battery configuration is included in the New Owner Health Check

We review and update charge/discharge schedules, tariff integration, and emergency power settings as part of the onboarding session. Available as a standalone service too.

Book battery setup
New Owner Health Check
Health Check

The New Owner Health Check covers everything in a single session

Rather than working through each step manually, the Health Check brings everything together: system identification, monitoring transfer, MCS documentation check, current performance review, battery configuration, and a written condition report that you own and can use for future warranty or sale purposes.

System identification — make, model, installation date, panel count
Monitoring transfer — we handle the account request across all brands
MCS documentation check and recovery if missing
Performance review vs expected output for your location and system size
Battery reconfiguration for your tariff and usage (if battery present)
Written condition report — fault summary, warranty status, action plan
Solar System Health Check
from £145

For properties with solar only (no battery). Covers system ID, monitoring transfer, MCS check, and performance review.

Book Solar Health Check — £145
Health Check + Battery Setup
from £179

For properties with solar and a battery. Adds battery reconfiguration, tariff integration, and EPS settings review.

Book with Battery Setup — £179

Remote session. Written report delivered within 24 hours. All brands supported.

On-site in Yorkshire

Prefer an engineer to come to your home?

Our on-site walk-through (£295) covers everything in the remote health check — plus a physical inspection of your panels, inverter, isolators, and cabling, WiFi and monitoring setup on your phone, and a face-to-face controls walk-through so you actually understand how the system works.

The engineer checks for visible faults, confirms the system is generating correctly, sets up your monitoring account, walks you through the app, and provides a written condition report. Currently available across Yorkshire — Barnsley, Sheffield, Leeds, Wakefield, Doncaster, Rotherham, Bradford, Huddersfield, York, Harrogate, and Hull. Remote health check (£145) available nationwide.

On-site walk-through — £295
FAQ

Common questions from new solar homeowners

Solar panels are largely maintenance-free — there are no moving parts. However, inverters and batteries benefit from periodic checks: firmware updates, settings reviews, and performance monitoring. Most faults are identified through monitoring data, so getting monitoring access in your name is the most important ongoing maintenance action. An annual health check is recommended for systems with batteries.
Yes — through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). You need to apply for a SEG contract with your energy supplier. If the previous owner was on the Feed-in Tariff (FiT), those payments are tied to them personally and do not transfer. SEG is the current scheme for new registrations. You'll need the MCS certificate to register. SEG and FiT registration guide →
Almost certainly not. "No device found" means the monitoring account is registered to the previous owner's email address — and you're logged in as yourself (or not logged in at all). The system is almost certainly generating fine. Check the inverter display directly: if it shows a kW output figure during daylight, the system is working. You just need to complete the monitoring account transfer. Monitoring access guide →
It depends on the brand and warranty type. Manufacturer warranties (inverter and battery hardware) typically transfer with the property, but you usually need to register the transfer to make warranty claims. Installer workmanship warranties may not transfer — they were between the installer and the original customer. Check the warranty documentation provided at completion, or let us verify it as part of a health check. Warranty check guide →
The remote review session takes around 60 minutes. Monitoring transfer requests are submitted during the session but typically take 2–5 working days to process on the manufacturer's side. The written condition report is delivered within 24 hours of the session. For systems where monitoring is inaccessible, we work from the inverter display, any available data, and system specification to complete as much as possible in the first session.
Get help

Unsure where to start with your inherited system?

Tell us what you know — brand if you can spot it, whether there's a battery, any fault lights or issues. We'll work out the rest and come back with a clear plan.

  • Independent — not tied to any installer or manufacturer
  • Remote and on-site support available
  • Usually same or next day

By submitting you agree to be contacted about your diagnostic request. We don't share your data with 3rd parties.

Call 07944 877 329 Book free diagnostic