Urgent · Inherited system

Inherited solar system not working

Q: I bought a house with solar panels that aren't generating — what do I check first?

Start with the basics: look at the inverter display during daylight hours. A healthy system will show output in watts or kilowatts. If the display is dark, check that the isolation switches near the inverter are both in the ON position. If the display is on but showing zero or an error code, note the exact code. Then check the consumer unit for a tripped solar circuit breaker. These three checks take five minutes and resolve a significant proportion of non-generating inherited systems.

Q: How do I know if the previous owner turned the solar system off?

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. Turn both to ON during daylight and check whether the inverter display comes to life and starts showing output.

Q: What do fault codes on an inherited inverter mean?

Fault codes indicate the inverter has detected a problem and stopped generating as a safety measure. Common codes on inherited systems include grid fault errors (often self-resolve once the grid stabilises), isolation faults (a panel or cable has a ground fault — requires engineer attention), and optimiser communication faults (common on older SolarEdge systems with failed optimisers). The exact code tells you whether the fault is likely self-resolving or needs an engineer. Note the full code and search it with your inverter brand name, or contact STS for interpretation.

Q: The inverter is on but generating zero — the panels look fine from outside. What could be wrong?

If the inverter is powered, no fault codes are showing, and isolation switches are on but output is zero, the most likely causes are: failed DC string fuses inside the inverter (cheap to replace but requires an electrician), failed optimisers if it is a SolarEdge system, a DC wiring fault between the panels and inverter, or a failed inverter output stage. A remote diagnostic can check whether any monitoring data exists and narrow down the cause; a physical assessment is required to confirm wiring and component-level faults.

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.

Diagnose it Book a diagnostic

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.

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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

Ian · May 2026 Trustpilot

Sree · May 2026 Trustpilot

Dennis Brown · May 2026 Trustpilot

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

Mr Machin · May 2026 Trustpilot

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

Christopher · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

customer · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

Andy Thomas · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

Philip · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

GivEnergy Sunsynk Growatt SolarEdge Full solar troubleshooting guide All problem guides

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.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

I bought a house with solar panels that aren't generating — what do I check first?

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.

How do I know if the previous owner turned the solar system off?

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.

What do fault codes on an inherited inverter mean?

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.

The inverter is on but generating zero — the panels look fine from outside. What could be wrong?

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.

How long could a solar system have been not working before I bought the house?

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.

Do I have a warranty claim for faults on an inherited system?

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.

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.

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