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Solar Inverter Replacement

A solar inverter replacement is not often an expense that people look forward to, but the good news is that the replacement process is quick and straightforward, hopefully not as expensive as you might think, and once taken care of, you will have set the solar PV system up for many more years of hassle free operation.

We will explain everything, the process, all of the options and anything else that you would like to know. The end result will be a fully serviced, tested and working solar PV system, a new solar PV inverter under warranty and access to a reliable solar installer who knows your system, that you can call on whenever you need to.

Established in 2007, we're one of the longest serving and most reliable solar companies around. With our personal approach, many years working experience, attention to detail and the high standard of our work, your system will be in safe hands.

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Solis 4G Series Solar PV Inverter

Solar Inverter Replacement: Service Schedule:

Diagnosing Solar Inverter Faults: Solar inverter faults can be diagnosed by you (a good place to start with this can be found here: Solar Inverter Fault Codes, Warnings and Troubleshooting), over the phone or after a site visit, please contact us if you would like to arrange this.

New Solar Inverter Selection: If a replacement solar inverter is needed, we help to specify a correctly sized, priced and featured new one. We are not tied to any manufacturer and are able to supply and or supply and install a wide range of different solar inverters, however based on experience, value for money and serviceability, for solar PV systems 4kWp and under we usually recommend Series 6 and Mini Series 6 solar inverters from Solis or Primo series solar inverters from Fronius.

Book Delivery & Installation: Solar inverters can usually be delivered and solar engineers scheduled to install within a few days. Our deliveries are tracked and we give accurate times for solar engineer visits, meaning you won't be asked to wait around.

Solar Inverter Replacement: Your Enquiry:

The best place to start is to send us an email or call us with any relevant information that you have available about the current solar inverter and the rest of the solar PV system, a list of things that we like to see (if available) is below. If you'd like to call us whilst you can be in front of the solar inverter, we can talk through an inverter restart and carry out some troubleshooting over the phone, where we'll likely be able to confirm whether replacing the solar inverter will be appropriate and if so, cover off most of this at the same time:

Fronius Primo 3.6kW Solar PV Inverter

System size in Watts/Kilowatts: This is the maximumum DC power output that the solar PV system is capable of producing, measured in Watts (W). For example a solar PV system comprising of 16 x 250 Watt solar panels would have a maximum system size of 4000 Watts or 4 kilowatts (kW). This figure can be found on the system's MCS certificate.

The number, make and model of solar panels: The number and type of solar panels, along with how they have been wired together will determine the voltages (V) and current (A) that the replacement solar inverter will need to be able to work with.

The number of strings/circuits: Solar panels are electrically connected together to form strings/circuits, at the solar inverter end there will be 2 DC cables per circuit (1 positive, 1 negative). So for example if you were to look at the solar inverter, you might see 1 large cable which will be the mains (AC) and 4 smaller DC cables, this would be an indication that the system has 2 x DC strings/circuits. If solar panels are mounted on two or more different roofspaces there would likely be a string/circuit/pair of DC cables for each roofspace.

Pictures and wiring diagrams: Pictures are always really helpful, if you're able to take and email us a picture or two of the existing solar inverter with everything around it showing all the cables and if possible the nameplate on the current solar inverter and or you have wiring diagrams available, these will usually tell us everything we need to know.

Your address, the installation address (if different): In advance of your instruction, we will provide a written quotation referencing the installation address, we'll send the specifications of the new solar inverter and any other details specific to your order at the same time.

Equipment delivery and your availability: We are usually able to install replacement solar inverters within 3-4 days and wherever possible we like to send solar inverters out directly to clients to arrive a day or two before our visit. We can be flexible with all of this, so if we need to do things differently please let us know the details with your enquiry.

Solar Inverter Replacement: Inverter Installation

System Testing: As part of the new solar inverter installation (if we haven't already done so) we will inspect, test and record the details of the rest of the solar PV installation.

Installation and Commissioning: We are unlikely to need to turn off the mains power supply. The installation and commissioning of a solar PV inverter including system testing will usually take between 1-2 hours. We will let you know at the time of quotation if we are likely to need more time than this.

Finishing: When the solar PV system has been tested, the new solar inverter has been installed and everything is working correctly, Our solar engineers will clean the installation area and remove any unwanted boxes, faulty equipment and packaging.

We take care of any paperwork involved with warranties including recording serial numbers and confirming the installation date with the manufacturer.

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Solar Inverter Replacement: Replacing Solar Inverters Under Warranty

If you have a faulty solar PV inverter that's still within it's manufacturer's warranty period, if testing needs to be carried out to prove the fault and or a replacement needs to be installed, we can help.

Solar PV Inverter Repair

Solar Inverter Warranties: Most solar PV inverters are provided with a 5 year manufacturers warranty as standard, occasionally this is 10 years, these manufacturer warranties can also be extended. The good news is that even if your original installer is no longer trading, the solar inverter hardware, if within it's manufacturer's warranty period, assuming that the manufacturer is still trading, is still likely to be covered by this warranty.

In the first instance you'll be able to confirm the solar inverter's warranty status by checking with the manufacturer. At the same time you should find out from them what will be needed to prove the fault and get a replacement.

Warranty Claims: A few manufacturers use their own engineers to service warranty claims but most will ask clients to arrange for the testing of the unit and the rest of the system to prove the fault and arrange for the return. We can provide as much or as little help as is needed in order to process a manufacturer warranty claim and will be happy to carry out any testing or commissioning work on your behalf.

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Solar Inverter Replacement: Assisted DIY / Self Installation:

If you have a good understanding of your solar PV system, are comfortable and experienced in working with electrics and have access to the tools, materials and abilities listed below; as well as technical support throughout the process including confirming the correct solar inverter selection, help in safely removing the old inverter and installing the new one, as well as getting monitoring systems working and registering warranties. Within a few days we can deliver a pre-configured and pre-tested solar PV inverter, as well as any additional cable and components, ready for self installation.

DIY Inverter Installation

Installation Tools: For a successful solar inverter installation you will need the following tools: Voltage testers (AC and DC), insulated wire strippers, insulated wire cutters, insulated screwdrivers, drill. In addition you might also need torx screwdrivers, hex keys and sockets to remove the existing inverter. If any solar PV specific tools such as MC4 crimping/removal tools are needed we'll let you know this in advance and include these with the shipment.

Installation Materials: Screws/bolts appropriate for the mounting surface, AC cable (we can include this with the shipment if needed), DC Cable (we can include these with the shipment if needed). DC Connectors, AC connector(s) and a mounting bracket will be included with the inverter shipment.

Every solar inverter and mounting location is different and the inverter specific manuals should be followed but an overview of the process is below:

  • Isolate the solar inverter: Both the AC and DC supplies need to be safely isolated and proven to be isolated using testers before working on the inverter.
  • Release the electrical connections: Release both the AC and DC cables and any monitoring cables from the inverter
  • Remove the faulty solar inverter: Disconnect the faulty inverter from it's mounting plate/bracket and remove the plate/bracket.
  • Mount the new solar inverter: Secure the mounting bracket to the mounting surface and secure the new solar inverter to the mounting bracket.
  • Connect the electrical connections: Prepare, make and prove the AC and DC electrical connections into the inverter.

Most solar PV inverters are sent out pre-tested and pre-configured to operate with the UK grid so there is usually no detailed inverter configuration needed on site. If configuration changes/parameters need to be changed/made on-site, this will be inverter specific and we will let you know the work involved before accepting your order.

Solar PV inverters and components for DIY / Self installation can be prepared and delivered anywhere in the UK.

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Mains/Grid Isolation and Surge Protection

Mains/AC Surge Protection Solar PV Systems

A whole house surge protector is installed to provide protection from transient overvoltages originating from the mains/grid. A whole house surge protector is installed directly inline and as close as possible to the incoming mains/grid supply meter, this allows for surge protection for all circuits and equipment including solar inverters, routers, stereos and other sensitive electrical equipment within the network. The addition of a 100Amp lockable isolator also allows for safe and convenient isolation of all electrical equipment within the network including consumer units, solar inverters, battery storage units and EV chargers from the mains/grid in one place.

Surge protectors are in compliance with the recently updated 18th edition amendment 2 of BS7671.

Mains/Grid Isolation and Surge Protection

 

Solar PV Surge Protection (DC Surge Protection)

DC Surge Protection Solar PV Systems

DC surge protection devices (SPDs) are installed between the solar panels and the solar inverter to protect both the solar inverter and the downstream electrical equipment from transient overvoltages of an atmospheric origin impacting the electrical system via the DC side of the system / the solar panels.

DC Surge protectors are in compliance with the recently updated 18th edition amendment 2 of BS7671.

Solar PV Surge Protection (DC Surge Protection)

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Solar PV Systems & Equipment, including Electrical & Roofing Systems

Grid-tie inverters, Hybrid Inverters, AC Coupled Inverters, Battery Storage Inverters, Off-Grid Inverters, Charge Controllers, Transfer Switches, Hot Water Controllers, Optimisers, Lithium Batteries, Lead Acid Batteries, Solar Panels, Mounting Systems, Test Equipment, Earthing Equipment, Electrical Distribution Equipment, Cable and Accessories

Wholesale Solar PV Equipment Suppliers

Deliveries to anywhere in the UK are quick, tracked and accurate, technical support (by phone and on site if needed) and design/product advice is available before, during and after installation. The recording and collating of serial numbers, factory and other test results, manuals any other information required for equipment warranties, add ons and extensions is included.

Trade, DIY and Retail Clients Welcome.

Bespoke system design, equipment testing and integration support as well as on-site technical support and job/equipment specific training is available for off-grid, hybrid, larger and or more complex systems.

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Articles: Further Information, Calculators & Solar Inverter Fault Codes

Lots of articles, calculators and technical information including links for further reading. Covering a range of topics related to the installation and maintenance of solar photovoltaic and electrical systems in the UK.

Solar PV Information Articles

How to provide backup power to a house using a portable generator

In this article we show you how to provide backup power to your home using a portable diesel, petrol or LPG backup generator. We look at changeover switches, the importance of earthing, backup generator loadings, how to isolate non essential loads. We ask where to locate the backup generator when it's in operation, how best to safely isolate the grid/mains power supply and switch to a backup generator supply.

Surge Protection for UK Solar PV Systems

Recent changes to the BS7671 UK Wiring Regulations 18th Edition in the form of amendment 2 have introduced requirements and considerations for surge protection on both the AC and DC side of a solar PV System. In this article we take a look at surge protection, particularly in the context of the updated UK wiring regulations and how surge protection could best be incorporated into new and existing solar PV systems installed in the UK

Mains Power Supplies & Earthing Systems

mains power supply and Earthing Systems: Location & accessibility, supply systems, earthing, bonding, labelling, installing RCDs.

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What Our Customers Say:

"Inverter broke down, contacted Glen, on his advice new inverter delivered within days. Glen then came and fitted new inverter within 90 mins, works perfectly. Glen is very friendly very efficient, really knows his work. Can highly recommend Glen, any other problems with solar system and Glen will be the one I call." - Carl Tyler, Salisbury

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Case Studies

We've carried out Solar PV System design, installation, testing, repair and maintenance work on solar PV systems of all shapes and sizes all across the UK.

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Areas Served:

We are located in Wanborough, very close to Swindon in Wiltshire, Southern England, UK. From here we service clients within a 90 minute driving radius including the towns, cities and regions below:

Swindon: Abingdon, Aldbourne, Amesbury, Andover, Banbury, Basingstoke, Bath, Berkshire, Bicester, Blunsdon, Box, Bracknell, Bradford on Avon, Bridgwater, Bristol, Buckingham, Burford, Burnham on Sea, Calne, Camberley, Cardiff, Carterton, Cheltenham, Chippenham, Chipping Norton, Chipping Sodbury, Cirencester, Corsham, Cricklade, Devizes, Didcot, Evesham, Eynsham, Faringdon, Frome, Fleet, Glastonbury, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Henley-on-Thames, Highclere, Highworth, Hook, Hungerford, Keynsham, Kingsclere, Lambourn, Lechlade, Ledbury, Ludgershall, Lyneham, Maidenhead, Malmesbury, Marlborough, Marshfield, Melksham, Minety, Newbury, Newport, Oxford, Oxfordshire, Pewsey, Purton, Ramsbury, Reading, Ross on Wye, Royal Wootton Bassett, Salisbury, Shaftesbury, Shalbourne, Slough, Southampton, Stow, Stratford upon Avon, Stroud, Swindon, Tewkesbury, Thatcham, Tidworth, Trowbridge, Wanborough, Wantage, Warminster, Weston Super Mare, Wiltshire, Winchester, Windsor, Witney, Wokingham, Worcester, Wroughton and Yate.

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