Solar PV Maintenance & Inverter Repair
Brechin & Angus (DD9)
Don't let a faulty inverter waste your free energy. We diagnose and repair solar systems across Angus, getting your panels generating again.
SolarPV Maintenance Services In Brechin, Angus
From inverter failures to bird damage, we fix the issues that stop your panels from generating free electricity.
Inverter Replacement
We replace failed inverters from all major brands: SolarEdge, Solis, GivEnergy, Fronius, and SMA. Fast turnaround to get you generating again.
- All Major Brands
- Same-Day Diagnosis
- 10-Year Warranty
Panel Inspection & Bird Proofing
Birds nesting under panels cause huge damage. We inspect your array for cracks, debris, and install professional mesh guards to prevent nesting.
- UV-Resistant Mesh
- Full Panel Clean
- No Roof Damage
Full System Health Check
Our comprehensive service checks DC isolators, string voltages, earthing, and generation performance. You'll receive a detailed report with photos.
- Thermal Imaging
- Performance Report
- Safety Certificate
We Also Repair...
Faulty optimizers, broken isolators, damaged DC cables, monitoring app issues, and grid export faults. We've seen it all across Angus solar installations.
Ex-RAF. Ex-Fire Service.
100% Brechin Local.
I served as a Retained Firefighter with Brechin Fire Service and a Royal Air Force Electrical Engineer. I have seen solar installations done right, and I've seen the dangerous shortcuts others take.
Solar systems deal with high DC voltages that can be lethal. I apply military precision to every repair and use proper isolation procedures. I know the typical faults in Angus solar arrays and can diagnose inverter issues within minutes of arriving at your property.
Engineer
Fire Service
Experience
Why Your Solar Panels Stop Working
Solar systems are reliable, but they're not immune to faults. Here are the most common issues we see in Brechin.
Inverter
Failure
The most common fault. Inverters last 10-15 years. If your app shows "No AC Output" or the unit is dead, it's likely failed. We stock replacements for same-day install.
Bird
Damage
Pigeons love nesting under panels. Their droppings corrode cables and block airflow. We remove nests safely and install permanent mesh guards.
Dirty
Panels
Angus dust, lichen, and farm debris build up over time. A dirty array loses 15-20% efficiency. We clean them with deionized water.
Isolator
Faults
DC isolators can fail over time, especially on Scottish roofs exposed to wind and rain. We replace them with weatherproof units and seal them properly.
Energy Loss Calculator
See how much money you're losing every month with a faulty solar system.
Typical 4kW System (Working)
£60/mo
Generating 300kWh @ 20p/kWh
Faulty System (Not Working)
£0
Zero generation = Paying grid rates
Lost Savings: £720 Per Year
Plus you're still paying full grid prices for electricity
CommonSolar Faults We Fix In Brechin
Every solar installation is different. Here are the typical issues we see across Angus.
Inverter Dead / No AC Output
No lights, no display, no generation. We diagnose the fault (capacitor failure is typical) and replace with a modern equivalent inverter within 24 hours.
Low Generation Output
System running but producing less than it should? We use thermal imaging to find faulty panels, broken optimizers, or shading issues you can't see from the ground.
Bird Nests & Cable Damage
Popular in rural Angus. Birds build nests under panels, blocking airflow and pecking at cables. We remove nests, check cables, and install professional mesh guards.
Monitoring App Issues
SolarEdge or Solis app showing old data? WiFi dongles fail regularly. We replace them and reconnect your system so you can monitor generation from your phone.
We Cover These Angus Zones
| Postcode | Town / Area | Arrival Time |
|---|---|---|
| DD9 6 | BRECHIN / EDZELL | < 24 HOURS |
| DD9 7 | TARFSIDE / GLEN ESK | NEXT DAY |
| DD10 8 | MONTROSE / HILLSIDE | NEXT DAY |
| DD8 1 | FORFAR / LETHAM | NEXT DAY |
| AB30 | LAURENCEKIRK | 48 HOURS |
Safety Warning: DIY Solar Work Can Kill
Solar panels generate high DC voltage even on cloudy days. Unlike AC power, DC voltage doesn't "let go" if you touch it. It can cause fatal electric shocks.
We use proper isolation procedures, insulated tools, and voltage testers. Never attempt solar repairs yourself. It is not worth your life.
OurSolar Repair Process
From your first call to full generation. We make it simple.
Diagnosis
We check your inverter error codes, monitoring app, and perform voltage tests to pinpoint the exact fault. You'll know what's wrong within 30 minutes.
Quote
We provide a clear, fixed-price quote with no hidden costs. Inverter replacement, bird proofing, or panel cleaning—you'll know exactly what you're paying.
Repair / Replace
We carry common inverters in stock. Most repairs are completed the same day. We use proper DC isolation and test every string before reconnecting.
Verify Generation
We reconnect the system, verify the inverter is exporting to the grid, and check your monitoring app shows live data. You'll see generation resume immediately.
We Repair & Replace All Major Inverter Brands
Solar PV Maintenance FAQs
? How do I know if my solar inverter has failed?
Look for: No lights on the inverter, no generation in your app, or error codes on the display. If the inverter is completely dead (no LEDs), it's likely failed. We can diagnose remotely if you send us photos.
? Can you replace a SolarEdge inverter with a different brand?
Yes, but only if you don't have SolarEdge optimizers. If your system uses optimizers, you must replace with another SolarEdge unit. We'll advise after checking your setup.
? How long does an inverter replacement take?
For a standard string inverter (Solis, Fronius, etc.), we can replace it in 2-3 hours. This includes isolation, removal, mounting, wiring, and testing. You'll be generating the same day.
? Do I need to clean my solar panels?
In Angus, yes. Farm dust, lichen, and bird droppings reduce efficiency by 15-20%. We recommend cleaning every 2-3 years using deionized water (no streaks or mineral buildup).
? What is bird proofing and do I need it?
It's a UV-resistant mesh installed around the perimeter of your panels to prevent birds nesting underneath. If you've seen pigeons near your roof, you need it. Bird droppings corrode cables.
? Can you repair a cracked solar panel?
No, cracked panels cannot be repaired and must be replaced. However, a single cracked panel won't stop the whole system—we can replace just that one panel if needed.
? My app shows 'No Communication'. What does this mean?
The inverter is likely working, but the WiFi or 4G dongle has failed. This is common with SolarEdge and Solis systems. We replace the dongle and reconnect it to your monitoring app.
? How much does a new inverter cost?
Inverter prices vary by size. A typical 3.6kW Solis inverter costs £600-£800 including fitting. Larger 5kW+ units are £1,200-£1,500. We provide exact quotes after checking your system.
? Do you service solar batteries (like Tesla Powerwall)?
Yes. We service GivEnergy, Tesla, and other battery systems. Common faults include BMS errors, firmware issues, and failed communication modules. We are MCS-certified for battery work.
? Can I claim on insurance for a faulty inverter?
Possibly, if the fault was caused by a storm, lightning strike, or other insured event. Normal wear-and-tear isn't covered. We provide detailed fault reports you can submit to your insurer.
? What is a DC isolator and why does it fail?
A DC isolator is a switch that cuts power from the panels to the inverter. They fail due to Scottish weather (rain ingress) or poor-quality original units. We replace them with IP65-rated weatherproof versions.
? How do I know if my system is underperforming?
Check your generation data against previous years. If you're seeing 20%+ less generation (and weather is similar), there's likely a fault. We use thermal imaging to find issues.
? Do you offer solar panel removal for roof repairs?
Yes. If you need scaffolding for roof work, we can safely remove your panels, store them, and reinstall after your roofer finishes. We re-certify the system after reinstallation.
Get Your Panels Generating Again
Fast diagnosis, honest pricing, and expert repairs from Brechin's local solar specialist.
No sales pressure. Just James and his toolbox.