This week, the team at Imp Electrical carried out a full system fault-finding and maintenance visit on a solar PV installation that had been severely impacted by debris build-up beneath the panels.
The homeowner contacted us after their system triggered an alarm due to a detected fault. On inspection, it quickly became clear that the issue went far beyond a simple reset. There was a significant amount of debris trapped underneath the solar array, which had already started to affect performance and safety.
It was an incredibly satisfying job to bring back to full health and, most importantly, to make the installation much safer for the homeowner.
What We Found
Once the panels were removed, we discovered heavy debris accumulation across the roof area beneath the array. This build-up had contributed to system faults and increased risk to the installation.
Debris under solar panels can cause:
- Reduced airflow and overheating
- Damage to cabling
- Increased risk of water ingress
- Pest-related damage
- Reduced system performance
Left unresolved, these issues can significantly shorten the lifespan of a solar PV system.
Work Carried Out
To fully restore the system, we completed a comprehensive maintenance and repair process:
- Removed all panels and cleared the roof of heavy debris
- Tested every panel to ensure correct functionality
- Secured and tied cables to the mounting rail to reduce the risk of water ingress
- Installed Tigo optimisers in line with manufacturer guidelines
- Re-fitted panels and replaced broken clamps
- Re-tested all strings to confirm correct performance
- Removed an incorrectly installed isolation switch in the loft and reconnected using MC4 connectors
- Correctly clipped and routed DC cabling in the loft
- Added MCS-compliant warning notices
- Installed a new DC isolation switch at the inverter for safe and separate string isolation
- Fitted bird guard and pest protection mesh to prevent future debris build-up and damage
By fully stripping back the array, repairing poor previous workmanship, replacing incorrectly fitted connectors and improving cable management, we have restored system performance and significantly improved long-term reliability and safety.
Why Solar Maintenance Matters
Solar panels are often seen as “fit and forget”, but regular inspection and maintenance are essential.
Over time, debris, birds, poor initial installation and environmental factors can all impact performance. A system that is not regularly checked may:
- Generate less electricity than expected
- Develop hidden safety issues
- Suffer avoidable component failures
Routine maintenance ensures your system continues to perform efficiently and safely for years to come.
Is Your Solar System Performing as It Should?
If your solar PV system has shown a fault warning, isn’t generating what it should, or simply hasn’t been inspected in a while, it may be time for a professional check.
At Imp Electrical, we provide expert solar fault-finding, maintenance and installation services across Lincoln and the surrounding areas.
Get in touch with our friendly team today to book a system health check and keep your solar investment working exactly as it should. 💪
