Fault finding, servicing and repairs for domestic and commercial solar PV and solar thermal hot water systems. Over 35 years of hands-on expertise. Honest advice. No upselling. No surprises.
Free phone & email assessment — no obligation.
We respond within 24 hours on weekdays.
What We Do
We keep solar systems generating at their best — from a single inverter fault to a full commercial annual inspection. No unnecessary work, ever.
Specialist fault diagnosis, routine inspection and repairs for solar photovoltaic systems — getting underperforming systems back to peak output.
Expert servicing for solar hot water systems — health checks, antifreeze replacement, pump repairs, leak detection and full system recommissioning.
Annual inspection and repair services for housing associations, offices, schools, universities, farms and national maintenance companies.
The inverter is the most common point of failure in a solar system. Our engineers are experienced with all major brands and will give you straight advice on repair vs replacement.
Why Rayotec
We’ve been maintaining solar systems since before most current installers even existed. That depth of experience makes a real difference.
One of our most valued reviews came from a customer who saved £5,000 after another company told her she needed a new system. A quick call to us confirmed her panels were absolutely fine. That’s the kind of service we’re known for.
Netflix, Harrods, RNLI, Oxford University, UCL, Sky, DHL and Ocado all trust us with their solar systems. Every domestic customer receives the exact same standard of care.
Meet Dave — 16 years supervising our solar PV team. And Paul — 20+ years in solar thermal. You know exactly who is coming to your property and why they’re qualified to be there.
We quote clearly before starting work and won’t charge for extras without your agreement. All callouts include up to one hour of labour, and the majority of common faults are resolved within that time.
NICEIC Approved Contractors (the highest electrical qualification available), MCS Certified, Which? Trusted Trader, Safe Contractor Approved, and RECC Members. Our work satisfies warranty and insurance requirements.
When an inverter needs replacing, we run every system through specialist sizing software to ensure the new unit is correctly matched to your panel array. Many other companies skip this step entirely.
The Process
Whether you are booking an emergency callout or a routine inspection, here is exactly what to expect.
Call or email us. We aim to respond within 24 hours on weekdays. Have your system details handy if you can.
We gather your system information and any error codes or symptoms so our engineer arrives ready.
A named, qualified engineer inspects your panels, inverter, generation meter and cabling. We test voltages and performance.
We identify the fault and resolve it on the spot where possible. Most common issues are resolved within the first hour.
You receive written findings, work completed and recommendations — in plain English. No jargon, no hidden charges.
These are the most common solar panel problems we deal with. If any of these sound familiar, get in touch for a free assessment.
Error codes on the display, a blank screen, unusual noises, or the unit running hot. The inverter is the component most likely to develop a fault. Our engineers carry specialist diagnostic equipment to pinpoint whether the issue lies in the inverter itself or elsewhere in the system.
Higher electricity bills or lower meter readings compared to the same period last year? Causes range from dirty panels and shading to degraded wiring or a failing inverter. We compare your actual output against the expected performance for your system to find exactly where generation is being lost.
Pigeons and squirrels like nesting under panels — and they chew through cabling. Warning signs include DC or isolation fault codes, or the system failing after rain. We repair the damage and can advise on anti-bird mesh installation to prevent future problems.
High winds can shift panels, damage mounting hardware, or send debris into your array. If you’ve had severe weather and suspect damage, we’ll inspect the full system. Where insurance is involved, we provide detailed written reports and photographs to support your claim.
These faults typically point to a problem with DC wiring or connectors — often caused by moisture ingress or physical damage. The inverter shuts down as a safety measure. Our engineers trace the fault through the system and carry out the necessary repairs to restore safe operation.
Leaking roof? Planning a re-tile, extension, or loft conversion? We decommission and safely remove your panels, store them on site, and reinstall them once the building work is complete. We work with both Solar PV and Solar Thermal systems on flat, tiled and metal roofs.
Before calling us, try these straightforward checks from ground level. Many issues can be spotted — and sometimes resolved — without a visit.
The red LED should flash during daylight — faster means more electricity being generated. Check monthly and compare against the same period last year. A significant drop is worth investigating.
Your inverter should show normal operation during daylight hours. Error codes, warning lights, or a blank display all indicate potential problems. Note down any codes before calling us — it helps our engineers prepare and often speeds up diagnosis.
Look for cracked glass, heavy soiling, or panels that look out of position. Never climb onto your roof — leave that to qualified engineers with the right safety equipment. Ground-level inspection is enough to spot most visible issues.
If the system has stopped generating, check whether the solar circuit breaker in your fuse box has tripped. Reset the switch — if generation resumes, great. If it trips again, you have a fault that needs professional diagnosis.
Overhanging branches can shade your panels and reduce output. Because most domestic systems are wired in series, shading just one panel affects the entire string. Keep vegetation trimmed to maintain clear sunlight throughout the day.
Nesting material, droppings, or the sound of birds around your roof are warning signs. If you’re also seeing fault codes or the system has stopped working, call us first — there may be wiring damage that needs repairing before any mesh can be fitted.
Most panels are largely self-cleaning, but those installed at a shallow pitch gather dirt faster. A local window cleaner using clean water and a soft brush works well. Avoid abrasive materials, and never clean panels that are cracked or visibly damaged.
If your checks reveal a problem, or you’re simply not sure, our team offers a free telephone and email assessment for every new customer. We’ll talk you through the issue and only arrange a paid visit if it’s genuinely necessary.
Get a free assessment from our expert solar team. We’ll help diagnose the problem before arranging an engineer visit if one is needed.
Recommended service intervals depend on your system type and property. This straightforward guide covers all the main scenarios.
| System Type | Property | Recommended Frequency | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solar PV (electric) | Owner-occupied home | Every 10 years | Full inspection, performance analysis, written report |
| Solar PV (electric) | Rental property | Every 5 years | Full inspection, compliance documentation |
| Solar Thermal (hot water) | All domestic | Every 4 years | Antifreeze replacement, pump check, full service |
| Commercial Solar PV | Offices, schools, warehouses | Annually | NICEIC compliant inspection, detailed reporting |
| Commercial Solar Thermal | All commercial | Annually | Full system service, compliance documentation |
Don’t wait for a scheduled service if you notice any of the following: a drop in generation compared to last year · error codes on your inverter · physical damage to panels or mounts · unusual sounds from the roof or inverter · the system repeatedly tripping your consumer unit. These all need prompt attention.
We cover a wide area of London and the South East for domestic properties, and a much larger area for commercial systems. Not sure if we cover you? Just ask.
| County / Region | Key Areas |
|---|---|
| Surrey | Guildford, Woking, Epsom, Dorking, Reigate |
| Hampshire | Southampton, Portsmouth, Winchester, Basingstoke, Farnborough |
| Sussex | Brighton, Worthing, Crawley, Horsham, Eastbourne |
| Berkshire | Reading, Bracknell, Maidenhead, Windsor, Slough |
| Kent | Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, Orpington (not all of Kent) |
| South London | Richmond, Wimbledon, Putney, Croydon, Bromley |
| Middlesex | Surrounding Greater London boroughs |
| County / Region | Key Areas |
|---|---|
| Greater London | All boroughs |
| Surrey / Hampshire / Sussex | Full coverage |
| Berkshire / Kent | Full coverage |
| Oxfordshire | Oxford, Banbury, Bicester |
| Hertfordshire | St Albans, Watford, Hemel Hempstead, Stevenage |
| Northamptonshire | Northampton, Corby, Kettering |
| Buckinghamshire / Beds | Milton Keynes, Bedford, Luton |
| Cambridgeshire | Cambridge |
Customer Reviews
“I contacted Rayotec after searching online for a specialist in Solar Thermal Systems. An engineer visit was arranged after I explained the symptoms. I highly recommend Rayotec to anyone with issues relating to their solar thermal system.”
“We have just had our Solar Thermal System serviced again by Rayotec, who fitted it over 10 years ago. As usual, cannot fault their customer care. Excellent in all respects — highly recommended.”
“I cannot fault the standard of service. All options were clearly explained. The engineer arrived at the time promised and carried out the work efficiently and professionally. I cannot recommend this company highly enough.”
“Mina and the team at Rayotec are a pleasure to deal with. Communications are always handled politely and promptly, with unbiased advice and an emphasis on customer care. I would recommend for any solar need.”
“Very easy to deal with, provided clear costings in advance of their visit. The engineer was competent, efficient and on time. They even found a replacement panel for me on eBay!”
“Rayotec are excellent to deal with — very knowledgeable, helpful, reliable and trustworthy. I would have no hesitation recommending them to anyone looking for solar panel maintenance.”
Our most commonly asked questions about solar panel maintenance and repair. Can’t find your answer? Call us on 01932 784848 — we’re happy to help.
Whether your system has stopped generating, is showing error codes, or you simply want a routine check — our expert team is ready to help. Honest advice, no pressure, no upsell.
