At Lawgrove Energy, we understand how important it is to have a reliable and efficient solar energy system. When things go wrong, we’re here to help. In this case, Ken, an 84-year-old retired homeowner from Dursley, reached out to us after noticing a sharp increase in his electricity consumption. His two solar PV arrays, which had been fully operational for years, stopped working after some roofing work. Here’s how we helped Ken restore his solar energy system to full functionality and get back to enjoying the benefits of renewable energy.

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Challenge: Two Solar PV Arrays Not Working After Roofing Work

Ken had two solar PV arrays installed seven years ago, and for the first five years, everything was working perfectly. However, after some roofing work was carried out two years ago, Ken began noticing a significant rise in his electric consumption. Confused by the increase in bills and unaware of what went wrong, he couldn’t access the app-based monitoring system as he didn’t own a smartphone. This left him unable to troubleshoot the issue or check if his solar system was still functioning properly.

Ken contacted us for a site visit, hoping we could figure out what had gone wrong and plan for the necessary remedial works to get his system back on track.

 

Solution: Thorough Inspection and Remedial Works in Four Stages

Our approach involved a thorough inspection to identify the cause of the issue and create a clear plan to restore Ken’s solar system to full functionality.

1. Phase One - Roof Survey and Panel Testing: Our electrician visited Ken’s property and conducted a detailed survey of both the roof and the garage area. We quickly discovered that both solar PV arrays had been completely disconnected from the power supply, likely due to incomplete roofing work carried out two years ago. We also tested each panel individually, confirming that all of them were functioning properly, so no replacements were needed.

2. Phase Two - Replacing Inverters with Simplified Models: During our survey of the garage, we found that the inverters had also been disconnected, and the cables were left exposed, creating a safety risk. To make the system more user-friendly and ensure Ken could easily monitor it, we recommended replacing the old inverters (which were out of warranty) with new, simplified models. These inverters don’t require an app to monitor, which was a better fit for Ken, as he was not familiar with smartphone-based systems.

3. Phase Three - Reconnecting Solar Panels and System Testing: Once the new inverters were installed, we reconnected the solar panels to the system and conducted a series of tests to ensure everything was working properly. We carried out full system commissioning checks to confirm that Ken’s solar system was generating energy as it should and operating at peak performance.

4. Phase Four - Safe and Secure Cabling: Finally, we made sure that all electrical cabling in Ken’s garage was safe and properly enclosed. We followed all necessary safety standards to ensure there were no exposed wires or hazards, leaving Ken’s system in safe, working order.
    

Outcome: Fully Restored Solar PV System Providing 2500 kWh of Energy

Ken’s solar PV system is now fully operational again, generating around 2,500 kWh of energy per year. With the new, simplified inverters, Ken can easily view the system’s readings and check that everything is working as it should. Not only has the system been restored to full functionality, but it is also now much easier for Ken to monitor and maintain, giving him peace of mind knowing his system is running efficiently once again.

The remedial works have not only restored Ken’s solar system but have also made it safer and more accessible for him to use, ensuring that he continues to benefit from clean, renewable energy for years to come.

 

This case study highlights our dedication to providing professional, high-quality service that meets the needs of every customer, no matter their level of technical expertise. Whether you need a repair, upgrade, or installation, Lawgrove Energy is here to help ensure your solar energy system is performing at its best, just like we did for Ken.