System Health Checks
What a health check is for
A health check compares the power your system makes with what it should make. An engineer inspects the panels, wiring and inverter, then reports on any faults. The result tells you whether to relax, repair or replace.
Output drifts slowly, so most owners never notice a loss. A check gives you a clear baseline and a written record, which helps with warranty claims. It also helps when you sell the house, because buyers like proof.
What the engineer tests
- Records review: the original design, MCS certificate and monitoring history.
- Visual inspection of panels, frames, fixings, roof seals and cable runs.
- Electrical tests on each string, plus the isolators and earth connections.
- Inverter review, including firmware, error logs and cooling.
- A written report with readings, photos and a ranked list of actions.
Warning signs worth acting on
Check your app for output that is lower than the same weeks last year. Look for an inverter showing a fault light, and for tripping circuit breakers. Also watch for new shade, such as a tree that has grown.
Weather explains many dips, so compare like with like. If the gap stays clear across several months, book a check. Meanwhile, our guide to solar panel maintenance lists simpler jobs you can ask about first.
Who should book a check
Buyers of a home with solar already fitted benefit most, because they rarely receive the full paperwork. A check confirms that the system is safe and that it matches the certificate. It also shows whether the seller can still claim on a warranty.
Owners who did not use an MCS-certified installer can ask the engineer what blocks export payments. Landlords and small firms can also use the report as evidence of due diligence, since it shows they checked.
Where to find an engineer
Choose an engineer who is independent of the firm that sold you the system. They have no reason to oversell repairs. Ask about their qualifications, their insurance and a sample report before you book.
We pass health-check enquiries to MCS-certified firms in places covered by our guides to solar panels in Manchester and solar panels in Birmingham. Use the form and say what your monitor shows. Our guide to selling power back to the grid also helps you check that your export setup is correct.
System Health Checks: common questions
How do I know if my solar panels are underperforming?
Look for output that is lower than the same weeks in earlier years, an inverter fault light, or an unexplained rise in your bills. A health check compares your real output with the expected figure.
I bought a house with solar already fitted. Can it be checked?
Yes, because an engineer can inspect the system, review whatever paperwork exists and report on safety and performance. You do not need the original installer for that.
How long does a health check take?
A home check usually takes a few hours on site. The written report follows after the engineer has reviewed the readings, since the numbers need a careful look.
Will a health check tell me if I need a new inverter?
It can show signs of wear or faults, although it cannot predict the exact failure date. Inverters often need replacing before the panels do, so the report may flag it as a future cost.
Ready to talk about system health checks?
Tell us about your property and we will pass your enquiry to MCS-certified installers who cover your area.