How Your Solar PV System Works
Solar PV panels are made from layers of semiconducting material (usually silicon) that generate electricity when light hits them. They don't need direct sunlight; they'll produce power on cloudy days too, though output is higher in stronger sunlight.
Each panel generates around 400W in good sunlight. A typical home system has 8–12 panels and produces DC (direct current) electricity. An inverter converts this to AC (alternating current) for use in your home.
Getting the most from your system. Your panels generate the most during daylight hours, so that's the best time to run high-demand appliances like washing machines and dishwashers. If you're out during the day, many appliances have a built-in delay timer. Check your manufacturer's guidelines for how to set this up.
No controls to adjust. Your system was fully set up and commissioned by your CCS engineer at installation. There's nothing you need to configure.
How to Reset Your Solar PV System (No Battery)
When to do this: If the system has stopped generating during daylight hours, the inverter screen is blank, or it's showing a fault light or error code. A full reset often clears minor faults. Only do this during daylight hours.
Before you start: photograph any error code or fault light on the inverter screen. If the reset doesn't fix the problem, your engineer will need this information.
You'll need to locate two types of switches:
- AC isolator is usually a red switch in a grey box, often labelled 'PV AC Isolator'
- DC isolator(s) are usually located next to the inverter
Shutdown (order matters):
- Turn OFF the 'Solar PV' switch in your main consumer unit (fuse box).
- Turn OFF the main AC isolator switch.
- Turn OFF the DC isolator(s) connecting the panels to the inverter.
Wait at least 15–20 minutes with everything powered down, to allow all components to fully discharge and reset.
Startup (reverse order):
- Turn ON the DC isolator(s) first.
- Turn ON the AC isolator switch.
- Turn ON the 'Solar PV' switch in your consumer unit.
After restarting, the inverter will run through its startup sequence, which can take a few minutes. Lights will flash, and the screen will cycle through messages before settling. A steady green light indicates the system is generating correctly.
If the fault persists after a reset, call your installer with the error code you noted down.
