What to do if a solar panel installation goes wrong

From roof leaks and wiring faults to disappointing output, solar panel jobs can sometimes go off track

Solar panels can be a practical way to cut electricity bills and shield households from rising energy costs. But what if the system underperforms, the installation damages the roof, or the company that fitted it refuses to put matters right?

Although solar panels are usually dependable and need relatively little upkeep, problems can arise during installation or even months or years later. These can include bad wiring, roof leaks, lower-than-expected generation, faulty equipment or, in some cases, unfinished work.

The good news is that homeowners do have rights when installation work falls short of the required standard. Industry certification and consumer protection schemes may also help resolve disagreements.

If something has gone wrong with a solar panel installation, the following guide explains how to spot the issue and what options are available if the installer will not cooperate.

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What can go wrong with a solar panel installation?

A well-installed solar panel system should last for decades, but that does not mean faults never happen. Some problems are easy to spot straight away, while others become clear only after monitoring electricity output or noticing damage to the property.

Common solar panel installation problems include:

• Roof damage and leaks: poorly fitted mounting brackets, broken tiles or inadequate waterproofing can let water into the roof
• Electrical faults: incorrect wiring, loose connections or badly installed electrical equipment can stop the system working properly and may create safety risks
• Inverter or battery faults: defective equipment or incorrect setup can affect how much solar electricity a home can use
• Poor system performance: incorrect panel placement or installation errors may mean less electricity is produced than expected
• Incomplete work: the installer may fail to finish the job or commission the system properly
• Missing paperwork: homeowners may not receive an MCS certificate, warranties, electrical installation certificates or other documents
• Poor aftercare: some installers may be slow to respond to complaints or difficult to contact when problems arise

That said, disappointing electricity generation does not always mean there is a fault.

Solar panels naturally produce less electricity in winter and on cloudy days. Output also depends on factors such as roof direction, shading and system size. It is important to compare real performance with the estimates provided by the installer, while taking seasonal changes into account.

What should you do first if your solar panels are not working properly?

If you think there may be a problem with the installation, do not try to repair it yourself straight away. Solar systems contain electrical components that can remain live even when parts of the system are switched off. Attempting a repair yourself could also void the warranty.

Instead, take the following steps:

1. Check for obvious problems

Start by looking at the inverter display or monitoring app for error messages. Many modern solar systems show information about electricity generation and equipment faults.

You can also compare recent generation figures with previous periods and with the installer’s original estimates. Bear in mind that output changes throughout the year.

From a safe location, look for visible signs of damage such as broken panels, loose mounting equipment or water entering the loft.

If you smell burning, see sparks, notice exposed wiring or spot any other electrical hazard, stay away from the equipment and contact a qualified professional as soon as possible. Only isolate the system if it can be done safely and in line with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Never climb onto the roof, open electrical equipment or disconnect solar panel wiring yourself.

2. Gather evidence of the problem

Before contacting the installer, collect as much information as possible about what has gone wrong. This may include photographs of visible damage, screenshots of inverter error messages, electricity generation records and notes showing when the fault first appeared. You should also locate your original quotation, contract, invoices, warranties and installation certificates.

Keep a record of all conversations with the installer, including dates, emails and text messages. This evidence may become important if the complaint has to be escalated.

3. Contact your original installer

In most cases, the company that sold or arranged the installation should be the first point of contact. Explain the issue clearly, provide supporting evidence and ask the company to investigate and resolve it.

It is best to complain in writing, even if you have already spoken by phone. That creates a record of what was reported and what the installer agreed to do. Ask for a written reply and a reasonable timeframe for inspection or repair.

If the company subcontracted the work to another business, that does not necessarily remove its responsibility. Citizens Advice says consumers should normally raise problems with the trader that arranged the work.

What are your rights if solar panels have been installed badly?

If the panels were installed incorrectly, you may be protected by the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

Under the law, businesses providing services must carry out their work with reasonable care and skill. That applies to solar panel installation in the same way as other home improvements.

If the work falls below that standard, you can generally ask the company to correct the problem at no extra cost.

The installer must carry out the necessary remedial work within a reasonable time and without causing significant inconvenience. If the company cannot or will not fix the issue, you may be entitled to a price reduction or refund, depending on the circumstances. For example, if an installer damages your roof while fitting solar panels, you should not normally have to pay extra for the damage caused by poor workmanship to be repaired.

However, your rights depend on the nature of the problem and the terms of your agreement. A system producing less electricity than a sales estimate does not automatically mean the installer has breached the contract.

For more information, see the Citizens Advice guidance on problems with home improvements.

What if your solar panel installer will not fix the problem?

If you have complained to the installer but have not received a satisfactory response, several organisations may be able to help.

The right route depends on the installer’s accreditation and membership of consumer protection schemes.

Complain through MCS

The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is an independent certification scheme that sets standards for renewable energy products and installations, including solar panels.

If your installation falls within its scope, MCS may be able to investigate complaints about workmanship, incomplete installations, commissioning, property damage and other installation issues.

MCS can liaise with the installer and relevant certification bodies to help establish what has gone wrong and seek a resolution. You can check your paperwork and the MCS website for details of the scheme and its complaints process.

Contact the installer's consumer protection scheme

Solar installers may also belong to a consumer protection body such as the Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC) or the Home Insulation & Energy Systems Contractors Scheme (HIES). These schemes can offer additional protection and access to dispute resolution services for eligible customers.

If your installer belongs to RECC, new complaints can be referred to Green Homes Dispute Resolution, a free independent service for resolving disputes involving renewable energy and other low-carbon home improvements. RECC transferred new complaints to this service from January 2026.

If your installer belongs to HIES, check its complaints procedure and dispute resolution arrangements.

It is always important to confirm which scheme your installer belongs to, as membership and eligibility rules affect the help available.

Contact Citizens Advice

If you are unsure where to complain or need help understanding your rights, Citizens Advice can provide free consumer guidance. It can explain your options under consumer law and pass relevant information to Trading Standards where appropriate.

You may also want independent legal advice if the dispute involves significant financial loss or property damage.

What happens if your solar panel installer has gone out of business?

Discovering that the installer has stopped trading can be especially worrying if faults appear or problems emerge with the original installation. Even so, some protection may still be available depending on the warranties and insurance in place.

Check your installation paperwork for the following:

• Manufacturer warranties: solar panels, inverters and batteries usually have their own product warranties, which may still apply even if the installation company has closed
• Insurance-backed guarantees: these can cover certain workmanship problems if the original installer is no longer trading, subject to the policy terms
• Deposit protection: if you paid a deposit for work that was not completed, you may have protection through the installer’s consumer protection scheme or a separate insurance arrangement

Contact the relevant warranty provider, insurer or consumer protection scheme to see whether your claim is covered.

Remember that a manufacturer’s product warranty is not the same as an installation warranty. A solar panel maker may cover a defective panel, for example, but not the cost of fixing roof damage caused by poor installation.

If you cannot find the original paperwork, MCS or the relevant consumer protection organisation may be able to advise on the next steps.

Can you get your money back if the installation goes wrong?

Depending on how you paid for the solar panels, you may have extra financial protection.

If you paid by credit card, Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 may make your card provider jointly liable for a qualifying breach of contract or misrepresentation. This usually applies where the cash price of the goods or services is more than £100 and no more than £30,000, even if only a deposit was paid by credit card.

If you used a debit card, or your credit card purchase does not qualify for Section 75, you may be able to ask for a chargeback through your bank or card provider. Chargeback is not a statutory right, and time limits apply.

Homeowners who bought their systems through a finance agreement should contact the finance provider to find out whether a claim can be made.

These options do not guarantee a refund, but they may be worth considering if the installer has refused to resolve the issue or has ceased trading.

Should you get another solar installer to inspect the system?

If the original installer cannot identify the fault, disputes responsibility or is no longer trading, an independent inspection may help determine what has gone wrong.

An experienced solar installer or suitably qualified electrician can assess the system, identify possible installation defects and recommend repairs. Ask for a written report setting out the findings, ideally backed by photographs, test results and an estimate for any remedial work. This can be useful evidence if you decide to pursue a complaint or claim.

However, unless there is an immediate safety risk, it is usually sensible to give the original installer a reasonable chance to inspect and fix the problem before arranging major repairs elsewhere. Otherwise, it may become harder to establish responsibility or recover costs.

For roof leaks or structural damage, you may also need an independent roofer or surveyor to assess the issue.

Who should you contact about a solar panel installation problem?

How can you avoid solar installation problems?

Although no installation is completely risk-free, choosing a reputable installer and checking the contract details can greatly reduce the chances of trouble.

Before agreeing to have solar panels fitted, consider the following:

• Check accreditation: look for an installer certified through MCS or an equivalent scheme, and verify its status using the scheme’s official directory
• Check consumer protection: find out which consumer code the installer belongs to and whether it includes insurance-backed workmanship and deposit protection
• Compare several quotes: ask for detailed quotations that set out the equipment, installation costs, estimated annual generation and any extra work required
• Understand the warranties: check how long the product warranties and workmanship guarantee last, and what each covers
• Ask about aftercare: find out who will handle faults, maintenance and warranty claims after installation
• Keep your paperwork: store contracts, system specifications, certificates and warranties somewhere easy to access

Be especially cautious of installers making unrealistic savings promises or pressuring you to sign immediately. Solar panels are a major investment, and the quality of the installation can matter as much as the equipment itself.