How long do solar inverters last?
Not as long as the panels. The Energy Saving Trust says panels should last 25 years or more, but an inverter needs replacing after around 12 years [1]. Most inverters come with a warranty of at least 5 years, which can often be extended by up to 15 years, though it says a 15-year warranty costs almost as much as a replacement inverter [1]. So check your warranty before paying for a new one.
Is my solar inverter not working?
A practical first check: look at the inverter's display and the generation meter in daylight. If they show nothing, or the inverter shows an error code, ask your installer. Newer systems under MCS's redeveloped scheme should have a display of total generation and a way of telling you within 48 hours if the system stops [11].
Fault and error codes. Whether it is an ABB or Aurora inverter error code or another make's, look the code up in the maker's manual for your model, then call your installer or the maker. Codes differ between makes and models, so we do not list them, and we give no repair steps: leave any work on the inverter to a qualified electrician or the installer.
Solar inverter repair or replacement?
- Under warranty: go to the installer or maker first.
- Out of warranty: for solar power inverter repairs, ask the installer whether a repair is offered for your model and what it costs against a replacement, and get both in writing.
- Planning a battery: consider a hybrid replacement (below).
Like-for-like or a hybrid inverter?
| Like-for-like | Hybrid | |
|---|---|---|
| What it does | Replaces the failed inverter with one of a similar size and type | Replaces it with one that can also charge and discharge a battery |
| Batteries | Does not manage a battery; one can still be added later with its own inverter | Built to run a battery as well as the panels, now or later |
| Grid connection (Great Britain) | Counts toward the G98 limit of 16 A per phase (3.68 kW on a single-phase supply) like the old inverter [4] | Counts the same way. The limit applies to the combined registered output of every generating and battery inverter at the property. A battery on the hybrid's own DC side counts through the hybrid inverter's rating, so its power rating is not added again; a battery with its own separate inverter adds that inverter's registered output. Over the limit, G99 applies and the network operator must be consulted before installation [4][7] |
| Feed-in Tariff | Allowed if the scheme rules are still met; tell the licensee if capacity changes [3] | The same; a battery should be reported to the licensee. If a battery on a shared inverter can charge from the grid and the meters cannot measure a net value, Ofgem says neither generation nor metered export payments could be made, so check the metering first [3][6] |
Whether a battery is worth adding, and the Feed-in Tariff metering rules for one, are in adding a battery to existing solar.
Who do you need to tell?
| Who | What applies |
|---|---|
| Network operator (DNO), Great Britain | Under G98, inform your DNO if you remove or replace your generating unit [7]. A system first connected under the older G83 rules must be brought up to G98 when a significant part such as the inverter is replaced [4]. If the total at the premises, counted as in the comparison table above, is over 16 A per phase (3.68 kW on a single-phase supply), G99 applies: notify the DNO before replacing a component and agree how significant the change is [4][7]. |
| Network operator, Northern Ireland | NIE Networks runs its own versions, G98/NI and G99/NI; ask the installer which applies [5]. |
| Feed-in Tariff licensee (England, Scotland and Wales) | You may replace inverters and keep your FIT accreditation if the system still meets the scheme rules [3]. You must contact your FIT licensee if the change extends or reduces the installed capacity [3]. A battery added alongside should be reported to the licensee [3]. |
| Building control (England) | A building notice or full plans application is needed for electrical work that installs a new circuit, replaces a consumer unit, or adds to or alters circuits in a special location [8]. The regulations define those, for example close to a bath or shower. A member of a competent person scheme can self-certify instead, and a registered third-party certifier is another route [8][9]. |
Ask the installer to notify the network operator and to give you the electrical certificate for the work, then send any Feed-in Tariff notice yourself and keep copies. We found no MCS rule requiring your certificate to change after a replacement, but if the product details or capacity on it no longer match, ask the original installer to amend it.
MCS amends a certificate itself, for £36, only if that installer is no longer certified or trading [10]. More on the Feed-in Tariff rules is in feed-in tariff.
How much does it cost to replace a solar inverter?
We have not found official figures, or any published survey we could check, for the installed cost of replacing an inverter, so we do not quote a price band. What the Energy Saving Trust does say is that an extended 15-year warranty costs almost as much as a replacement inverter [1]. Compare quotes where you can, and check each shows the inverter's make, model and rating, the labour separately, and how long the guarantee lasts [12]. Compare supply-only prices with care: a quote for the job should include fitting, testing and notifying the network operator, so check it does. Ask too whether the price includes VAT and at what rate, and removal of the old unit.
Can I replace a solar inverter myself?
It is not a job we would suggest. The Energy Saving Trust does not recommend installing solar yourself and says a qualified electrician should connect the panels [2]. The network operator must be told, older systems may need bringing up to current standards [4][7], and you will want an electrical certificate for your records.
When is replacing not the answer?
When the fault is covered by a warranty, or a repair costs much less than a new unit: ask first.
If you are on the Feed-in Tariff, check before choosing a bigger or newer system. Ofgem counts as repowering "replacing older generating equipment with newer equipment which either has a greater capacity or more efficiency, which results in a net increase of power generated", and applies the extension rules to it [3]. Extensions commissioned since 15 January 2016 earn no FIT payments, and where they share a meter the readings are split by capacity, with the original share still paid [3]. Ask your FIT licensee before you buy.
Sources
- Energy Saving Trust, Solar panels: costs, savings and benefits explained, updated 1 Oct 2026, read 13 Oct 2026
- Energy Saving Trust, Rooftop solar panel installation: step-by-step guide, updated 1 Oct 2026, read 13 Oct 2026
- Ofgem, Feed-in Tariffs: guidance for generators, version 19 (the file name says V18), 1 Apr 2026, read 14 Oct 2026
- Energy Networks Association, Engineering Recommendation G98, issue 1 amendment 7 (the edition we read; issue 2 amendment 1, August 2026, is current), read 14 Oct 2026
- NIE Networks, What is G98/NI?, read 13 Oct 2026
- Ofgem, Guidance for generators: co-location of electricity storage under the RO, FIT, REGO and SEG, version 6.2, 23 May 2025, read 13 Oct 2026
- Energy Networks Association, Distributed generation connection guide: G98 and G99, March 2024 version (the edition we read; issue 3, March 2026, is current), Mar 2024, read 14 Oct 2026
- Building Regulations 2010, regulation 12, read 14 Oct 2026
- GOV.UK, Competent person scheme: current schemes and how schemes are authorised, updated 17 Sep 2026, read 14 Oct 2026
- MCS, MCS certificate queries, updated 20 May 2026, read 14 Oct 2026
- MCS, MIS 3002:2025 Solar PV systems, Issue 2.0 (redeveloped scheme), 18 Mar 2026, read 13 Oct 2026
- MCS, Guidance for contracts and quotations, version 1.0, February 2026, read 13 Oct 2026