Solar panels and home battery storage units are designed for the great British weather, including rain. If your system suffers from intermittent outages during rain or even just showers, it means there is a problem. The good news is most rain-related issues are minor, fixable, and not dangerous if handled correctly. This guide walks through what UK homeowners should check, what not to do, and when to call in EV Solar & Battery Storage Ltd. – your specialist solar technicians.
Safety First: Check for Water Ingress
Before touching anything, do a visual inspection. Most home batteries (like the Fox ESS EP units or Enphase IQ) are IP65 rated, meaning they can handle rain, but they aren’t designed to be submerged. Look for standing water; if the battery base is sitting in a puddle, do not touch the unit. Check for leaks; see if water is dripping directly onto the electrical conduit or the connection points. If you smell “ozone” (a sharp, electrical scent) or hear a popping or hissing sound, keep your distance and call EV Solar to book an inspection. Our freephone number is 0800 047 8728.
Investigate the Possible Cause
Often, what looks like a failure is actually the system protecting itself. Rain can cause moisture to bridge a gap in a junction box or a worn wire, creating a ground fault. The system detects the leak of electricity to the ground and shuts itself down to prevent a fire or shock. During heavy rain and wind, the utility grid often flickers. Your battery might be rapidly switching between “On-Grid” and “Off-Grid” modes, which can cause lights to flicker or the app to send constant alerts. High humidity combined with the heat generated by the battery’s inverter can sometimes trigger a thermal throttle if the ventilation is blocked by debris.
Other Checks
If you have one, check the app and look for specific error codes such as ‘Isolation Fault’ – this is the most valuable info for our technician. If it’s an outdoor unit, ensure gutters aren’t overflowing directly onto the unit and that drainage paths around the battery are clear. Next, try a soft reset of the system. Press the toggle switch and wait for at least a minute before switching the system back on. Sometimes it’s just the internet gateway acting up because of the storm, not the battery itself. Ensure your router is powered and the communication module hasn’t lost its Wi-Fi signal.
Call in the Experts
We are expert solar PV electricians with over 15 years’ experience fixing every kind of fault that can occur with your solar panels or battery storage system, cabling or inverters. If your solar PV system has stopped generating and you would like to book a diagnostic callout, we can definitely help you. We fix everything from a small residential solar PV system to large commercial solar farms. Fault finding and repair is our core business.
One of our technicians will diagnose the fault and let you know what is required to get the problem sorted. Our prices are transparent, no hidden extras and includes up to one hour labour, which in our experience is always enough time to diagnose the fault.
Serving South-East England
Diagnostic Callout
Please call our freephone number to arrange a solar diagnostics callout from one of our electrical engineers. Our callout charge includes one hour of labour, which in our experience is almost always enough time to diagnose the fault.
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Areas covered: Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire
Did You Know? Your Solar Inspection Call-Out could be Free!
If we installed your system, or if you are an existing customer (e.g. we’ve already carried out a test and inspection), you are immediately eligible to join our solar membership club! Sign up for an EV Solar maintenance subscription for round-the-clock annual coverage – Call-outs and warranty checks are included for free, with a host of other perks and benefits.
For systems installed by another provider, we will require an initial Test & Inspection to assess your system’s condition and gather necessary details. Once that’s complete, you’re welcome to become a member!