Signs Your Solar Panels Need Professional Repair 
Solar panels are surprisingly durable and low maintenance. They sit on your roof generating free electricity for your home for decades with very little upkeep.
But, like anything that’s constantly exposed to the elements, solar panels can develop issues over time or be accidentally damaged.
At SouthFace Solar & Electric, we provide expert solar maintenance and repair for all types of solar panel systems, even if another company installed them. If you’re noticing issues with your system, don’t wait. Here are the key signs that your solar panels need professional attention.
1. Your Electricity Production Has Dropped Significantly
A big drop in electricity production is a huge red flag, especially on a sunny day. Several problems could lead to a drop in solar output. There might just be too much dust and dirt on your panels, but you could also have a more serious problem like a malfunctioning inverter or damaged wiring.
Whatever the reason, this isn’t a problem you want to ignore. The longer your solar panel output is down, the more money you’re spending on grid electricity.
At SouthFace Solar & Electric, we’ve been repairing solar panel systems in Arizona since 2008 and we’ve seen it all when it comes to solar system damage. Our team can quickly diagnose and repair whatever problem is dropping your output so you can quickly get back to generating at full capacity.
2. There’s an Error Message on Your Inverter
Your inverter is the powerhouse of your solar power system. It takes the direct current (DC) power your solar panels generate and turns it into the alternating current (AC) power your home can use.
If your inverter is showing a red light, an error code, or stops working entirely, it needs immediate attention.
Inverter issues can be caused by:
- Faulty wiring or loose connections
- Overheating due to poor ventilation
- Internal component failure
Inverters are complex pieces of equipment and repairing them isn’t easy. We love a DIY project, but when your solar inverter isn’t working, we strongly recommend professional repair.
Our team has experience in working with a wide range of inverter models and can figure out the problem fast. Whether you need a solar inverter repair or replacement, we will get your system back up and running.
3. You Have a Cracked or Shattered Solar Panel
It’s rare for a solar panel to crack or shatter, but it does happen. Usually, it’s caused by something heavy falling on or being thrown at your roof—like a tree branch.
Your solar system can still produce electricity if you have one broken panel, especially if you have microinverters. But you don’t want to ignore a broken or cracked solar panel for too long. Not only does it look bad, but it will also reduce your solar output and can lead to electrical hazards.
At SouthFace Solar & Electric, we make solar panel replacement easy. We don’t just swap out a broken panel for a new one. We make sure the new panel is compatible with your system, from a functionality perspective and an aesthetic one.
4. You Have Loose or Damaged Wiring and Connectors
Faulty wiring is an issue with any electrical system, especially solar panels. It can lead to a drop in output and be a safety hazard.
Some of the most common problems we see with solar panel electrical wiring are:
- Fraying
- Corrosion
- Loose connectors
- Oxidation
- Rodent damage
Our licensed electricians can safely assess and repair wiring problems to restore your solar power system’s efficiency while keeping your home and family safe.
5. Your Solar Panels Shut Down For No Reason
There are only two reasons your solar panel system should shut down:
- During a power outage, if you don’t have a solar battery installed. This happens automatically to stop your solar panels from feeding power into the grid while linemen are out making repairs.
- If you intentionally turn your solar panels off. You might have to do this for certain repairs, but there aren’t a lot of other reasons to shut your system down.
If your solar panel system shuts down for any other reason, there’s a problem. Whether it goes offline and comes back intermittently or shuts down completely, call us right away.
Sometimes, there’s a simple explanation. But there could be a serious problem. The sooner we get out to diagnose it, the sooner we can fix it, reducing downtime and lost savings.
