Why Aren’t Your Solar Panels Working? Common Issues and Fixes
Are your solar panels not working as well as they usually do? A drop in solar panel output can be frustrating, but the good news is that most issues are easily fixable with the right approach.
In this solar panel troubleshooting guide, we explain common problems that can impact your solar system’s performance and how to fix them so you can get your power generation back on track quickly.
1. Dirty or Blocked Panels
The Problem:
Dirt, dust, bird droppings, and other grime can block sunlight from reaching your panels, reducing their output. This can happen slowly as dust and dirt accumulate on your panels, leading to a slow but steady drop in output. Or, it can happen quickly, if a large amount of debris falls on your panels at once, like after a dust storm.
The Fix:
Luckily, it’s easy to clean dirty solar panels. All you have to do is rinse them off with water—SouthFace recommends RO or distilled water to avoid hard water deposits on the panels. If they’re still dirty, use a soft sponge and a mild soap to clean them. Just make sure you turn your system off before you clean the panels, and avoid using harsh sponges, abrasive cleaners, and high water pressure.
If you’d rather not climb up on your roof to clean your panels, just give SouthFace Solar & Electric a call. We offer solar panel cleaning services and can return your system to peak performance.
2. Inverter Malfunctions
The Problem:
The inverter is the heart of your solar system—it converts the DC electricity generated by your panels into AC electricity for your home. If your inverter isn’t working, your system won’t produce usable power. This can happen for several reasons, including overheating, faulty installation, and damaged wiring. Typically, you’ll see an error message in your solar monitoring app if your inverter is malfunctioning. A sudden drop in solar output can also be a warning sign.
The Fix:
The first step is to restart your inverter. It’s a simple solution, but it can often do the trick. To restart your inverter, make sure you first disconnect the solar panels and then follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. If that doesn’t work, call SouthFace Solar & Electric for troubleshooting. We can diagnose and repair your inverter quickly, or install a replacement if it’s beyond repair.
3. Faulty Wiring or Loose Connections
The Problem:
Sometimes, the wiring connections in your solar system can become loose, corroded, or damaged by pests or water infiltration. This can lead to a drop in performance or a complete system failure, depending on which wires are damaged and how badly.
The Fix:
You may be able to look for loose or damaged wiring yourself if the conduits are visible (if we installed your system, they’re hidden). However, we don’t recommend trying to fix wiring problems yourself. Instead, just give us a call. We can review your system’s wiring, locate problems quickly, and typically
repair them on the spot.
4. Old or Damaged Panels
The Problem:
Solar panels are durable, but they aren’t indestructible. Over time, panels can lose efficiency due to aging, physical damage, or manufacturing defects. This typically results in reduced solar output. It can happen quickly if a panel is suddenly damaged, or slowly over time as your panels naturally degrade.
The Fix:
The solution here really depends on the severity of the problem. If one of your panels was cracked or shattered, for example, we can replace that panel to get your system back up and running at full capacity. But, if your panels are just getting old, a slight decrease in performance is to be expected. This should only happen toward the end of your solar panels’ lifespan, around the 20+ year mark. If you’re experiencing a drop in output sooner than that, give us a call for a thorough inspection.
5. Monitoring System Issues
The Problem:
If you use a solar monitoring system to track your energy production, a malfunction in the monitoring equipment can make it seem like your panels aren’t working, even if they are.
The Fix:
Start by making sure your monitoring system is properly connected to your inverter and Wi-Fi network. Then, try restarting the system. Sometimes that’s all it takes to get things working again. If you’re still experiencing a problem, reach out to SouthFace Solar & Electric. We can verify your solar system’s production to determine if the tracking system is the issue and then get it back up and running for you.
When to Schedule Professional Solar Panel Repair
In some cases, you can fix issues with your solar panels by yourself. But, solar panel repair is typically best handled by a professional. Here’s when you should call SouthFace Solar & Electric for help:
- Inverter Problems – It’s generally best to call a professional for inverter troubleshooting and repair. These kinds of problems are hard to diagnose and usually require specialized repair from a solar professional.
- Recurring Problems – If you have a problem with your solar panels that keeps coming back, a professional assessment can help you get to the root cause so you can solve it for good.
- System Performance Drops – A sudden or significant drop in solar output is cause for concern. There are DIY troubleshooting solutions you can try, but for the fastest fix, give us a call. We can solve the problem quickly so you don’t miss out on savings.
- Damaged Panels – If you have a cracked or shattered panel, it’s best to have it professionally replaced. We can install a matching panel that blends with your existing system for a clean, sleek fix.
At SouthFace Solar & Electric, we offer a full range of solar panel maintenance and repair services for all systems, even those we didn’t originally install. Our experienced team has the tools and expertise to handle any problem, getting you back to peak performance fast. We’re proud to be a solar partner you can rely on for the entire 25+ year lifespan of your solar energy system and are here to help when a problem arises.
