How Do You Know If Your Solar Panels Need Repair?
You can tell your solar panels may need solar panel repair if you notice a drop in energy production, visible cracks or discoloration on the panels, loose wiring, or warning alerts from your monitoring system. Other signs include unexpected spikes in your electricity bills or physical damage caused by storms, debris, or falling branches.
Even though solar panels are built to last 25 years or more, they aren’t immune to occasional issues like weather damage, faulty wiring, or inverter problems. Addressing these issues early keeps your system working efficiently and prevents minor problems from becoming costly repairs.
Below, you’ll learn how to recognize when your panels are underperforming, what causes physical damage, how often to inspect them, and ways to prevent the need for frequent solar energy services.
Table of Contents
How Can You Tell If Your Solar Panels Are Underperforming?
Your solar energy system’s performance should remain consistent over time. If you notice a decline, it may indicate a problem.
Common signs of underperformance include:
- Lower energy production:Â If your solar monitoring app shows reduced output compared to the same time last year, it could mean dirt buildup, shading issues, or a malfunctioning panel.
- Higher utility bills: A sudden increase in your electricity bill suggests your panels aren’t generating enough power to offset your usage.
- Inverter error messages:Â The inverter converts solar energy into usable electricity. If it displays error codes or warning lights, it needs attention.
- Unexpected shading:Â Overgrown trees or new nearby structures casting shadows can reduce efficiency.
- Complete shutdown: If your system isn’t producing any power, there may be wiring or inverter damage.
Regularly monitoring your energy output helps you catch performance dips early so you can schedule solar panel repair before they affect your savings.
What Causes Physical Damage to Solar Panels?
While solar panels are designed to withstand harsh weather, they can still sustain physical damage over time.
- Severe weather events
- Hailstorms:Â Large hail can crack the protective glass layer.
- High winds:Â Flying debris or tree branches can impact panels.
- Heavy snow or ice:Â Excessive weight can stress the mounting hardware.
- Debris buildup
- Falling branches, dirt, and leaves can scratch the surface or trap moisture, leading to microcracks.
- Pest interference
- Birds or rodents sometimes nest under panels, chewing on wires, and causing electrical issues.
- Manufacturing defects
- Though rare, factory defects can cause panels to degrade faster than expected.
- Improper installation
- Panels mounted incorrectly can loosen over time, leading to leaks, damage, or system failure.
Physical damage not only reduces panel efficiency but can also compromise the entire system if water seeps into electrical components. After storms or heavy winds, it’s wise to inspect your panels for obvious signs of damage visually.Â
How Often Should You Inspect Solar Panels for Damage?
Routine inspections are essential for keeping your system in top shape and avoiding unexpected repairs.
Recommended inspection schedule:
- Professional inspection once a year:Â A solar technician will check for cracks, wiring issues, and inverter problems.
- After major storms:Â Strong winds, hail, or hurricanes can cause hidden damage that impacts performance.
- Seasonal visual checks:Â Look for visible dirt buildup, debris, or loose mounting brackets at least twice a year.
- Monitoring system alerts:Â Many solar setups include an app or dashboard that tracks energy output and sends notifications if performance drops.
Regular inspections after solar energy panel installation can catch small problems before they escalate into bigger repairs. For example, noticing a loose wire early prevents further damage to your inverter or entire array.
How Can You Prevent the Need for Frequent Solar Panel Repairs?
Preventive care goes a long way in reducing the need for solar panel repair.
- Schedule routine cleaning: Dust, pollen, and bird droppings reduce energy efficiency. Regular cleaning—at least once or twice a year—keeps panels performing well and prevents grime from causing microcracks.
- Trim surrounding trees:Â Overgrown branches can scratch panels, drop debris, or create unnecessary shading. Keeping nearby trees trimmed reduces risk.
- Secure pest barriers:Â Install mesh or guards around the edges of panels to prevent birds and rodents from nesting underneath.
- Invest in high-quality installation:Â Choosing an experienced, licensed installer ensures panels are mounted securely and wired correctly from the start, reducing long-term issues.
- Monitor performance regularly: Tracking your system’s daily energy output helps you catch underperformance early. Many monitoring apps will alert you if there’s a sudden drop in production.
- Protect against extreme weather:Â If you live in an area prone to hail or hurricanes, consider adding additional protective coverings or insurance specifically for solar panel damage.
Preventive maintenance is far less expensive than complete repairs or replacements. By taking small steps, you extend your system’s lifespan and preserve the value of your investment.
Additional Tips to Extend Panel Lifespan
- Combine annual inspections with professional cleanings: This ensures both dirt removal and an expert eye on system health. Solar energy professionals can detect early warning signs like microcracks or loose wiring that homeowners often miss.
- Check mounting hardware regularly:Â Over time, weather conditions like wind and rain can loosen bolts or corrode brackets. Inspecting and tightening these components helps keep panels securely in place.
- Keep inverter fans clean: The inverter is the heart of your solar system, and if it overheats, it can reduce the system’s overall efficiency. Cleaning vents and ensuring proper airflow can prevent costly failures.
- Update system software:Â Many modern solar systems feature advanced monitoring technology with firmware updates that improve performance and reporting accuracy. Staying up to date ensures your system runs smoothly.
- Maintain insurance coverage: Solar panels are a valuable investment. Check your homeowner’s insurance policy to ensure panels are fully covered for weather-related damage, theft, or vandalism.
Additionally, consider scheduling a more thorough professional evaluation every few years. These comprehensive assessments often include thermal imaging to detect hidden hot spots, detailed energy output tests, and preventive maintenance for wiring and inverters.Â
Proactive care not only protects your investment but also ensures your solar system continues delivering reliable energy for decades. By combining regular inspections, proper cleaning, and professional expertise, you’ll maximize your system’s efficiency and minimize the need for unexpected solar panel repair services.Â
Protect Your Investment and Find Trusted Solar Panel Repair Technicians
Ignoring minor damage can lead to larger problems. A cracked panel can allow water intrusion, damaging the solar cells and permanently reducing energy output. Loose wiring can cause power losses and even pose safety risks. Acting quickly at the first sign of trouble helps you avoid more expensive fixes later.
Professional solar panel repair services not only restore performance but also ensure the system remains safe and compliant with manufacturer warranties. Technicians can replace damaged panels, fix wiring issues, recalibrate inverters, and run diagnostics to confirm everything is operating at peak efficiency.
When you invest in timely repairs, you’re protecting decades of energy savings and maintaining your home’s sustainability.
American Home Quotes makes it simple to connect with licensed technicians who specialize in solar panel repair. Contact American Home Quotes at 1-877-632-0340 today to compare free, no-obligation quotes and keep your solar energy system running at maximum efficiency.