TLDR;

Get your solar system back to life! Discover the 8 key signs that a system needs professional solar system repair, from high utility bills to inverter warning codes. Learn to distinguish between real problems and simple false alarms. Understand why proactive maintenance is the best way to protect a solar investment.

Are you sure your solar panels are working as hard as they should be? Often, the first clue that something is wrong is a high electricity bill. That bill is a sign you're already losing out on savings and might need a professional solar system repair.

But what if you could spot an issue before it hits your wallet? Your solar system gives you clear warning signs when it needs help. You just need to be aware and catch small problems before they turn into major failures.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We'll cover the eight most common signs your system needs attention, help you tell the difference between a real problem and a false alarm, and explain exactly what to do next.

1. Your Electricity Bills are Unexpectedly High

This is often the first red flag that you might notice. If your electricity bill suddenly spikes without a change in your consumption or season, it’s a strong indicator that your solar panels aren't producing the power they should be. 

Sometimes, this can be due to weather changes like cloudy days, but a consistent increase points to a problem.

What You Can Do: First of all, you must compare your recent bill with one from the same month last year. For example, a high bill in the middle of a hot Phoenix summer is expected, but if it’s significantly higher than last July, that’s a red flag. Once you are sure, contact your installer or a company specializing in solar system repair for a diagnosis.

2. A Significant Drop in Your System's Energy Output

Most solar systems come with a monitoring app that shows you how much electricity your panels are generating. If you see a sharp or steady decline in the kilowatt-hours (kWh) produced, it's a clear sign of a problem. 

While all solar panels degrade slightly over time, a sudden drop is not normal and may mean you need a solar system repair.

What You Can Do: Before you call for a professional, you can take a quick look from the ground for obvious issues. A thick layer of dust, leaves, or even a new tree branch casting a shadow can all impact performance.

3. The Inverter is Flashing Warning Lights or Error Codes

Your inverter is the main component of your solar system. In general, you will see a solid green light on it. If you see a different color, a flashing light, or an error code, it's a warning sign. While the specific meanings can vary depending on your inverter brand, here are some common indicators:

• Blue Light: Your inverter is communicating with the monitoring platform.

• Flickering Green Light: AC is connected, but the system is not producing power.

• Red Light: There is a system error.

What You Can Do: You can look up the specific light or error code in your user manual. Your manual might explain how to do a simple reset, but for your safety, never try to fix any electrical issue or attempt a DIY solar system repair. You can rather take a photo of the display to show your solar repair company.

4. You Can See Physical Damage, Discoloration, or Cracks

Physical damage to your solar panels is another clear warning sign you can often spot from your yard. Just look at your panels from the ground and look for cracks that spread out like a spiderweb, sections that have turned yellow or brown, or dark spots that look like burn marks. 

This kind of damage is often caused by harsh weather conditions, like intense sunlight or hail.

A tiny crack might not seem like a big deal initially, but it can drastically reduce how much power your panels generate. In fact, studies show that microcracks can cut a panel's output from 0.9% to 42.8%

What You Can Do: If you find any damage, your job is simple: take some photos from a safe spot on the ground. Then, call a professional to perform a solar system repair.

5. Your Solar Monitoring App Shows Alerts or Communication Gaps

Your solar monitoring app is one of the most useful tools you have for spotting issues. It's designed to be your system's personal health tracker and will spot problems long before you would notice them otherwise.

If you open your app and see a direct warning message like "System Fault" or "Inverter Not Communicating," then something needs to be checked.

Other than this, if you notice a gap in your data. For example, zero power during a sunny day. It means your system was completely offline and wasn't generating any electricity for you then.

What You Can Do: Before you pick up the phone, start with the easiest fix. The most common reason for a communication error is simply a lost internet connection. Check if your home's Wi-Fi is working properly. If your computer and other devices are online just fine, then the problem is almost certainly with your solar hardware itself.

6. Signs of Moisture Intrusion or Corrosion

Your solar panels are built to be completely weatherproof, so seeing any moisture on the inside is a clear problem. You might notice moisture, a foggy look, or visible water droplets under the glass that you can't wipe away; it means a protective seal has failed. 

This seal is either broken during the manufacturing process or caused by a storm, normal wear and tear from years of changing weather, or sometimes even a defect from when the panel was made. 

Once water gets in, it begins to cause rust and corrosion on the internal wiring. This can eventually lead to electrical failure, stopping the panel from producing power, and potentially creating a safety risk. 

What You Can Do: Moisture and corrosion are definitely problems for a solar system repair professional to handle. For your part, you can take instant action before they cause further problems. 

7. You Notice Loose or Damaged Wiring

Pigeons are a notorious problem for solar systems in the Phoenix metro and other Arizona cities. If you see any wires that are hanging loose, frayed, or appear to have been chewed on, you have a major fire hazard. 

There are various possible causes of this damaged wiring:

• Animals like squirrels or birds chewing wires.

• Strong winds or sun exposure.

• Wires coming loose from the original installation.

What You Can Do: This is extremely important: you must not touch or try to fix any wiring yourself. The risk of electrical shock is very high. Your only job here is to keep everyone away from the area and call a nearby solar repair company immediately. You can check out the list of Arizona’s top solar repair companies here. 

8. Unusual Noises from the Inverter

A low humming sound from the inverter is normal; any unusual or loud noises are a cause for concern. If you hear a distinct buzzing, a repetitive clicking, or a mechanical grinding sound, your inverter is signaling a problem. These noises can indicate a failing internal part, like a cooling fan.

What You Can Do: If the noise is loud and concerning, you can shut down your system using the designated AC disconnect switch to prevent further damage while you wait for a professional to arrive.

Noticed any of these warning signs above? Get expert repair tips from Sunny Energy RX. Just fill out the form and contact us now to schedule a solar system service.

So you've seen one of the signs, like a flashing light or a surprisingly high utility bill, and you're probably asking, "But why is this happening?" Let's break down the most common reasons behind these issues. 

What's Really Going On? Common Causes of Solar System Failures

Most solar system issues can be traced back to one of three main areas: the inverter, the panels themselves, or the wiring and racking.

1. Inverter Problems

Your panels are simple and durable, but your inverter is a complex piece of electronics. It constantly converts the DC power from your panels into the AC power your home uses. This process generates heat, and inverters have internal fans to keep it cool. 

But over the years of operation in the heat, electronic components like capacitors and transistors simply wear out. Their expected lifespan is often 10 to 15 years, which is shorter than your panels, making them the most common part to require a solar system repair or replacement

This is why you can suddenly see an error code or hear a strange noise; it's the inverter telling you one of its internal parts is failing.

2. Panel-Level Problems

We already talked about how the weather can cause physical damage like cracks on your panels. However, there are other problems that can also hurt your system's performance and are much harder to spot.

• Hotspots: A hotspot is a small area on one of your panels that gets extremely hot. This happens when one part of the panel is shaded, while the sunny areas around it produce the same power, send it to the shaded part, and turn it into heat. If you ignore it, the spot can get worse, and the panel will make less power.
  
  

• PID: Another issue is potential induced degradation, or PID, which is a slow and invisible kind of power loss. It’s caused by a voltage difference between the inside of the panel and its metal frame. It is more common in hot and humid climates. This can be spotted with timely solar panel inspection and monitoring. 

3. Wiring and Racking Concerns

Most of the time, panels and inverters get all the attention, and people rarely worry about the wiring and mounting hardware. However, reports find that they are the No. 1 reason for solar project failures.

• Why does wiring go bad? The wiring on your roof is exposed to years of intense sun, which can crack the protective plastic coating. Also, critters like squirrels find the wiring to be a perfect chew toy. This is why you notice frayed or loose connections.

• Why does racking get loose? The metal rack your panels sit on expands in the heat and contracts in the cold. Over many years, this movement can loosen the bolts and connections, which can affect the grounding and safety of your entire system.

After learning about everything that can go wrong, it's natural to think that any little change means you need an expensive solar system repair. 

But before you jump to that conclusion, it's helpful to know that some common issues look like major problems but are actually just false alarms.

Repair Needed or False Alarm? How to Tell the Difference

If you notice a sudden decrease in power generation, you must take a moment to check for these simple causes first.

False Alarm #1: A Thick Layer of Dust or Debris

Sometimes, the reason your energy output has dropped is simply because your panels are very dirty. A thick layer of dust, bird droppings, or leaves blocks sunlight from reaching the solar cells. 

This can cause a significant drop in production that looks exactly like an issue requiring solar system repair. In fact, as per studies, just four droppings reduced power production by 33%. 

False Alarm #2: New Shading

Your solar system’s performance depends entirely on the direct sunlight. In Arizona, where the sun is abundant, a drop in production can be caused by a new shading. 

You can just take a moment to look around your property and see: 

• Has that tree in your yard grown a lot in the last year? 

• Did your neighbor recently build a new second story? 

• Is any new object casting a shadow over your panels? 

False Alarm #3: A Grid Outage

It can be confusing when the neighborhood power goes out and your solar panels, which make your own electricity, shut down too. This isn't a system failure; it’s actually a required safety feature. 

Most solar systems are designed to automatically turn off during a grid outage. This is to protect utility workers who are trying to fix the power lines from the danger of your system sending electricity back into the grid while they work. Once the grid power is restored, your system should turn back on automatically.

Okay, so you've done your homework and ruled out all the signs and even false alarms. If your system is still having issues, it’s definitely time to schedule a professional solar system repair.

The Professional Solar System Repair Process: What to Expect When You Call

A reputable solar system repair company like Sunny Energy RX will follow a proper process to repair your solar panels, generally involving these simple steps:

Step 1: Full System Diagnostic and Safety Inspection

The first thing a technician will do is a complete checkup of your entire system. They won't just look at the part you think is broken. They will test everything, including your panels, your inverter, all the wiring, and the connections. It helps them pinpoint the exact root of the problem.

Step 2: A Clear, Upfront Repair Quote

Once they know exactly what's wrong, the company will provide you with a clear and detailed quote breaking down all the expected costs, such as the price of any new parts, the cost of labor for the repair, and any other fees. 

Pro Tip: Before you commit to any repair, you must get quotes from two or three different companies. This will help you get a fair price by comparing costs and services. Just fill out the form and get your first quote from Sunny Energy RX now!

Step 3: Warranty Claim and Parts Coordination

A good solar service provider will check if the broken part is still covered by a manufacturer's warranty. If it is, they will often handle the entire warranty claim process for you. 

Step 4: The Repair and Performance Verification

Finally, the technician will perform the actual solar system repair. Then, they will re-test your system to verify that everything is working correctly and that your energy production is back to where it should be. 

Knowing the steps of a professional repair is good, but wouldn't it be better to avoid needing one in the first place? 

How Can I Avoid Expensive Solar System Repairs?

The best way to deal with repairs is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Being proactive and scheduling timely maintenance is the only key to protecting your investment and keeping your system running smoothly. 

Here’s why a professional maintenance plan is so important:

• It Catches Problems Early: Technicians can spot hidden issues you can't see from the ground, like components that are starting to degrade or potential wiring issues.

• It Maximizes Your Savings: A system that is regularly checked and maintained will always run at its peak performance. This ensures savings on your electricity bills.

• It Extends Equipment Lifespan: Regular service helps your valuable equipment, like the inverter and panels, last as long as possible.

• It Makes Finding Help Easy: Establishing a maintenance plan with a local and trusted solar system repair company can turn an urgent search into a simple and stress-free scheduled visit.

While regular maintenance is your best defence against problems, sometimes a solar system repair is unavoidable. When that happens, your warranties are the best way to avoid expensive solar repairs. Let's look at the specific warranties your system includes and how you can use them to your advantage. 

Navigating Warranties: Will Your Solar System Repair Be Covered?

The solar system generally comes with a few different types of warranties, and each one covers something specific.

• Product Warranty: This is the warranty from the manufacturer that covers the physical equipment itself. If your inverter suddenly stops working or a solar panel has a defect, this is the warranty that would cover the replacement of that faulty part. These generally last from 10 to 25 years.

• Performance Warranty: This is also from the manufacturer, and it's a guarantee about energy production. It promises that your panels will still be able to produce a certain percentage of their original power output after a specific number of years. For example, it might guarantee at least 85% production after 20 years.

• Workmanship Warranty: This warranty comes from your original installation company. It covers any problems related to the quality of their work. For instance, if your issues are caused by loose racking that they installed or improper wiring, this is the warranty that would cover the labor and materials to fix those mistakes.

Protect Your Investment with Timely Solar System Repair

Owning a solar system is a significant investment, and understanding how to care for it is key. By recognizing the warning signs and knowing the difference between a real problem and a false alarm, you're in a much better position to protect your value. 

While knowing how to react to issues is important, the best strategy for avoiding a major solar system repair is always prevention. Regular, professional solar maintenance is the most effective way to catch small issues before they become costly solar system repairs, ensuring your system performs at its best for years.

If you’ve noticed any of the signs we’ve discussed, or you just want the peace of mind that comes from a professional check-up, the team at Sunny Energy RX is ready to help. Contact us today for a full system diagnostic.

Before you wrap up, let’s take a quick look back at the key takeaways.

FAQs Around Solar System Repair

1. How often do solar panels really need to be repaired?
   Solar panels are very reliable. You'll rarely need solar system repairs, but other components like inverters may need service over the system's long lifespan.
   
   
   

2. What warning signs mean you should call a solar repair expert?
   High bills, inverter error codes, or visible damage like cracks are clear signs you need a professional solar system repair from an expert company like Sunny Energy RX.
   
   
   

3. What is the main problem for a solar system?
   The inverter is the most common point of failure in a solar system. It's a complex electronic device and has a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, leading to solar panel system repairs.
   
   
   

4. How to fix a solar problem?
   For safety, never try to fix a solar problem yourself. You should search for a professional "Solar panel repair Phoenix"(or your location) and call the professionals to handle the work.
   
   
   

5. How do you troubleshoot a solar system?
   Check your monitoring app for alerts, look for new shading, and try resetting your system's breakers. Anything more requires a professional solar system repair technician.
   
   
   

6. What happens when your solar panels go bad?
   When panels go bad, they stop producing electricity efficiently. This leads to a loss of savings and higher utility bills from the grid.
   
   
   

7. Can I clean or repair my solar panels myself?
   You can clean them safely from the ground, but never try to repair solar panel wiring yourself due to safety risks. You must always hire a professional for any solar system repairs.
   
   
   

8. How do I know if my solar panels just need cleaning or an actual repair?
   If a good cleaning doesn't restore your power output, it's time to call for nearby solar system repairs to diagnose the issue.
   
   
   

9. How much does solar system repair cost on average?
   Costs vary widely, from a few hundred dollars for simple fixes to several thousand for major component replacements like an inverter.
   
   
   

10. What factors affect the cost of a solar system repair?
    The cost depends on the broken part, labor rates, and roof accessibility. An Arizona solar system repair company like Sunny Energy RX can give you a specific quote.
    
    
    

11. How often does a solar system need routine servicing or maintenance?
    It's smart to get a professional solar system servicing check every one to three years to ensure everything is working efficiently and safely.
    
    
    

12. Can I do basic maintenance like panel cleaning myself to lower repair bills?
    Yes, safe cleaning helps maintain performance. For anything else, find a professional by searching "Solar panel repair Phoenix" or your location to handle inspections.
    
    
    

13. What are the top warning signs that indicate my solar system needs repair?
    The top signs are high utility bills, inverter error codes, and a major drop in power production. These all mean you need a solar system service.
    
    
    

14. Is it better to repair or replace a damaged panel when costs and lifespan are considered?
    If the panel is old or severely damaged, replacement is often better. A solar system repair technician can help you weigh the costs and benefits.