Is Your Solar System Underperforming? 5 Telltale Signs You Need a Professional Inspection

Fronius Inverter Showing a system Fault

Your solar panels were supposed to slash your electricity bills and provide clean, renewable energy for decades. But what happens when those promised savings start to dwindle? If you've noticed your energy production dropping or your utility bills creeping back up, your solar system might be underperforming.

The good news? Most solar issues are fixable when caught early. The key is knowing what warning signs to look for. Here are five telltale indicators that it's time to call in a professional solar technician for a thorough inspection.

1. Your Energy Production Has Significantly Decreased

What to watch for: A noticeable drop in your system's daily or monthly energy output compared to previous periods or your installer's projections.

The red flags:

• Your monitoring app shows consistent declines over several weeks or months

• Energy production is down 10% or more from the same period last year

• Your system isn't meeting the projected output from your original solar proposal

• Seasonal variations seem more extreme than expected

Why this happens: Dirty panels, equipment malfunctions, shading from new growth or construction, or component degradation can all reduce energy production. While some decline is normal over time (typically 0.5-0.8% annually), sudden or steep drops signal a problem.

Quick self-check: Compare your current production data to your baseline measurements from when the system was first installed. Most solar monitoring systems make this easy with historical data views.

2. Your Electricity Bills Are Rising Again

What to watch for: Utility bills that are higher than expected, especially during peak solar production months.

The red flags:

• Bills are approaching or exceeding pre-solar levels

• You're paying more for electricity during sunny months when production should be highest

• Your net metering credits have decreased significantly

• You're consistently pulling more power from the grid than usual

Why this happens: When your solar system underperforms, you'll naturally draw more electricity from the grid. This could indicate panel issues, inverter problems, or even billing errors from your utility company.

Quick self-check: Review your electricity bills from the same months in previous years. Account for any changes in energy usage (new appliances, electric vehicle, etc.) to determine if the increase is truly solar-related.

3. Physical Damage or Wear Is Visible on Your Panels

What to watch for: Any obvious signs of physical deterioration or damage to your solar panels or mounting system.

The red flags:

• Cracked, chipped, or broken glass on panel surfaces

• Discoloration, hot spots, or browning on panels

• Loose or corroded mounting hardware

• Damaged or exposed wiring

• Bird nests or significant debris buildup

• Water stains or signs of moisture intrusion

Why this happens: Weather, age, wildlife, and environmental factors can all take a toll on solar equipment. Even small cracks can lead to bigger problems if left untreated, as moisture can seep in and cause electrical issues.

Quick self-check: Walk around your property and visually inspect your panels from the ground. Use binoculars if needed, but never climb on your roof yourself. Look for anything that appears damaged or out of place.

4. Inverter Issues or Error Messages

What to watch for: Problems with your inverter, which converts the DC power from your panels into usable AC power for your home.

The red flags:

• Error codes or warning lights on your inverter display

• Strange noises coming from the inverter (humming, clicking, or buzzing)

• Inverter shutting down frequently or failing to start up

• Monitoring system showing inverter offline or communication errors

• Visible damage, overheating, or burning smells near the inverter

Why this happens: Inverters are complex electronic devices that can fail due to age, power surges, extreme temperatures, or manufacturing defects. They're often the first component to need replacement in a solar system.

Quick self-check: Check your inverter's display panel for any error codes or warning lights. Consult your owner's manual to understand what different indicators mean, but leave any repairs to professionals.

5. Inconsistent Performance Between Individual Panels

What to watch for: Some panels in your array producing significantly more or less energy than others.

The red flags:

• Monitoring data shows certain panels consistently underperforming

• Hot spots visible on thermal imaging (if available)

• Some panels appear cleaner or dirtier than others despite uniform conditions

• Shading affecting only portions of your array

• New obstructions (tree growth, new construction) casting shadows

Why this happens: Individual panel issues, partial shading, soiling, or electrical problems can cause performance variations. Even one underperforming panel can impact your entire system's output, especially in series-wired configurations.

Quick self-check: If your monitoring system provides panel-level data, compare the output of individual panels. Look for any that consistently produce 15-20% less energy than their neighbors.

When to Call a Professional

If you've identified one or more of these warning signs, it's time to schedule a professional solar inspection. Here's what to expect:

A comprehensive inspection should include:

• Performance analysis and data review

• Physical examination of all system components

• Electrical testing and safety checks

• Cleaning and maintenance recommendations

• Warranty evaluation and repair planning

Don't wait if you notice:

• Multiple warning signs occurring simultaneously

• Safety hazards like damaged wiring or loose mounting hardware

• Sudden, dramatic drops in performance

• Equipment that's completely stopped working

The Bottom Line

Your solar investment should provide reliable, clean energy for 25-30 years. Regular monitoring and prompt attention to warning signs will help ensure you get the maximum return on your investment. While some maintenance can be done yourself (like gentle cleaning), complex electrical work and roof-mounted repairs should always be left to certified professionals.

Remember, most solar issues are completely fixable, and many are covered under equipment warranties. The sooner you address problems, the sooner you'll be back to enjoying maximum solar savings.

Ready for an inspection? Contact us at SolarRepower.com we can diagnose issues, perform necessary repairs, and help optimize your system's performance for years to come.