Top 10 Most Common Solar Panel Repair Questions Answered

1. Why is my solar panel system not producing enough power?

Low solar output is usually caused by shading, dirty panels, faulty wiring, or inverter issues. Start with simple checks: look for new shade from trees, buildings, or debris. Then check your monitoring app or inverter display for error codes.

Basic troubleshooting steps:

1. Visually inspect panels for dirt, bird droppings, or snow.
2. Check breakers and DC/AC disconnect switches to ensure they’re ON.
3. Review your monitoring portal for drops in production compared to previous months.
4. Compare output on a sunny day vs. cloudy day.

If output is significantly lower than past years under similar weather, or if you see warning lights/error codes, call a licensed solar technician. They can test strings, wiring, and inverter performance safely.

2. How do I know if a solar panel is damaged or cracked?

Physical panel damage can be visible or hidden. Micro-cracks often occur from hail, impact, or poor installation and may not be obvious from the ground. Look for:

• Shattered or spiderweb glass
• Discoloration or burn marks
• Moisture or fogging under the glass
• Loose or broken frame or mounting hardware

If you can access a monitoring system that shows per-panel performance, a single panel producing far less energy than its neighbors may be cracked or internally damaged.

Never walk on or lean heavily against panels. If you suspect damage, take photos from the ground and contact a professional. DIY glass repair, sealant, or taping cracks can void your warranty and create fire or shock hazards. 💡

3. What should I do if my solar inverter shows an error or is not working?

The inverter is the “brain” of your solar system, so any error light, beeping, or blank screen needs attention.

First steps:

1. Check the display for error codes and write them down.
2. Ensure AC and DC disconnects are in the ON position.
3. Confirm there is no grid power outage or utility work in your area.
4. Turn the inverter off and on again following the manufacturer’s shutdown/startup sequence (usually AC off → DC off, then reverse to restart).

If the error persists more than a few hours on a sunny day, contact a solar professional or the installer with the error code. Do not open the inverter casing yourself; internal components can carry dangerous voltages even when switched off.

4. Can I clean my solar panels myself, and how often should I do it?

Yes, most homeowners can safely clean solar panels from the ground or a stable platform, as long as roof access is safe. In many climates, rain does most of the work, but if you live in a dusty, pollen-heavy, or coastal area, cleaning 1–2 times per year can boost performance.

Safe cleaning tips:

• Clean early morning or late afternoon to avoid hot glass and streaks.
• Use soft water, a garden hose, and a soft brush or squeegee.
• Avoid high-pressure washers, abrasive pads, and harsh chemicals.
• Never step on panels or work on steep roofs without proper safety gear.

If your roof is steep, access is risky, or panels are very high, hire a professional cleaning service. The cost is usually small compared to the value of reduced risk and sustained performance.

5. Why are my solar panels making strange noises or humming?

Solar panels themselves are silent, but associated equipment can create humming, buzzing, or clicking sounds. Common sources include:

• Inverters: low hum during normal operation
• Loose mounting hardware: rattling in wind
• DC/AC wiring: buzzing if connections are loose
• Microinverters/optimizers: faint noise near the array

When to worry:

• New or much louder noises than before
• Buzzing combined with burnt smells or visible discoloration
• Rattling that changes with wind or storms 🌬️

Tightening roof hardware, rails, and brackets should be done by a trained installer to avoid over-torquing or damaging the roof. Any electrical buzzing, pops, or burning smell is a safety issue—turn off the system using the shutoff switches and call a licensed solar or electrical contractor immediately.

6. What causes a sudden drop in solar production after a storm or hail?

After severe weather, a sudden production drop often points to physical or electrical damage:

• Hail or debris impact cracking the glass
• Wind damage loosening mounting rails or connectors
• Water ingress into junction boxes or connectors
• Tripped breakers or ground-fault detection

Post-storm checklist:

1. From the ground, scan for visible cracks, broken glass, or dislodged panels.
2. Check your main electrical panel for tripped solar breakers.
3. Log into the monitoring portal to see if the whole system is down or just one string.
4. Take pictures of any obvious damage for insurance and installer.

Do not attempt roof repairs or electrical fixes yourself. Call your installer, a solar service company, and your insurer if damage is suspected. Many homeowner policies cover hail and storm damage to solar.

7. How do I fix a solar panel that isn’t showing up in my monitoring app?

If a single panel disappears from monitoring, it could be a software glitch, failed optimizer/microinverter, or communications problem rather than the panel itself.

Troubleshooting steps:

1. Restart the monitoring gateway or communication hub (if safe to do so).
2. Confirm your internet connection is stable.
3. Check if others in the system are also missing; if many panels vanish, it’s likely communication, not hardware.
4. If your system allows, check module-level error messages.

If the same panel is missing for several sunny days, contact your installer or monitoring provider with the system serial number and screenshots. Do not disconnect wiring at the roof or combiner boxes; DC circuits can be hazardous. A technician may need to replace an optimizer or microinverter.

8. Is it safe to repair solar panels myself?

For most issues beyond simple visual inspection and ground-level cleaning, DIY repair is not recommended. Solar systems involve:

• High DC voltages that remain live in sunlight
• Risk of electric shock, burns, and arc faults
• Potential to void warranties or create fire hazards

You can safely:

• Check monitoring portals and record error codes.
• Inspect from the ground with binoculars.
• Perform light cleaning using proper methods.

You should call a professional for:

• Panel replacement or rewiring
• Inverter repair or replacement
• Any roof work involving rails, flashing, or structural components
• Electrical panel upgrades or breaker changes

If in doubt, err on the side of safety. A licensed solar technician understands code requirements, testing procedures, and manufacturer warranties.

9. How much do common solar panel repairs cost?

Costs vary by region, roof type, and system size, but here are typical ranges (USD):

Before paying out of pocket, check:

• Manufacturer warranties (often 10–25 years)
• Workmanship/installer warranty
• Homeowner’s insurance for storm, hail, or impact damage

Get at least two quotes for large repairs, and always verify that technicians are licensed and experienced with solar. A good installer will also check for hidden issues while on-site. 💰

10. When should I replace solar panels instead of repairing them?

Modern panels often last 25–30+ years, but replacement may make sense when:

• Panels are physically cracked or delaminated.
• Output has dropped well below warranty guarantees (e.g., <80% after 20–25 years).
• Water has infiltrated and caused corrosion or hot spots.
• The system uses obsolete equipment that can’t integrate with new inverters.

Choose replacement over repair if:

• Multiple panels are failing, especially older models.
• The cost to repair approaches 50% or more of a new panel.
• You plan an inverter upgrade and want better efficiency or more capacity.

A solar professional can perform IV curve testing and detailed performance checks to advise whether you’re better off replacing a few panels, the whole array, or just upgrading supporting equipment.

Helpful Tips for Keeping Your Solar Panel Running Smoothly

1. Schedule annual inspections 🛠️
   Have a professional check wiring, mounting, inverter, and overall performance once a year, especially after major storms.

2. Monitor your system regularly
   Log into your monitoring app monthly to spot unusual production drops early.

3. Keep panels reasonably clean
   Rinse gently once or twice a year (or as needed) and avoid abrasive cleaning methods that can scratch glass.

4. Trim nearby trees and vegetation
   Prevent new shade from growing over your array and dropping leaves or debris onto panels.

5. Protect your investment with records
   Save installation documents, warranties, and service reports; take photos before and after any major events for insurance.

6. Act quickly on warning signs
   Unusual noises, error codes, or large output drops are reasons to call a professional promptly, preventing minor issues from becoming costly failures.