Solar Power Troubleshooting: Try These 7 Things Before You Call a Pro

By Leigh A. Morgan

November 03, 2024

Thanks to solar panels, sunny days are no longer just a good excuse to stretch out on the beach and listen to the waves crash against the shore. These panels make it possible to harness the sun's energy and use it to power your home, reducing your energy costs and minimizing your impact on the environment.

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If your panels stop producing electricity without warning, don't panic. Use this solar panel troubleshooting guide to identify the problem.

Solar Panels Not Working? 7 Reasons You're Not Receiving Power From Your Solar Panels

Solar panel problems are often caused by the following issues.

1. Dirty Panels

Dirty panels are one of the most common causes of solar panels not producing power. Each panel contains specialized cells designed to absorb light from the sun. Dirt interferes with light absorption, reducing the amount of power generated by your solar system. If you notice a lack of power or other signs of poor system performance, have someone clean your solar panels right away. A simple cleaning could return your solar system to its former glory in no time at all.

2. Inverter Issues

The type of energy that comes from the sun (direct current) isn't the same type of energy used to power washing machines, refrigerators, ovens and other appliances (alternating current). For a solar system to power your home, you need some way to convert DC power to AC power. This is why every solar system has an inverter. If your inverter doesn't work properly, your system won't be able to convert DC power to AC power, leaving you unable to reap the benefits of using solar energy.

If you suspect inverter issues, check for loose connections or broken wires. Inverters become less efficient over time, so it's also possible you need to replace your existing inverter with a brand-new one.

3. Overgrown Trees

Almost every solar panel troubleshooting guide mentions the importance of trimming the trees around your home, and this one is no exception. For your system to work properly, the sun's rays must reach your solar panels without any obstructions. If you have overgrown trees near your roof, branches and leaves can easily block sunlight from reaching the photovoltaic (PV) cells embedded in your solar panels. As a result, you may experience a loss of power.

The easiest fix for this problem is to keep your trees trimmed. Your solar provider may even recommend removing the trees closest to your roof to prevent solar panel problems caused by overgrown branches.

4. Roof Debris

Your roof is the unsung hero of your home. It protects you from the sun, blocks out heavy winds, keeps you from getting wet and makes it easier to maintain a comfortable temperature. All that hard work allows twigs, bird droppings and other debris to build up over time. If you have a heavy storm in your area, it's also possible for the wind to pick up pieces of roofing material, causing them to land on your solar panels.

Fortunately, it's fairly easy to correct this problem. If you're dealing with solar panels not working, check your roof to determine if there's any debris preventing PV cells from absorbing light. It's especially important to inspect your roof after a hurricane, tornado or other heavy storm. If you notice an excessive amount of debris, clean the roof thoroughly. A local roofer can help you with roof cleaning and maintenance if you're not comfortable getting up there yourself.

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5. Battery Issues

Some solar systems come with battery storage, which makes it possible to store solar energy and use it when the sun isn't shining. If your neighborhood has several overcast or rainy days per month, you can use your battery storage to power your home even when your solar panels aren't absorbing energy from the sun. If your panels aren't working as expected, you may need to charge the battery system or get new battery storage.

6. Poor Mounting

Energy production varies based on the angle at which sunlight hits PV cells, making accurate mounting essential for maximizing efficiency. If your solar system isn't producing as much power as expected, it could be a mounting issue. Before you do anything else, check to see if any of the mountings are loose. If the mountings aren't tight, they can cause your solar panels to vibrate, causing permanent damage. Vibration also contributes to loose connections, which can wreak havoc with your ability to generate solar power.

7. Corrosion

A solar system has several components, including junction boxes and wiring. Each of these components should be sealed to protect it from moisture. If the wiring isn't sealed properly, it can become corroded, causing it to deteriorate. One of the most basic steps in a solar panel troubleshooting guide is to check for corroded wiring. If you see signs of corrosion, have a professional install new wiring as soon as possible.

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