Over 5 million home solar systems are installed in the U.S., and that number keeps growing as more families turn to the sun for lower energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint. But here’s the thing—many homeowners don’t realize their solar system is not working properly until they get hit with a surprisingly high utility bill.

When solar panels are not producing power as they should, your system isn’t offsetting your electricity costs or reducing your fossil fuel consumption. It’s frustrating, especially when you’re counting on those savings and environmental benefits. 

“Many homeowners invest over $10,000 in a solar system, but some don’t keep up with the necessary repairs, which can slowly erode that investment,” says Patrick McCabe, co-founder and president of GreenLancer. “And since most solar systems are designed to last 25 to 30 years, even a small drop in performance early on can really add up over time—quietly draining their energy production month after month.”

Staying on top of solar maintenance helps keep your system running efficiently and prevents small issues from turning into expensive breakdowns. Without regular solar monitoring checks, you might not notice a problem for months. By then, you could be facing lost savings and potentially higher solar system repair costs. However, if you have a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA), you’re generally not responsible for repair expenses.

Common Signs Your Solar System Is Not Working

If your solar system is not working properly, you’ll likely notice a few signs. Here’s how you can spot potential issues before they turn into bigger problems:

Higher Electricity Bills

One of the first indicators that something’s wrong is a sudden spike in your power bill. If your solar panels are not producing power like they should, you’ll end up relying more on your utility provider. 

Keep in mind that seasonal variations like increased air conditioning use in summer or rising electricity rates might also affect your power bills, but if the increase seems out of the ordinary, it’s time for some solar system troubleshooting.

Solar Monitoring Alerts 

Most systems come with monitoring apps that track your solar power production. If you see error messages or notice a drop in output, it could mean your system is underperforming. 

Remember that solar energy production tends to be higher from May to October, so take the season into account before panicking. Also, if your modules are covered with snow, it will have a significant impact on solar output. However, if the drop in solar energy output persists, it’s worth investigating further.

No Visible Solar Energy Production

If your inverter screen is blank or showing a fault, that’s a clear sign your solar system is not working properly. The inverter is responsible for converting the power your panels produce, and if it’s malfunctioning, it can cause a complete halt in production.

Solar System Troubleshooting: Easy DIY Fixes You Can Try

If your solar system is not working properly there are a few basic troubleshooting steps you can try before calling in a professional solar repair technician. Many issues are simple to address and can save you the expense of a service call (if your system isn’t still under warranty). However, beware of more involved fixes, as you could void your warranty.

1. Check Your Breaker Box

The first thing you should check is the solar system breaker in your electrical panel. It’s not uncommon for it to be switched off, especially after a storm or power surge. If it’s off, flip it back on and monitor your system. This simple step can sometimes resolve the issue.

2. Reboot Your Inverter

If your inverter is showing an error or isn’t producing power, try resetting it. This step works for string inverters (common brands include SMA, Fronius, and SolarEdge). But, it won’t apply to microinverters like Enphase, which operate differently. 

For a string inverter, power it down, wait for about 5–10 minutes, and then power it back up according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This can resolve minor glitches or communication issues and get your system running again.

3. Look for Inverter Software & Firmware Updates

Some modern inverters have software that needs periodic updates to ensure optimal performance. Outdated software can sometimes cause performance issues, so keeping it up to date is important.

Check your system’s monitoring portal for any available updates. These updates might include improvements to your inverter’s performance or features. If you see an update available, make sure to read the instructions carefully. Follow the steps provided to install the update. 

4. Make Sure the Inverter Is Connected to the Internet

If your inverter isn’t connected to the internet, it might not be able to transmit data or receive updates. This can disrupt your solar monitoring system performance. First, check that all physical connections are secure, and no wires are loose or disconnected. 

If you’ve recently changed your Wi-Fi password or network name, this can cause connectivity issues with the inverter. In this case, you’ll need to reconnect the inverter to your new Wi-Fi network through the monitoring app. 

5. Clean the Solar Panels

Sometimes, solar panels produce less power simply because they’re dirty. Dust, bird droppings, leaves, pine needles, tree sap, or other debris can block sunlight and reduce panel efficiency. 

Gently rinse your panels with water to remove any buildup. Don’t use anything abrasive or sharp on the surface, as it can scratch the solar panels. Likewise, avoid using a power washer on solar panels, as the high-pressure water can damage them and potentially cause leaks or wiring issues. If you need to access hard-to-reach panels or you are unsure how to clean your solar panels safely, consider hiring a professional.

6. Inspect for Obvious Damage

If none of the above steps help, visually inspect your solar panels and system components. Look for any cracked panels, damaged wiring, or other visible issues. If you notice something that seems off, like discoloration or burnt spots, it might be a sign of a more serious problem that will require professional solar system repair services.

Solar System Repair Costs: What to Expect

If troubleshooting your solar system doesn’t solve the problem, it’s time to consider hiring a professional solar repair technician. If you have a solar lease or PPA, you’re typically not responsible for any expenses related to solar system repair costs. For people who own their system, the cost of repairs can vary depending on several factors.

Solar System Warranty Coverage

If your solar system is not working as expected or your solar panels are not producing power, it’s important to check the warranties that might cover repairs. There are potentially two main types of repair expenses: labor and equipment replacement. Labor costs cover the technician’s time to diagnose and fix the issue, while equipment costs apply if parts like your inverter, solar panels, or power optimizers need to be replaced. 

Understanding what’s covered under your solar system warranty can save you from unexpected solar system repair costs and help you determine if you’ll be responsible for either or both types of expenses.

Solar Equipment Warranties

Most of your solar system’s key components, like solar panels, string inverters, power optimizers, and microinverters, come with their own manufacturer warranties. These warranties typically cover defects and performance issues.

  • Solar Panels: Most solar panel manufacturers offer warranties of 10 to 25 years. This means if your panels aren’t performing as expected or if they break down due to defects, they may be covered.
  • String Inverters: The warranty for string inverters tends to be shorter, typically 5 to 10 years, but some manufacturers provide an extended warranty for an additional cost. This is much less than the lifespan of your solar panels, so if your string inverter is not producing power, it could need replacing sooner.
  • Microinverters & Power Optimizers: These components usually come with warranties of 25 years, depending on the manufacturer. 

Labor Warranties

Many solar installers offer a labor warranty, but the length of time can vary significantly from one to 25 years. In some cases, the solar company that installed your system may have gone out of business, leaving you without any labor warranty coverage. However, some equipment manufacturers provide a labor warranty for repairs.

Homeowners Insurance

In some cases, homeowners insurance may cover solar system repairs. This often depends on the nature of the damage and your specific policy. If damage occurs due to a covered event like a storm, your insurance might help with repair costs. 

However, routine issues, such as solar panels not producing power due to aging equipment, typically aren’t covered by insurance. Be sure to check with your insurer to see what’s included in your policy, especially if the issue is unexpected or caused by an event like a natural disaster or vandalism.

Unfortunately, some solar companies have closed down, leaving homeowners without the support they need to honor their warranties. Also, many installers offer short labor warranties—often just 2 years—so your coverage may have expired. However, equipment warranties, like those for solar panels, often remain valid.

Don’t Let a Broken Solar System Drain Your Savings

If your solar system is not working, acting quickly is essential to protect both your savings and the environment. When solar panels are not producing power, you’re missing out on the opportunity to offset your electricity bills and reduce your home’s carbon footprint. 

Regular solar system maintenance, like reviewing monitoring data, helps catch small issues before they become costly repairs. This keeps your panels producing power efficiently for their full 25 to 30-year design life. Don’t let a minor problem escalate and drain your savings. Early solar system troubleshooting keeps your system running smoothly, saving you money and supporting a cleaner, more sustainable future.







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