8 Common Solar Panel Issues

• Shading, faulty inverters, and weather damage are common solar panel issues that reduce power output, so check for obstacles, inverter errors, and panel defects.

• Sudden drops in energy production can point to solar panel system issues that need professional inspection.

• Compare current solar output to historical data to confirm whether you’re dealing with normal seasonal variation or a fixable solar panel issue.

Solar systems pump out energy from the sun when solar panels work correctly, but what about when things go south? Solar panel issues range from seeing a drop in power output to storage batteries not holding their rated capacity. Read on to learn about what to do if you run into different issues.

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Solar panel issue #1: Not producing enough power

Are your solar panels not delivering the power you expected? It’s frustrating considering what you probably paid for installation. Shade from nearby trees, faulty inverters, damage from harsh weather, unexpected cloudy seasons, and awkward roof angles can all reduce your expected energy production, though there are often solutions.

What to do

Here’s what to do next:

• Check for new obstacles: Has a neighbor's tree grown taller, or has a new structure been built nearby? Even partial shading can cause a noticeable drop in solar output and trigger ongoing solar panel issues.

• Check the inverter: Look for error codes or warning lights that might indicate your inverter isn’t operating correctly. Inverters typically last 10–15 years, while panels often last 25+ years, so inverter-related solar panel issues are common mid-life failures.

• Inspect the panels: Look for micro-cracks, snail trails (faint discoloration lines), delamination, or hot spots. These defects can cause persistent low production and may require panel replacement if performance loss is significant.

Keep in mind that seasonal changes naturally affect your solar output, but if you notice a sudden drop that doesn't align with weather patterns, that's a red flag.

To determine if your concerns are justified, compare your current production levels against your system's historical performance data or industry benchmarks for your region.

If there’s a big difference, you'll likely need to contact a solar professional for a thorough diagnosis and repair.

Solar panel issue #2: Covered in dirt or debris

Soiling is a frustrating solar panel issue because it quietly reduces production. Dust, pollen, bird droppings, and leaves can block sunlight, lower output, and delay payback. Many homeowners don’t notice this solar panel problem until monitoring data dips or the electric bill rises.

What to do

Clean your panels with soft brushes and mild detergent mixed with water during cooler parts of the day (early morning or late afternoon). Avoid abrasive pads and harsh chemicals that can scratch glass, damage coatings, and create more solar panel issues later.

Inspect nearby trees each season. Trim overhanging branches that drop leaves and sap onto the array or create shade that compounds soiling-related solar panel problems.

If you can’t safely access the roof, schedule a professional cleaning at least twice per year (more often in dusty, pollen-heavy, or bird-prone areas).

Solar panel issue #3: Inverter malfunction

Inverter malfunction is one of the most disruptive solar panel issues because it can cut output sharply or shut the whole system down. Whether you use string inverters, microinverters, power optimizers, or hybrid inverters, these components usually wear out sooner than panels and can fail unexpectedly.

You may not see visible panel damage—just lower production, repeated error codes, or a complete shutdown. When the inverter fails, your solar panels can’t feed usable power to your home or the grid, which turns a system problem into higher utility costs.

What to do

Here’s how to troubleshoot inverter issues:

• Watch for warning signs: Record error codes, unusual noises, blank displays, reduced output, or overheating. If the manual allows it, power down the inverter for 5 minutes and restart to clear minor faults.

• Check connections and airflow: Inspect visible DC/AC connections (don’t open sealed housings), confirm the unit has proper airflow, and check that the shutoff switches are in the correct position. Poor ventilation can cause overheating-related solar panel system issues.

• Get professional help: If errors persist, call a qualified solar technician to test components, check for grid faults, replace failed parts, or adjust settings/firmware.

To reduce repeat solar panel issues, schedule annual inspections and keep firmware up to date where applicable.

Solar panel issue #4: Unexpectedly high electric bills

Shouldn’t your electric bill go down after you install solar, not up? If your system isn’t working properly, your bill might jump up suddenly. You invested in solar to reduce energy costs, so something’s wrong. 

Environmental changes like unusual weather patterns, new tree growth, or construction that creates shading can reduce your system’s capacity. Your household energy consumption may have increased beyond what your system was designed to handle, too. And in rare situations, components like panels or inverters can simply malfunction.

What to do

You should first verify if your system design matches your current energy needs. If you recently got an electric vehicle or added more energy-hogging appliances, your system might not be adequate anymore. Beyond that, consider the following:

• Understand your billing cycle and net metering: Take time to examine your billing cycle carefully. Many utility companies provide an annual true-up bill that might initially appear higher until your solar credits properly accumulate throughout the year.

• Monitor performance: Monitor your system's performance metrics regularly through an app or portal, and if you notice output has dropped considerably, consider scheduling a professional maintenance check.

• Consider usage times: Try adjusting your usage patterns to align with peak production hours when your panels generate the most electricity. You can heat or cool your home during the day to use less electricity from the grid at night, for example.

Solar panel issue #5: Loose or damaged wiring

Loose or damaged wiring is a serious solar panel system issue because it can cause arcing, inverter faults, intermittent production drops, or even fire risk. These problems often hide under panels or near junctions, so you may only notice symptoms like error codes, random shutdowns, or burnt smells.

Thermal expansion, UV exposure, water intrusion, and critters under the array can damage wiring over time. If you see frayed insulation, chewed cables, discoloration at connectors, or melted plastic, treat it as an urgent solar electrical issue.

What to do

Here are steps you can take to solve some issues:

• Watch for signs: Track unexplained production drops, inverter faults, visible wire damage, burning smells, or hot connectors. Intermittent shutdowns are a common symptom of wiring-related solar panel issues.

• Secure only what’s safe to access: If you have electrical experience, fully shut down the system (AC and DC disconnects per manufacturer instructions) before tightening accessible connections to the correct torque or replacing damaged external conduit runs.

• Call a professional: Contact a licensed solar electrician for recurring issues, hidden wiring damage under panels, damaged connectors, or any sign of overheating/arcing.

• Prevent repeat failures: Schedule annual inspections, route wiring in UV-rated conduit, add critter guards where needed, and keep monitoring enabled to catch solar panel issues early.

If you’re not comfortable working around energized equipment, don’t attempt DIY electrical repairs. Safety comes first.

Solar panel issue #6: Battery not charging properly

Battery charging issues can be really frustrating. You paid thousands for energy storage, but now it's not holding a charge when you need it most. And even on sunny days, the capacity remains low, leaving you vulnerable during power outages. Now, instead of providing energy independence, the battery is just an expensive box on your wall.

Battery charging problems can have many origins:

• Technical faults in charge controllers prevent proper voltage regulation

• Inverter monitoring issues causing incorrect readings or inefficient operation

• Insufficient capacity from undersized panels or improper system configuration

• Hardware problems like damaged diodes or faulty connections

What to do

You can diagnose the problem yourself by checking the status lights on your charge controller (which should show normal operation). You can also use a multimeter to test the voltage at key points and check the battery terminals for corrosion or buildup.

Most charging issues require either replacing faulty components or having a professional reconfigure your system. Even a battery that won’t charge can pose a risk of electric shock, so don’t do any DIY work you aren’t comfortable with.

Solar panel issue #7: Cracked or broken panels

Cracks and broken glass are visible solar panel issues that reduce output and can lead to moisture intrusion, ground faults, and long-term degradation. Hail, falling branches, flying debris, and extreme temperature swings can damage the glass and internal cells.

Micro-fractures from thermal stress or manufacturing defects can worsen over time and may not be obvious without close inspection or performance testing. In addition to the technical problem, you may need to confirm whether the installer warranty, manufacturer warranty, or homeowners insurance covers the damage.

What to do

Solar panels may keep producing with minor cracks, but cracked modules can develop larger electrical and moisture problems. Arrange professional inspection and replacement as soon as possible—especially if there’s exposed glass, water intrusion risk, or a ground-fault alert.

If you built a DIY system, you might consider sealing minor surface damage with clear polyurethane as a temporary measure, but test the panel first and treat it as short-term. Sealing doesn’t restore damaged cells and may not meet safety codes.

Solar panel issue #8: Decreasing efficiency over time

Performance degradation is expected, but it can still look like a solar panel issue when output drops faster than normal. Most panels degrade about 0.5% to 1% per year. If your system performs 5% worse than last year under similar conditions, that points to a solar panel problem (soiling, shading, wiring, inverter, or module defects).

What to do

Check whether the loss fits the manufacturer’s performance warranty and documentation. For example, if you’ve had the system for 10 years and total degradation is around 5–10%, that may be normal.

Next, review the pattern. A sudden drop suggests a fixable solar panel issue like debris, new shade, inverter failure, or wiring damage—not natural aging.

If the decline is steady but exceeds warranty tolerances, contact the manufacturer and your installer. Many performance warranties run 20–30 years, and the panel may qualify for replacement (though you may still pay for shipping or labor, depending on terms).

Bottom line: Solar panel issues have solutions

Solar panels do have issues, and going solar isn't for everyone. That said, many solar panel problems have straightforward solutions. Solar panels also don’t have any moving parts, so repairs tend to be few and far between with the right setup. If you’re thinking of going solar, plan some extra room in your budget for occasional issues so you aren’t taken by surprise.

FAQs about solar panel issues

Below are some frequently asked questions about issues with solar panels.