Solar panels are a significant investment in your home’s energy independence and long-term savings. While quality solar systems can last 25-30 years or more, they aren’t entirely maintenance-free. Knowing when your panels need attention—whether through repair or replacement—is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and protecting your investment.
At Evergreen Home Performance, we understand the importance of keeping your solar energy system running at peak efficiency. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the signs that indicate your solar panels may need professional attention.
Common Signs Your Solar Panels Need Repair
1. Decreased Energy Output
One of the most telling signs that something is wrong with your solar panels is a noticeable drop in energy production. If you’ve been tracking your monthly energy generation and suddenly notice a significant decline—even during clear, sunny weather—it’s time to investigate.
This decline can stem from various issues: dirty panels, loose connections, inverter problems, or internal panel degradation. Many homeowners can monitor their system through apps provided with their installation, making it easy to spot these changes. If you notice this trend, contact a professional for a solar system inspection to identify the root cause.
2. Physical Damage or Visible Cracks
Solar panels are built to withstand harsh weather, but they’re not indestructible. Hail, falling branches, improper installation, or impact from debris can cause visible damage. Look for:
- Cracks in the glass covering
- Discoloration or dark spots on the panels
- Water pooling or moisture buildup
- Visible burns or char marks
Even small cracks can expand over time and reduce panel efficiency. Water entering through damaged areas can cause corrosion and electrical hazards. If you spot physical damage, professional solar repair services should be your next step to prevent further deterioration.
3. Burning or Melted Spots
Dark burn marks or melted areas on your panels indicate serious problems—often related to internal electrical faults or manufacturing defects. These “hot spots” can reduce efficiency and pose fire hazards. Never ignore this warning sign. Contact a solar repair professional immediately if you notice burning or melting.
4. Inverter Issues
Your solar inverter converts the DC power generated by your panels into usable AC power for your home. If your inverter fails or malfunctions, your entire system stops working, even if your panels are fine. Signs of inverter problems include:
- Red warning lights on the inverter
- No sound from the inverter (they typically produce a slight hum)
- Error codes displayed on your monitoring system
- Complete power generation stoppage despite sunny weather
Inverter issues often require professional replacement or repair rather than panel replacement.
5. Loose or Corroded Wiring and Connections
Weather exposure can loosen electrical connections and cause corrosion over time. Loose connections reduce efficiency and create fire hazards. This is a problem you can’t safely address yourself—professional electricians should handle all electrical work on your solar system. Loose connections might be causing energy losses without any visible signs on the panels themselves.
6. Increased Pest or Animal Activity
Rodents, birds, and other pests can nest under or around solar panels, damaging wiring and connections. You might notice droppings, nesting material, or hear unusual sounds from your roof. Beyond the immediate damage these creatures cause, their presence indicates your installation may lack adequate protection. Professional assessment can identify whether this issue requires repair or a protective system upgrade.
When Should You Replace Your Solar Panels?
1. Age and Degradation
Solar panels typically degrade at about 0.5-0.8% per year. This means that after 20 years, your panels might operate at 85-90% of their original capacity. If your system is approaching 25-30 years old and showing significant performance decline, replacement might be more economical than continued repairs.
Modern solar panels are more efficient than older models, so replacement could actually increase your energy generation and provide better long-term returns on investment.
2. Multiple Irreparable Panels
If multiple panels are damaged or degraded beyond repair, replacing the entire system might be more cost-effective than replacing individual panels. A professional solar assessment can help determine whether targeted repairs or full system replacement makes financial sense.
3. Severe Weather Damage
Catastrophic storm damage, hail damage affecting multiple panels, or damage requiring extensive rewiring might warrant replacement rather than repair. In these cases, insurance claims might cover some or all replacement costs.
4. Compatibility Issues
If your solar system is very old, replacement parts might be unavailable or incompatible with modern components. Upgrading to a newer system ensures compatibility with current technology and may include better efficiency ratings, smarter monitoring, and enhanced reliability.
5. Expanding Your Energy Needs
If your household energy consumption has increased—perhaps you added an electric vehicle or installed a pool—your existing panel system might no longer meet your needs. This is an opportunity to upgrade to a larger, more efficient system rather than repair your current one.
Professional Solar Repair vs. DIY Attempts
While some solar maintenance tasks seem simple—like cleaning dusty panels—electrical work on solar systems requires professional expertise. Here’s why:
Safety Hazards: Solar panels generate high-voltage electricity even on cloudy days. Working with live electrical systems without proper training can cause serious injury or death.
System Integrity: Improper repairs can void warranties and damage expensive components.
Permitting and Codes: Solar repairs often require permits and must meet electrical codes. Professional contractors ensure compliance.
Accurate Diagnostics: Solar professionals have specialized equipment to identify problems that aren’t visible to the naked eye.
What to Do If You Suspect Panel Problems
Step 1: Monitor Your System
Check your energy production regularly. Most modern solar systems include monitoring apps that track real-time and historical data.
Step 2: Perform Visual Inspections
Look for obvious signs of damage, but don’t attempt to climb on your roof or touch the panels. Binoculars work well for visual inspection from the ground.
Step 3: Contact Professionals
When you notice issues, reach out to qualified solar professionals for assessment. Many companies offer free inspections to determine whether your problem requires repair or replacement.
Step 4: Get Multiple Quotes
If replacement is recommended, obtain quotes from several solar installation companies to compare costs, equipment quality, and warranty options.
The Benefits of Regular Maintenance
Preventative maintenance extends your solar system’s lifespan and maintains efficiency. Regular maintenance typically includes:
- Professional cleaning to remove dirt, dust, and debris
- Inspection of mounting hardware and connections
- Inverter performance verification
- Monitoring system checks
- Electrical safety inspections
Many solar repair professionals offer annual or bi-annual maintenance plans to keep systems running optimally.
Upgrading Your Solar System
If your panels are candidates for replacement, you might consider modern alternatives. Today’s options include more efficient traditional panels and innovative solutions like Tesla Solar Roof technology, which combines energy generation with roofing materials for a sleek, integrated appearance.
Whether you’re replacing old panels or upgrading to new technology, working with experienced installers ensures your investment provides maximum returns and clean energy generation for decades.
Partner with Evergreen Home Performance
If you’re noticing issues with your solar panels or considering an upgrade, Evergreen Home Performance is here to help. Our team specializes in comprehensive solar repair and solar installation services, ensuring your renewable energy system operates at peak performance.
We understand that solar panels are just one part of your home’s energy ecosystem. That’s why we offer complementary services including battery backup systems to store excess energy, whole home generators for backup power, and HVAC installation to optimize your home’s overall energy efficiency.
Whether you need immediate repairs or are planning a complete system upgrade, our experienced professionals are ready to assess your needs and provide reliable solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I have my solar panels inspected?
Annual inspections are recommended. If you live in an area with severe weather, more frequent inspections might be beneficial.
Can I clean my own solar panels?
While gentle roof cleaning is possible, professional cleaning is safer and more effective. The risk of damaging panels or falling from a roof typically outweighs any savings.
What’s the average lifespan of a solar panel?
Quality solar panels typically last 25-30 years, though they continue generating electricity beyond this period at reduced efficiency.
Does homeowner’s insurance cover solar panel damage?
Coverage varies by policy. Check with your insurance provider to understand what damage is covered and whether you need additional riders for your solar system.
Are solar panels worth repairing?
In most cases, yes—if the repair cost is less than 50% of replacement cost and your panels are less than 20 years old. Older systems might be better served by replacement with newer, more efficient models.
