A Guide for Home Solar Repair Service & Warranty Tips

Sarah Lozanova
May 30
10 min read

Switching to solar is one of the smartest moves you can make to cut your electricity bills and lower your carbon footprint. But just like your roof or HVAC system, your solar panels may eventually need some attention. That’s where solar repair service and regular solar servicing come in.

Taking care of your system helps it run efficiently for 25 years or more. Over time, common issues like cracked panels, faulty wiring, weather damage, or inverter malfunctions can lead to lower energy production, or cause your system to stop working altogether. Even something as simple as dirt buildup or tree shading can slowly reduce your solar output if left unchecked.

Whether you’ve noticed a drop in production or you’re just being proactive, a good solar repair service can help identify issues early and keep everything running smoothly. In this guide, we’ll go over what to look for, when to get help, and how to find reliable solar panel repair services near you.

GreenLancer offers trusted, nationwide solar repair services for homeowners. Our network of qualified solar technicians covers over 40 states and handles everything from basic solar servicing to major repairs. If your solar system isn’t working like it should—or if your original installer is no longer around—we’re here to help.

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10 Common Issues That Require a Solar Repair Service

Solar energy systems are made to last, but just like any home technology, things can go wrong. When they do, getting a reliable solar repair service quickly can help prevent energy loss or more serious damage. Below are the most common reasons homeowners call solar panel repair companies, and how proactive solar servicing can keep your system running smoothly.

❌ Severe Weather Damage

Severe storms, hail, heavy snow, and lightning can damage solar panels or exposed electrical parts. Cracked glass, water leaks, or dented hardware can reduce power or shut down parts of your system. A professional solar repair service can assess and fix weather-related issues before they lead to long-term problems.

Warranty Tip: Most solar panel product warranties don’t cover weather damage. However, homeowners' insurance often does.

❌ Faulty Installation

Poor workmanship—like loose wiring, bad racking, or improper connections—can cause long-term performance problems. If your system was never producing as expected, solar panel repair companies can inspect the installation and fix underlying issues.

Warranty Tip: Installation flaws may be covered by the original installer, but not by equipment warranties. In fact, improper installation can void your panel warranty altogether.

❌ Solar Inverter Failure

The inverter is the heart of your solar system—it converts solar power into usable electricity for your home. If it fails, your entire system can shut down. Inverter issues may be caused by overheating, electrical surges, or old age. If your monitoring app shows a drop in output or error codes, contact a trusted solar repair service for a diagnosis.

Warranty Tip: Inverters typically come with warranties ranging from seven to 25 years and vary widely by the type of inverter and the type of solar inverter.

❌ Solar Panel Microcracks

Tiny cracks in solar panels can result from thermal cycling, poor handling, or impact. These microcracks disrupt power flow and may grow over time. Regular solar servicing helps catch them early, before they reduce your energy production.

Warranty Tip: If microcracks are due to a manufacturing defect, they may be covered under warranty. Otherwise, you’ll likely need a solar panel repair service to handle the fix.

❌ Electrical Wiring Issues

Short circuits, chewed wires, or loose connections can interrupt your solar power supply. Professional solar panel repair companies have the tools and expertise to trace and fix electrical problems quickly and safely.

Warranty Tip: Some product warranties cover electrical faults, but damage from animals or poor installation usually doesn’t.

❌ Animal Damage

Rodents, birds, and squirrels sometimes nest under panels or chew wiring. This can cause unexpected system shutdowns or electrical hazards. Solar servicing can include critter guard installation, wire repairs, and cleanup to protect your investment.

Warranty Tip: Most warranties exclude animal damage, though homeowners' insurance might help cover it.

❌ Power Surges or Overvoltage

Lightning or grid issues can cause power surges that damage your inverter or other system components. After a surge, it’s a good idea to schedule solar servicing to inspect and repair any affected parts.

Warranty Tip: Surge-related damage typically isn’t covered by standard warranties unless caused by a defect. Homeowners' insurance may offer coverage.

❌ Wear and Tear on Components

Over time, parts like diodes, capacitors, and batteries can degrade. Routine solar servicing helps monitor these components and replace them before failure disrupts your energy production.

Warranty Tip: Wear and tear isn’t usually covered under warranties, which is why regular inspections and maintenance are so important.

❌ Water Intrusion in Solar Panels

If solar panels are poorly sealed or physically damaged, water can get inside. This can cause corrosion and electrical shorts. A professional solar repair service can reseal your panels and replace any water-damaged parts.

Warranty Tip: If water intrusion is caused by a product defect, it may be covered under warranty.

❌ Manufacturing Defects

Sometimes, solar components have factory flaws that cause them to fail early. While many solar panel repair companies can diagnose these problems, the manufacturer typically covers the replacement parts.

Warranty Tip: Product warranties often cover manufacturing defects, but not the labor, which means you’ll likely still need a solar repair service to complete the work.

5 Signs You May Need Solar Panel Repair Solutions

Keeping your solar panels in top condition is essential for maintaining energy efficiency and saving money. When something’s off, it usually shows up in your utility bills, your monitoring app, or even in what you see (or hear) on your roof. Recognizing these early signs can help you schedule timely solar repair services before small issues turn into major problems. Here are some of the top signals it’s time to reach out to trusted solar panel repair companies.

⚠️ Unexpected Increases in Your Electricity Bill

If your energy bills suddenly increase despite sunny conditions, your system might not be producing as much power as it should. Solar panel repairs or addressing electrical issues can help restore production and lower your energy bills.

Staying proactive with regular solar panel maintenance services can prevent small issues from turning into major problems. If you notice any of these signs, contacting a professional for reliable solar repair is the best way to keep your system running smoothly and efficiently.

⚠️ Drop in Solar Energy Production

Your solar monitoring app is your best tool for tracking output. If you notice a clear drop in production with no obvious cause (like shade or snow), there could be a technical problem. Faulty wiring, inverter issues, or panel degradation are all possibilities. A qualified solar repair service can pinpoint the issue and restore performance quickly.

⚠️ Visible Damage to Panels or Mounting Hardware

Cracks, burn marks, discoloration, or corrosion on your solar panels are all red flags. These signs can reduce energy output and may lead to more serious electrical issues if ignored. The same goes for rusted or loose racking and mounting hardware—it’s not just a safety issue, it can affect how well your panels stay aligned and ventilated.

Solar panel repair companies can perform a thorough inspection, make needed repairs, and even recommend preventative solar servicing to extend your system’s life.

⚠️ Solar Inverter Error Codes or Warning Lights

Your inverter plays a critical role by converting the solar energy your panels produce into usable power. If it's showing warning lights or error codes, there may be a problem with internal components, connections, or voltage levels. Sometimes you can resolve this by restarting the system or checking the network connection, but if the warning keeps coming back, don’t wait.

Professional solar repair services have the tools to properly diagnose inverter problems and make sure your system is running safely and efficiently.

⚠️ Unusual Noises from System Components

Solar systems are usually silent. So if you hear humming, buzzing, or clicking from your inverter or panels, that’s not normal. These sounds often signal loose connections, electrical arcing, or even internal component failures. Left unaddressed, these issues can lead to more serious damage, or even fire risk in rare cases.

Calling a certified solar repair service right away is the safest option. With early intervention, most issues can be resolved quickly by experienced solar panel repair companies before they escalate.

How to Repair Solar Panels: DIY vs. Professional Solar Repair Services

Maintaining your solar energy system doesn’t always require professional help, but knowing when to handle things yourself and when to call in a trusted solar repair service can make a big difference. Some maintenance tasks are safe and simple for homeowners, while more complex issues should always be left to qualified solar panel repair companies. Here’s how to decide.

Solar Maintenance Homeowners Can Do

There are a few basic solar servicing tasks you can do yourself to keep your system running efficiently:

Safely Cleaning Dirty Solar Panels - Keeping your solar panels clean is essential for optimal performance. Light cleaning of dust or debris using a soft cloth and water is something most homeowners can handle. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive tools that could damage the surface, and do not walk on the solar panels. Follow safety precautions, especially on steep or slippery roofs.
Checking for Loose Wiring or Connections - If you can safely access your system, look for any obvious issues like loose wiring or rusted mounting brackets. You might be able to tighten a loose screw or secure a loose wire (with the power off), but be cautious—mistakes can cause damage or void your warranty. If anything seems unusual, it’s time to call a solar repair service like GreenLancer.

When to Call a Professional Solar Repair Service

While a little preventive solar servicing can go a long way, many issues are too risky or complex for DIY fixes. In these cases, professional support from certified solar panel repair companies is your safest and most cost-effective option.

Here’s when it’s best to bring in the pros:

Diagnosing Electrical Faults - Electrical issues, such as power surges or short circuits, can be tricky to identify and even riskier to fix. A professional solar repair service can perform diagnostic tests to ensure your system works correctly and safely.
Fixing or Replacing Damaged Panels - If your solar panels are cracked, discolored, or producing less energy, don’t try to repair them yourself. A qualified technician from one of the many trusted solar panel repair companies can evaluate the damage and make sure your system is safely restored.
Repairing or Replacing Inverters and Batteries - Inverters, batteries, and charge controllers are core components of your solar system (if you have battery backup). Diagnosing or replacing these parts incorrectly can damage your system or reduce efficiency. These types of solar repairs should always be handled by experienced technicians.
Protecting Your Solar Warranty - One of the biggest reasons to work with a professional solar repair service is to protect your manufacturer’s warranty. Most solar panel warranties require that repairs be done by authorized providers. DIY repairs or hiring unqualified help can void your coverage—and leave you paying out of pocket for future issues.

Solar Repair Service Costs

The cost of hiring a solar repair service depends on the type of issue, the complexity of the system, and the parts involved. Most homeowners can expect to pay between $400 and $1,000 for solar panel repairs, with the average around $750 for fixing two cracked panels.

Minor repairs—like replacing a loose connector or fixing small electrical faults—can be as low as $120. On the other hand, major repairs, such as inverter replacement, can cost $2,000 to $3,000, depending on the model and system size. Full panel replacements or fixing widespread damage will naturally cost more, especially if multiple modules are involved.

Working with reputable solar panel repair companies ensures you get a clear assessment and only pay for what you need. Whether it’s damaged panels, inverter issues, or faulty wiring, GreenLancer’s national network connects you with trusted solar repair service providers who can restore your system to full performance.

Our experts specialize in delivering tailored solar servicing based on your system’s age, size, and components, helping you avoid unnecessary replacements and keep your solar investment performing for the long haul.

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FAQs About Solar Panel Repair

Got questions about solar panel repairs? You’re not alone. Here are some of the most common questions homeowners ask about solar repair services, routine solar servicing, and what to expect when working with solar panel repair companies.

What are common signs that my system needs solar repairs?

Common signs that your solar panels may need repairs include a drop in energy production, visible damage to the panels, error codes on the inverter, unusual noises from the system, or higher electricity bills, even in sunny conditions. If you notice any of these, it's a good idea to contact a professional for solar repairs before the issues worsen.

Do warranties cover solar repairs?

Warranties typically cover manufacturing defects or damage caused by faulty equipment. However, repairs due to improper handling, weather-related issues, or lack of maintenance might not be covered. Check your warranty for specific details on what’s included in solar panel repairs.

Does homeowners' insurance cover solar repairs caused by animal damage?

Homeowners' insurance may cover damage caused by animals, but it depends on the policy and the type of damage. If an animal, like a bird or rodent, damages your solar panels or wiring, it may be covered under certain circumstances, such as vandalism or other accidental damage.

However, damage caused by pests is often not included in a standard policy and might require additional coverage, such as a rider or endorsement. Reviewing your specific policy and talking to your insurance provider to clarify coverage for animal-related damages is essential.

Can I do my solar servicing myself?

Some light solar servicing tasks, such as cleaning panels with water and a soft cloth or removing light debris, are safe for homeowners. But anything involving wiring, electrical components, or damaged panels should be handled by professionals. A licensed solar repair service ensures your system is repaired safely, correctly, and without voiding your warranty.

How long do solar panel repairs usually take?

Repair time varies depending on the issue. Minor fixes like cleaning or wiring adjustments may take a few hours, while larger repairs, such as panel replacement or inverter repair, could take a day or more. A professional solar repair service can provide an estimate.

What causes the need for solar repairs?

Common causes include severe weather, faulty installation, inverter malfunctions, and electrical issues. Regular inspections and maintenance help prevent these issues, ensuring your system runs efficiently and reducing the need for expensive solar power repairs.

Is hail damage covered under solar panel warranties?

Hail damage is often considered external, and solar panel warranties may not cover them. However, if the damage results from a manufacturing defect or poor installation, solar panel repairs might be covered. Always check warranty terms for specifics on solar panel repair caused by hail damage.

How can I prevent the need for solar repairs?

Routine inspections and cleaning services can prevent issues like panel overheating or electrical faults. Proper maintenance ensures your solar system operates efficiently, prolonging its life and reducing the need for expensive solar repair or replacement. Checking connections, inspecting inverters, and ensuring proper sealing can also prevent water damage or wear.

Quality Solar Repair Service from Trusted Providers

At GreenLancer, we connect homeowners with qualified solar panel repair companies to ensure every solar repair service is completed with care and technical expertise. Our network of professionals specializes in high-quality solar servicing that restores performance and protects your investment.

Whether you need help troubleshooting a drop in production or replacing damaged components, we make it easy to get fast, dependable service. With GreenLancer, your solar system stays efficient, safe, and built to last.