Solar Panel Repair: 6 Signs Your System Needs Fixing
- Sarah Lozanova
- May 16
- 9 min read
If you’ve invested in a solar energy system, you expect it to lower your utility bills, increase your energy independence, and reduce your carbon footprint. But what happens when your solar panels stop working the way they should? Whether you’ve noticed a drop in energy production or your monitoring app shows an inverter error, it might be time to consider a professional solar panel repair.
While solar energy systems are generally reliable, they can develop issues over time—just like any other electrical or mechanical system. Spotting signs of trouble early and knowing when to contact a professional for solar repair and maintenance can help you avoid more costly problems down the line and keep your system running at peak performance.
With over 12 years of solar industry experience, GreenLancer offers expert solar panel repair, solar maintenance services, and full-service support for homeowners across the country. Whether your solar system isn’t producing enough power or you’re dealing with an inverter error, our mission is to help you protect your investment and keep your system running smoothly for years to come.
6 Signs Your System May Need a Solar Panel Repair
Solar modules are built to last—often 25 to 30 years—but that doesn’t mean they’re immune to damage or degradation. Over time, harsh weather, natural wear and tear, or equipment failure can reduce your system’s efficiency. And if you’re not keeping an eye on it regularly, issues can go unnoticed until you see a spike in your electric bill or your solar monitoring system flags a problem.
The good news? Most solar problems can be fixed quickly and affordably with help from a qualified solar repair service. Below are six warning signs your system may need professional solar repair and maintenance, along with tips for what to look out for before you schedule service.
1. Your Solar Panels Aren’t Producing Enough Power
One of the most obvious signs something’s wrong is a noticeable drop in energy production. Maybe your electricity bill is creeping up, or your monitoring app shows your panels aren’t generating the power they used to. If your solar panels aren’t producing enough power, something may be interfering with the system’s performance.
Possible causes include:
Shading from trees or new structures
Dirty or debris-covered panels
Damaged or aging wiring and connectors
Failed panels or inverter issues
If you’ve ruled out temporary shading or weather changes, a solar technician can run a full diagnostic to pinpoint the issue. Solar panel repair or maintenance may restore your system to its original performance.
2. Your Monitoring App Shows Communication or Performance Issues
Solar monitoring systems are helpful tools for tracking your system’s performance. If your app isn’t updating or shows inconsistent data, it could mean your solar system is having trouble communicating with the inverter or utility grid.
Common signs include:
Gaps in performance data
Offline or disconnected status
Unusual spikes or drops in production
This could point to an inverter communication problem or a system-wide issue. If a reset doesn’t resolve it, you may need a solar system checkup or even a solar inverter repair.
3. Inverter Not Working? Flashing Red Lights Signal a Needed Repair
Inverters are the heart of your solar system, converting the direct current (DC) from your panels into usable alternating current (AC) for your home. When your inverter isn’t working, your system can’t deliver power.
Look out for:
Red or blinking status lights
No lights at all
Each inverter brand (SolarEdge, Enphase, SMA, Outback, etc.) has different indicators, but flashing red lights or inverter fault codes often point to electrical or component failure. This is a common reason homeowners search for solar inverter repair—and why it’s best left to a qualified technician.
4. Solar Panels Look Damaged or Discolored
If your solar panels aren’t producing enough power or your system seems to be underperforming, a visual inspection can often reveal the issue. Physical damage to solar panels is more common than many homeowners realize. Hail, high winds, fallen branches, or even thermal cycling over time can compromise panel integrity and reduce efficiency.
Damaged solar panels can disrupt the system’s electrical flow, causing performance drops—or in some cases—complete shutdowns. If your solar panels are not working and you suspect physical damage, it’s worth taking a closer (but safe) look.
Here are some signs of solar panel damage to watch for:
Cracked or shattered glass, which can allow moisture to enter
Delamination, or peeling between the panel layers
Discoloration or yellow/brown spots, often a sign of overheating or moisture intrusion
Hotspots or visible burn marks near wiring, connectors, or junction boxes
Corrosion on metal framing or around electrical contacts
If your solar inverter is not working or your monitoring system shows a drop in output from one or more panels, it may be related to the visible damage. In many cases, damaged panels cause a voltage mismatch or safety shutdown within the inverter system.
5. Your Utility Bill Has Spiked Unexpectedly
One of the first signs that something’s wrong with your solar energy system is a sudden increase in your electricity bill. If you installed solar panels to reduce monthly utility costs, an unexpected spike is a clear red flag. It typically means your solar panels are not working properly or not producing enough power to offset your energy usage.
Several common issues can cause this drop in performance:
Solar inverter not working or failing intermittently
Solar panels underperforming due to age, damage, or manufacturing defects
System shading from new tree growth or debris buildup
Disconnected or disabled system components after storms or electrical issues
To troubleshoot, compare your most recent utility bills to data from your system’s monitoring app. If the solar production numbers are low—or the app shows no data at all—it’s time to call a professional for a solar panel repair. Identifying the issue early can prevent further performance losses and protect your long-term savings.
6. Your Installer Went Out of Business and You Need Solar Panel Repairs
In the last few years, a wave of solar installation companies has closed, leaving many homeowners with orphaned solar systems and nowhere to turn when problems arise. If your solar panels aren’t working, your solar inverter is not responding, or your monitoring system has gone dark, and your original installer is out of business, you’re not alone.
Homeowners in this situation often face:
Fortunately, there are service providers that specialize in helping homeowners like you. GreenLancer offers nationwide support for orphaned systems, including solar panel repair, inverter troubleshooting, and full diagnostic services to get your system back online. Even if your system is several years old, many issues can still be fixed.
If your solar panels aren’t producing enough electricity—or not working at all—a professional system checkup can help determine whether a minor adjustment or a more involved repair is needed. Don’t wait until you’ve lost months of production—schedule a solar system evaluation and protect your investment.
Common Solar Panel Repair & Maintenance Issues We See
As solar systems age or encounter environmental stress, it’s not uncommon for performance issues to surface. Whether it’s due to storm damage, installation shortcuts, or wear and tear, solar system problems can lead to solar panels not working, reduced output, or even system shutdowns. At GreenLancer, we’ve supported thousands of repair and maintenance projects nationwide, helping homeowners and installers identify and fix issues quickly.
Some situations call for simple adjustments. Others may require a full component replacement—especially when you’re dealing with solar inverters not working or solar panels not producing enough power.
Below are a few of the most common solar panel repair and maintenance problems we diagnose:
Inverter Failures
The solar inverter is the heart of your system, converting DC electricity from your panels into AC power for your home. If your solar inverter is not working, your panels might be producing energy, but none of it is making it into your home or onto the grid. Inverter issues are one of the top reasons customers call us for solar repair.
Common inverter problems include:
Age-related component wear (especially after 10+ years)
Connectivity issues in systems like Enphase or SolarEdge
Internal faults due to power surges or overheating
While most inverters are covered under manufacturer warranties, labor and troubleshooting often are not. A professional solar repair service can determine if you’re eligible for a replacement and take care of installation and reconnection safely.
Communication or Monitoring Problems
If your solar monitoring system has stopped reporting data, it can be hard to tell whether your system is still functioning as it should. Many homeowners only realize their solar panels aren’t working when they get a higher-than-expected utility bill—often because their monitoring platform stopped updating.
Modern solar systems rely on apps and platforms like Enphase Monitoring, SolarEdge Monitoring, or integrated inverter dashboards to track energy production. When those tools go offline, you lose visibility into how much power your system is producing.
Common causes of solar monitoring problems include:
Wi-Fi signal loss or router reconfigurations
Incomplete firmware updates that disconnect devices
Hardware failure in communication gateways like the Enphase Envoy
Solar inverter not working, which can interrupt monitoring data entirely
If your app isn’t updating or your monitoring portal shows missing data, it’s a sign something may be wrong. A solar panel repair technician can test system connectivity, reboot communication devices, and confirm that your system is actually generating power. This is an important step when trying to figure out why your solar panels are not producing enough power.
Racking and Mounting Concerns
Your solar panels depend on their racking and mounting hardware for long-term structural stability. Over time, weather, vibrations, and external roof work can loosen these supports—leading to visible misalignment or potential damage. If you’ve noticed crooked panels or gaps between rails, it may be time to call for a solar repair and maintenance inspection.
Frequent racking and mounting issues we encounter:
Loose rails, brackets, or clamps
Sagging panel rows due to uneven load distribution
Corroded or missing bolts, especially in coastal or snowy regions
These problems can strain wiring, increase the risk of water intrusion, or reduce the efficiency of your solar panels by misaligning their angle to the sun. A solar technician can inspect and secure the racking system, preventing further damage and restoring safe operation.
Solar Panel-level Issues
Even though solar panels are built to last for 25+ years, they’re not immune to damage. If you notice your solar panels are not working, or if your inverter shows a production drop on one section of your array, the issue may be isolated to one or more panels.
Typical panel-level issues include:
Cracked or broken glass from hail or debris impact
Hotspots caused by internal cell damage or prolonged shading
Microcracks that develop over time and reduce power output
Delamination or water ingress, which can lead to corrosion or electrical shorts
When these issues occur, you’ll often see reduced power in a string of panels, or an alert on your monitoring platform. If your system uses optimizers or microinverters, it may help pinpoint exactly which panel is affected.
During a solar panel repair service, technicians can use thermal cameras, voltage meters, and panel-level monitoring tools to identify the root cause. Replacing a single damaged panel or repairing a fault can restore your system’s performance and prevent further degradation.
What to Expect from a Professional Solar Panel Repair Service
If your solar panels aren’t working, your solar inverter isn’t producing power, or your system just isn’t performing like it used to, a professional solar panel repair service can help you get things back on track. From the initial inspection to the final fix, here’s what you can expect when you schedule a service with a qualified technician.
✅ Full System Inspection by a Solar Repair Technician
Every solar panel repair starts with a thorough system inspection. A qualified technician will check your solar panels, solar inverter, wiring, racking, and monitoring system to identify the root cause of the issue. Whether you’re dealing with solar panels not producing enough power, inverter errors, or visible damage, this step is critical to diagnosing the problem accurately.
You’ll get a clear explanation of the issue—whether it’s a quick fix or a more involved repair—along with recommendations for getting your system back online safely.
✅ Upfront Solar Panel Repair and Maintenance Quote
We believe in transparency. Before any work begins, you’ll receive a detailed quote outlining the cost of the necessary solar panel repair or solar maintenance. No surprises, no hidden fees—just straightforward pricing so you can make an informed decision.
✅ Repair Timeline Based on Equipment and Part Availability
How long a repair takes depends on the type of issue. A basic system reset or minor wiring fix may be done the same day. But if your solar inverter is not working and needs to be replaced, or if a faulty panel or optimizer must be ordered, the repair could take a bit longer. We’ll keep you updated throughout the process so you know exactly what to expect.
✅ Solar Equipment Warranty Support
If your inverter, solar panels, or optimizers are still under warranty, we’ll help determine whether the repair is covered. Manufacturers like Enphase and SolarEdge often cover the cost of replacement parts—but most warranties don’t cover labor. That’s where our solar repair services come in. We’ll handle the warranty paperwork and make sure the equipment is installed safely and correctly.
✅ Nationwide Solar Panel Repair Expertise
GreenLancer has over 12 years of experience in the solar industry, with thousands of repair and service jobs completed nationwide. Our team works with all major equipment brands and system types—from string inverters to microinverters, flat roof mounts to pitched. No matter the issue, we’re here to help get your system producing at full capacity again.
If your system needs expert attention, GreenLancer is here to help. We offer nationwide solar repair services and have more than ten years of experience in the solar energy industry. Keep your solar investment running strong—schedule a service visit today.
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