10 Problems & Solutions for Underperforming Solar Panels

Solar panels are a quite costly investment as they provide households and businesses with clean energy and long-term savings. They still need upkeep and maintenance to function at their best, just like any other system.

Underperforming solar panels can result in decreased energy output and longer payback times.

That’s why Solar Medix experts with over 17 years of experience have come up with this guide about ten typical issues that result in solar panels underperformance and provide workable fixes.

We will also give homeowners advice on how to maintain a solar system properly and steer clear of typical blunders.

Why Solar Panel Performance Matters

The effectiveness of solar panels determines the level of energy that is conserved as well as the rate of revenue on the investment.

Solar panel performance and efficiency matter as it:

• Raises return on investment of your system.
• Helps to lower the payback period of your solar installation
• Optimizes energy conservation, thereby reducing the amount of money spent on electricity bills.
• Guarantees the equipment’s reliability and stability for the future.
• Ensures long-term reliability and sustainability for it’s lifespan of 25-30 years.
• Lowers your overall environmental impact.

How to Tell if Your Solar Panels Are Underperforming?

It is important to know when your solar panels are underperforming so that you can be able to address issues on time.

The following are some indications that your panels may not be functioning in the right way,

• Your energy bills are unexpectedly rising.
• You notice a significant drop in energy production despite good weather.
• There are error messages or alerts from your inverter or monitoring system.
• Visible dirt, debris, or damage on the panels themselves.
• The system output is inconsistent, even on clear, sunny days.

10 Common Reasons for the Underperformance of Solar Panels

Now you are aware of the significance and signs of solar panel underperformance. Let’s discuss 10 common reasons for underperformance of solar panels:

1. Shading from Trees or Buildings
2. Dirt, Dust, and Debris Accumulation
3. Poor Quality or Damaged Solar Panels
4. Inverter Malfunctions
5. Faulty Wiring and Connections
6. Aging Solar Panels
7. Weather-Related Damage
8. Suboptimal Solar Panel Positioning
9. Lack of Monitoring Systems
10. Insufficient Maintenance and Neglect

1. Shading from Trees or Buildings

Solar panels need direct sunlight to generate power effectively. Shadows from nearby trees, buildings, or other obstructions can limit the amount of sunlight that reaches your panels. You can read more about it in our blog ‘Effect of Shading on Solar Panels’ Efficiency‘.

Solution:

• Regularly trim trees around your home to reduce shading.
• Ensure no new buildings or structures cast shadows on your solar panels.
• Install panels in locations where there are no obstructions.
• Utilize solar design tools to assess shading impacts during installation.
• Consider installing micro-inverters or power optimizers to mitigate shading effects.

2. Dirt, Dust, and Debris Accumulation

Deposition of dust, pollen, bird droppings, and debris on the surface of the solar panels limits the amount of sunlight that can be captured and, therefore, the amount of electricity generated by the solar panels.

Solution:

• It’s recommended that you wash your panels at least twice a year, depending on the environment where you live.
• Install self-cleaning panels or automated cleaning systems in dust-prone areas.
• Routinely inspect panels after storms or windy days.

3. Poor Quality or Damaged Solar Panels

These are panels that are of low quality or those that may have gotten damaged during installation; they may not produce optimal energy.

Solution:

• One should always select high-quality panels from reputable manufacturers.
• Check the panels for signs of cracks, chips, or similar indicators during regular maintenance checks.
• Ensure professional installation to prevent mishandling.
• Replace damaged panels promptly to restore system efficiency.
• Use solar monitoring systems to detect underperformance quickly.

4. Inverter Malfunctions

The inverter is an essential component that enables the conversion of DC electricity generated by your panels into AC electricity. In case of a faulty inverter, the whole system can be affected, and this has to be avoided. Read more about it in our blog ‘Top 5 Signs Your Solar Panel Inverter Needs Repair‘.

Solution:

• Regularly monitor inverter performance for any warning signs or error codes.
• Have a professional like Solar Medix’s inverter experts inspect your inverter during annual maintenance.
• Replace inverters that are nearing the end of their operational life.
• Use a backup inverter or warranty coverage for quick replacement if needed.
• Keep the inverter in a shaded, ventilated location to avoid overheating.

5. Faulty Wiring and Connections

Corrosion or loose connections can hinder proper conduction of electricity and will greatly impact the efficiency of the system or even make some sections of your array cease operations.

Solution:

• The wiring and connections of the equipment shall be checked for any wear or signs of corrosion at least once a year.
• Check that all connections are tight and shielded as necessary.
• Request a licensed technician to inspect the electrical parts during the routine servicing.
• Do not attempt any repairs on your own since you may end up causing more harm to your electrical system.

6. Aging Solar Panels

The solar panels do degrade over time, and as such, their efficiency decreases with time. Although this is a gradual process, it still has an effect on total output.

Solution:

• Monitor your panels’ performance annually to track any degradation.
• Replace older panels when they no longer meet your energy needs.
• Choose panels with a low degradation rate and long-term warranties
• Opt for routine professional inspections to assess panel efficiency.
• Upgrade to newer, more efficient technology as it becomes available.

7. Weather-Related Damage

One of the main threats is the physical destruction of solar panels by hail, excessive wind or even heavy snow that diminishes the panel’s efficiency.

Solution:

• Check your panels for damage after a storm or other forms of harsh weather.
• Install protective covers like Snow Guards or use panels that are rated for your local climate.
• Clear snow from panels after heavy snowfall to restore sunlight access.
• Secure your panels properly to withstand strong winds.
• Consider adding insurance coverage for weather-related damage.

8. Suboptimal Solar Panel Positioning

Solar panels that are installed with the wrong angle or orientation will not be capable of harnessing sufficient light for electricity production.

Solution:

• Position panels facing south (in the northern hemisphere) for maximum sunlight exposure.
• Work with professional installers to determine the optimal tilt angle for your roof.
• Use adjustable mounts that allow panels to be repositioned seasonally.
• Avoid placing panels in shaded areas or behind large obstructions.
• Utilize solar tracking systems if applicable to maximize energy production.

9. Lack of Monitoring Systems

A monitoring system helps in determining the actual performance of the solar array by keeping a tab on its functioning and identifying any problems right when they occur.

Solution:

• A solar monitoring system should be installed to monitor the output, and if there is a problem, it should be detected early on.
• Use apps or software that provide real-time data on your system’s performance.
• Set alerts for drops in energy production or equipment failures.
• Regularly check the monitoring system for any signs of underperformance.
• Consider remote monitoring services for ongoing performance assessment.

10. Insufficient Maintenance and Neglect

Failing to perform regular maintenance can lead to the gradual decline in solar panel performance. Dust, debris, and minor issues can accumulate, affecting efficiency.

Solution:

• Annual professional maintenance is advised to make certain that every component is working as it should.
• Dirt on the panels should be cleaned often since it leads to energy loss.
• Check the system for any visible sign of wear or physical damage.
• Do not neglect small problems, as they can turn into major problems that will require repairs.
• To monitor the health of your system, it is recommended that maintenance activities be recorded in a log.

5 Common Mistakes Solar Homeowners Often Make

Even in the best solar systems, some homeowners commit certain errors that impact efficiency and cost-saving in the future. Some of the common mistakes that solar homeowners make are,

1. Ignoring Regular Cleaning
2. Overlooking Inverter Performance
3. Neglecting Panel Positioning
4. Failing to Monitor Output Regularly
5. Postponing Professional Inspections

1. Ignoring Regular Cleaning

If the surface of the panels is dirty, then the efficiency of the panels may decline overtime due to dust, debris, and pollen.

• Practice requires these types of equipment to be cleaned from time to time so as to maintain their optimum performance.
• Solar Medix offers affordable, professional cleaning services to keep your panels spotless.

2. Overlooking Inverter Performance

Inverters are very important in converting the solar energy to usable electricity. If the inverter is not duly monitored, all these energy losses go unnoticed, thus affecting your savings.

• Check the inverter for warning lights or error messages.
• Ensure the inverter is the correct size for your solar array.
• Monitor performance regularly to catch any irregularities.
• Solar Medix can help diagnose inverter issues to keep your system running smoothly.

3. Neglecting Panel Positioning

Improper panel positioning reduces the amount of sunlight captured, significantly lowering energy output.

• Install panels facing the sun’s strongest direction.
• Ensure there’s no shading from nearby trees or buildings.
• Regularly adjust the panels if needed for optimal exposure.
• Our team at Solar Medix offers panel repositioning services for better efficiency.

4. Failing to Monitor Output Regularly

Without regular monitoring, underperformance can go unnoticed, leading to decreased savings. Monitoring ensures you’re alerted to any problems early on.

• Use monitoring software to track energy production.
• Set up notifications for drops in output.
• Compare current output to expected levels to catch issues early.
• Solar Medix offers solar monitoring installation to keep your system in check.

5. Postponing Professional Inspections

Delaying professional inspections can allow small issues to grow into major problems, costing you more in repairs and lost energy production.

• Schedule annual inspections to identify potential problems.
• Address minor issues promptly to avoid costly repairs.
• At Solar Medix, we recommend regular inspections to prevent expensive repairs down the road.

6 Tips & Best Practices for Solar System Maintenance

It is crucial to keep your solar system in good condition to guarantee that it will serve you for many years without the need for significant repairs. With these tips, you can ensure that your system stays in optimal condition,

1. Schedule Regular Cleaning
2. Choose the Right Time
3. Gently Clean
4. Carry Out a Visual Inspection
5. Dry the Panels
6. Solar System Monitoring

Here at Solar Medix, we comprehend the need for the appropriate care of the solar system.

1. Schedule Regular Cleaning

With time, dust, dirt, and other materials may accumulate on the panel surfaces in a way that hinders the penetration of light.

• Clean the panels at least twice a year, but in areas that are dusty, this may have to be more frequent.
• In case there is dirt on the surface, then it can be washed with water and a soft brush or cloth without scratching the surface.
• Do not use high-pressure washers for cleaning since they will cause damage to the panels.
• To avoid any damages on the panels, Solar Medix provides professional cleaning services to keep them in the right condition.

2. Choose the Right Time

As with any aspect of cleaning, timing is critical if you are to clean your solar panels effectively.

• Clean the panels during the cooler parts of the day.
• Do not clean in the direct sun since water will evaporate fast before you get a chance to use it.
• The best time to schedule cleaning is after a rainy or pollen season.
• For recommendations about the right cleaning cycle that meets your location and system requirements, you can contact Solar Medix.

3. Gently Clean

One should be very careful with solar panels since their surface is very sensitive and can easily get scratched.

• Avoid rough scrubbers and always prefer soft brushes and microfiber cloths.
• Do not use soap or any chemicals that can form any residue on the surface.
• Clean in a circular motion to prevent streaking.
• For hard-to-remove grime, Solar Medix offers specialized cleaning solutions that are gentle and effective.

4. Carry Out a Visual Inspection

Even if you don’t have much experience in solar maintenance or repair, you are likely to identify potential issues with a quick look at the system.

• It is crucial to assess the state of the panels for any signs of physical damage, such as cracks or chips.
• Look for loose or frayed wiring that could impact electrical connections.
• Inspect the inverter for warning lights or error messages.
• Solar Medix offers comprehensive inspection services to catch issues before they become costly repairs.

5. Dry the Panels

It is equally important to ensure that the panels are thoroughly dried after washing in order to prevent the formation of water spots, which lower the efficacy of the panels in harnessing light.

• Do not let it dry in the air because this will precipitate with mineral deposits from water.
• Ensure that there are no streaks or water spots left behind after washing.
• Our professionals at Solar Medix can clean and dry your panels in a proper manner so that they are in the best state.

6. Solar System Monitoring

Monitoring your solar system’s performance is key to detecting any issues early and maximizing efficiency.

• Install a monitoring system to track energy production.
• Set up alerts for significant drops in output or malfunctions.
• Regularly check the monitoring system for performance updates.
• Solar Medix offers advanced solar monitoring solutions to help you keep track of your system’s health effortlessly.

Contact Solar Medix & Keep Your Solar System in Top Shape

At Solar Medix, we are specialized in maintaining and repairing your solar systems. This will ensure that your solar panels keep running at peak performance.

Our team of experts is dedicated to keeping your solar panels in optimal condition. We provide services from regular cleaning to inverter inspections and performance monitoring.

Don’t wait until your system starts underperforming—contact Solar Medix today to schedule maintenance and keep your solar system producing at its best!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)