Sooner or later, every owner of a solar system asks, “Why are my solar panels not producing enough power?”. There are a lot of reasons this could be, and you shouldn’t write off your entire system if it starts to underperform. Many of the causes of the loss of solar energy are easy to fix, and in some cases, you can even prevent the loss from happening in the future. Sometimes the solution is as simple as hiring our partner to clean your panels! Here are some of the signs that you should book an inspection from our team at Harmon Solar.
The credit on your energy bill can be a helpful sign of how well your solar system is performing, but it doesn’t always tell the full story. For example, in SRP territory, your credit could drop even if your system is working properly, such as when your household is using more electricity than the panels are producing. However, if you notice your credit steadily declining or suddenly dropping without a clear change in usage, it could indicate an issue with your system. Addressing potential problems early can help you avoid bigger losses in efficiency, and scheduling regular inspections and maintenance can go a long way in keeping your system running smoothly.
Solar panels have to be exposed to the elements to be effective, but this means they’re at risk of picking up all sorts of grime, including dust, pollen, leaves, and other debris. MIT News estimates that in the worst cases, one month without cleaning can cause a drop in solar panel efficiency. This debris can also leave visible scratches on the surface of your panels, which should be fixed as soon as possible.
Because it’s the “smartest” part of your solar system, your inverter can detect a lot of faults as they happen and send you error messages. More importantly, inverters have a much shorter life span than the solar panels they’re connected to. If you’re getting an error message on your inverter and it’s not something you can fix by flipping the breaker, give us a call with the information you have.
Some of our easiest repairs are ones where a component like wiring has been damaged, since a lot of the time it’s easy to replace the part. Birds, squirrels, and other animals can easily unplug things if they get into places they shouldn’t. And some parts of a solar system can come apart more easily than you’d expect in these cases, specifically to protect the system as a whole. It’s a lot easier (and cheaper!) to fix some external wiring than to replace the larger components.
Wiring and connectors are common points of failure in solar systems, since even the highest-quality materials can’t be perfect. If your system has suddenly gotten less efficient, a wiring fault may be the culprit.
Potential-induced degradation, also called the PID effect, can dramatically decrease the life span of your solar panels, and it’s particularly bad for their efficiency. This effect happens when stray currents travel through your system, building up electrical potential and reducing your system’s ability to convert solar energy into electricity. A lot of factors can go into the PID effect, from high heat (a particular problem here in Arizona) to unexpected voltage fluctuations in your home.
Installing your solar system is only the beginning. If you want to get your money’s worth, you need to take care of it, too. This means scheduling regular inspections and cleaning for your whole system.
Harmon Solar is Arizona’s leading solar company, and we have been for more than 15 years. Whether you need a new installation or a routine checkup, our experts are here for you. Give us a call at 800-281-3189 or fill out our online contact form to find out more about one of Maricopa County’s most trusted experts.
Image credit: Around the World Photos / Shutterstock
Save money on your electric bill every month!
Are You Ready To Go Solar?
Call 800-281-3189 now to get a free quote or fill out the form
"*" indicates required fields
Fax: (623) 879-0123
