Top 5 Common Solar Panel System Issues (and How Green Ridge Solar Can Fix Them)

Solar panel systems are designed to be dependable, efficient, and long‑lasting, and most operate for decades with relatively few issues. Still, because solar equipment is exposed to the elements and relies on multiple electrical components working together, problems can occur over time. These issues often show up as reduced solar production, inverter error messages, monitoring system failures, or wiring‑related faults.

Understanding the most common solar system problems and the symptoms associated with them is an important part of maintaining safe, reliable, and efficient solar performance.

The article below takes a closer look at the five most common solar panel system issues homeowners experience and how Green Ridge Solar fixes them. These common issues include declining solar production, inverter faults and errors, monitoring communication failures, physical damage to panels or wiring, and full system shutdowns. Each issue is explained in practical terms to help homeowners identify early warning signs, understand potential causes, and know when it’s time to seek professional solar repair or diagnostic support.

Issue #1: Declining Solar Production

Solar panel systems are built to deliver consistent, predictable energy output year after year. When a homeowner begins to see their solar production trending downward or notices unexpected increases in their utility bills, it’s often one of the earliest and clearest indicators that something in the system isn’t functioning as it should. Even small issues such as debris accumulation, partial shading, or minor wiring degradation can create noticeable changes in output.

Over time, these early signs can compound, affecting overall system performance, long‑term energy savings, and the homeowner’s confidence in their investment. Because solar panel systems are designed to operate efficiently with very little intervention, any measurable decline is worth investigating before it leads to more significant losses.

What It Looks Like

• Solar production numbers trending downward month‑after‑month or year‑over‑year
• Sudden spikes in utility bills, even during summer
• Monitoring app showing reduced performance
• Certain panels producing less power than others

Common Causes

Dirty or Shaded Solar Panels: Dust, pollen, moss, leaves, bird dropping, or new shading from trees can significantly reduce solar output. Even a small amount of dirt or debris on one panel can reduce production across an entire string of solar panels (depending on solar inverter setup). It is a good idea to clean your solar panels periodically to prevent these issues. You can also contact local solar cleaners to perform the work. Learn more about cleaning your solar panels.

Degrading Equipment: Although solar panels degrade slowly over time, sudden or accelerated drops often point to wiring or inverter issues. It is important that if you notice ongoing solar production issues or signs of wear and tear to contact your solar company. Your solar company can assess the health of your solar panel system and address any issues. Contact Green Ridge Solar today if you need solar service and solar performance diagnostics.

Wiring or Connector Problems: Loose, corroded, or damaged solar wiring and connectors can disrupt power flow and lower production. It is important to contact your solar company if you notice any signs of degraded or damaged solar wiring of connections. These can not only cause solar production issues, they could also lead to potential fires and other electrical hazards. Contact Green Ridge Solar today if you need solar service and repairs to solar wiring or connections.

Inverter Settings or Faults: Incorrect inverter configuration or may limit system capacity.

How Green Ridge Solar Can Help

Green Ridge Solar offers comprehensive solar performance diagnostics to pinpoint what’s affecting your solar energy output. We use advanced tools to examine each solar panel, wiring run, inverter setting, and monitoring device.

Our services include:

• Solar panel repair, rewiring, and cleaning recommendations
• Replacing faulty connectors or components
• Inverter and electrical troubleshooting
• Panel upgrades for aging or low‑performing modules
• Shading analysis and tree‑trimming recommendations

If you’ve noticed declining solar energy output or rising energy bills, we can assess your system and restore your solar production levels. Contact Green Ridge Solar today for solar services, diagnostics, and repair.

Issue #2: Inverter Failure or Warning Lights

The inverter is the heart of your solar panel system, acting as the central hub that converts the DC electricity your panels generate into the usable AC power your home relies on. Because the inverter manages such a critical part of solar energy production, even small hiccups (like a warning light, an intermittent fault message, or a brief shutdown) can have an outsized impact on how much energy your system produces.

When a solar inverter begins to falter, production may decline gradually or stop altogether. In more serious cases, the inverter may shut itself off as a safety precaution, leaving the entire system offline. These early warning signs are often the first indication a homeowner receives that something deeper is happening within the electrical pathway, and addressing them quickly can prevent larger issues from developing.

What It Looks Like

• Red or orange flashing lights on the inverter
• Error messages such as “Ground Fault,” “Isolation Fault,” “AC Disconnect,” or “No Grid”
• The inverter display showing 0 watts of production
• Loud buzzing, humming, or overheating

Common Causes

Age‑Related Failure: Most inverters last around 10 to 12 years, though many last longer. If your solar inverter is older, repair or replacement may be necessary. It’s important to contact your solar company to assess the health and functionality of your inverter if it shows signs of malfunctioning. Contact Green Ridge Solar today if your solar inverter needs repair or replacement.

Wiring Issues: Faulty wiring or poor solar installation work by the original solar company or contractor can cause ongoing inverter errors and production issues. If your solar inverter is producing errors or not functioning properly, contact your solar company for further assistance. Contact Green Ridge Solar for issues with your solar inverter. Green Ridge Solar services solar panels and inverters even if they were installed by another company. Chat with Green Ridge Solar today for a full range of solar services.

Overheating: Inverters placed in direct sunlight or in poorly ventilated spaces may overheat. Excessive heat can also be a sign of significant problems with your solar inverter and you need to contact your solar company as soon as possible. If your solar inverter is overheating, contact Green Ridge Solar for potential emergency inverter services.

Incompatibility: Some older inverters aren’t compatible with battery backup or modern monitoring systems. If your system has had changes made, such as solar panels or battery backup added, your inverter might need to be upgraded or serviced. Contact Green Ridge Solar today if your solar inverter needs upgraded. Green Ridge Solar services systems even if they were installed by another company.

How Green Ridge Solar Can Help

Green Ridge Solar provides professional inverter diagnostics, repair, and replacement services. Our technicians can troubleshoot error codes, perform safety checks, and determine whether your inverter needs repair or replacement.

We also assist with:

• Hybrid inverter upgrades
• Battery‑ready inverter installations
• Warranty support (when applicable)
• Re‑wiring or reconfiguring systems that were incorrectly installed

If your inverter is showing errors, warning signs, or not producing power, we can fix the issue quickly and safely. Contact Green Ridge Solar for all your inverter service needs. Remember, Green Ridge Solar can service your solar panels, inverter, battery backup and more, even if you installed with another company.

Issue #3: Monitoring System Not Communicating

For many homeowners, the monitoring app is their primary window into how their solar panel system is performing day‑to‑day. It provides real‑time production data, historical trends, and reassurance that the system is delivering the energy it should.

When the solar monitoring app suddenly goes offline, however, it can create the unsettling impression that the entire solar array has stopped working, even though, in most cases, the system is still producing normally and the disruption is simply due to a communication issue.

These interruptions can happen for a variety of reasons, ranging from a recent Wi‑Fi change to outdated monitoring hardware. And while they rarely indicate a problem with the solar panels themselves, they can still leave homeowners feeling disconnected from their investment. Restoring that visibility is an important part of ensuring long‑term confidence and understanding of your solar panel system performance.

What It Looks Like

• Solar monitoring app shows “Offline” or “No Data”
• Missing days, weeks, or months of solar production reports
• Homeowners unable to access energy usage information
• Communication device blinking or not powering on

Common Causes

Wi‑Fi Connectivity Issues: Router changes, password updates, or weak signals are extremely common causes of a solar monitoring system not communicating or tracking data. You might have to update the setting in your monitoring software to match the new Wi-Fi network setting or password. If the Wi-Fi signal is weak at your solar inverter, it can also cause a problem and can be fixed by upgrading Wi-Fi services, moving the router close to the inverter, or installing signal extenders.

Obsolete Hardware: Older monitoring devices may not be compatible with new software. If your monitoring software is no longer functioning, contact your solar company. You might need to update or upgrade your monitoring hardware.

Gateway or Cellular Monitoring Failure: Devices can lose power or fail over time. To best diagnose this issues, you should contact your solar company for troubleshooting steps.

Firmware or Software Issues: Some solar monitoring systems need manual software or firmware updates from time to time. These updates can often be done inside the monitoring app or app store.

How Green Ridge Solar Can Help

Green Ridge Solar resolves monitoring and communication issues for nearly every major solar brand.

Our services include:

• Reconnecting solar monitoring systems to Wi‑Fi
• Replacing outdated monitoring hardware
• Updating firmware and software
• Diagnosing communication gateway or inverter issues
• Reestablishing complete system visibility

If your solar monitoring app has gone dark or is missing solar production data, we can restore your monitoring system so you always know what your solar is producing. Contact Green Ridge Solar today for help troubleshooting and restoring your solar monitoring software or app.

Issue #4: Physical Damage to Panels or Wiring

Solar panels are extremely durable, but they aren’t indestructible. While solar panels are engineered to withstand decades of weather exposure (from intense sun to heavy rain and strong winds), they can still be vulnerable to sudden impacts or gradual wear. Severe storms, airborne debris, and falling branches can crack or chip the glass, while wildlife activity beneath or around the panels can lead to chewed wiring or dislodged components. Even natural aging, such as deteriorating seals or weakened racking hardware, can contribute to physical damage that affects both performance and system safety. Over time, these issues may not only reduce energy production but also introduce electrical risks if left unaddressed.

What It Looks Like

• Cracked or shattered solar panels
• Rapid drops in production from specific panels
• Rodent‑chewed wires or visible cable damage
• Burn marks, melted insulation, or hot spots
• Water intrusion near roof penetrations

Common Causes

Storm Damage: Hail, falling branches, high winds, or flying debris can crack or scratch solar panels. The good news is that in most cases, damaged solar panels can be replaced and ensure your solar panels system maintains energy production. If you have cracked, scratched, or broken solar panels, contact Green Ridge Solar for solar panel repairs or replacement. Green Ridge Solar repairs and replaces solar panels even if they were installed by another company. Contact Green Ridge Solar today for all your solar service needs.

Rodent Infestation: Squirrels and mice love chewing through solar wiring and nesting under panels. Damage to solar panels and wiring can cause potentially dangerous or hazardous conditions and must be addressed quickly. If you notice rodents nesting under or around solar panels, or if you see damaged solar panels and wiring, contact your solar company as soon as possible. You can also contact Green Ridge Solar to fix any damaged wiring and to install CritterGuard to prevent squirrels and mice from damaging solar panels and wiring.

Poor Installation: Incorrect wire routing or inadequate wire protection and insulation can lead to early wear or damage. If you notice wiring that looks damaged or unprotected, contact your solar company or an electrician. You can also contact Green Ridge Solar to assess the health of your wiring and repair or rewire your solar panels system as necessary. Contact Green Ridge Solar if you have concerns about your solar wiring.

Aging Infrastructure: Older wiring, seals, or junction boxes may degrade over time and cause solar production issues, as well as potentially dangerous or hazardous conditions. It’s important to contact your solar company or an electrician to assess the health and safety of your wiring, seals, and junction boxes if you notice potential damage or degradation. You can also contact Green Ridge Solar to assess the health of your wiring, seals, and junction boxes and repair or rewire your solar panels system as necessary. Contact Green Ridge Solar if you have concerns about your solar wiring and other components.

How Green Ridge Solar Can Help

Our technicians specialize in solar panel repair and rewiring, including systems originally installed by other contractors.

We provide:

• Solar panel repair or replacement
• Rodent guard installation and full rodent damage repair
• Rewiring damaged or unsafe circuits
• Safety inspections for fire or shock risks
• Documentation for homeowners insurance claims

If your solar panels or wiring have been visibly damaged, or if you just suspect damage, our team at Green Ridge SOlar can assess the problem and recommend the safest, most cost‑effective solution. Contact Green Ridge Solar today for solar panel repair and replacement, as well as issues with solar wiring and other components. Remember, Green Ridge Solar can service your solar panels, inverter, battery backup and more, even if you installed with another company.

Issue #5: Solar Panels Not Producing Power

A solar panel system that is not producing energy is one of the most stressful issues a homeowner can experience. When a solar array that once delivered steady, reliable power suddenly drops to zero output, it can leave homeowners concerned about the safety of their system, the impact on their utility bills, and the possibility of costly repairs.

This type of complete shutdown can stem from a wide range of causes, some serious and others surprisingly simple. But without proper troubleshooting, it can be difficult for homeowners to determine whether the problem lies with the inverter, the wiring, a safety switch, or an external factor like a grid issue.

Fortunately, most full-system outages are fixable once a thorough diagnostic process is completed, and in many cases, the solution is more straightforward and affordable than homeowners expect.

What It Looks Like

• Solar production stuck at zero
• Inverter is off or non‑responsive
• Monitoring app shows no output
• Breakers continuously trip
• Rapid shutdown switch may be stuck or faulty

Common Causes

Inverter Failure: A broken or aged solar inverter often results in complete system shutdown. If your solar inverter is showing signs of damage or not functioning properly, it’s important to contact your solar company. Contact Green Ridge Solar for issues with your solar inverter. Green Ridge Solar services solar panels and inverters even if they were installed by another company. Chat with Green Ridge Solar today for a full range of solar services.

Wiring Failure: Loose connections, corroded wiring, or damaged circuits can stop solar production entirely. If you notice damaged wiring or signs of concern, contact your solar company right away. Contact Green Ridge Solar if you see signs that your wiring might be damages or faulty.

Blown Fuses or Breakers: Electrical issues can interrupt solar panel system output. If you have blown fuses or tripped electrical breakers, contact your electrician or solar company. If your solar panel system is causing issues with blown fuses or tripped electrical breakers, contact Green Ridge Solar.

Improper Original Installation: Sadly, this is extremely common, especially from companies that are no longer in business or subcontract their work. If you believe your solar company improperly installed your solar panel system, contact them for service. If you want to work with another solar company to correct improperly installed solar panel system, contact Green Ridge Solar. Green Ride Solar can repair and correct your solar panels system installation even if it was installed by another company. Contact Green Ridge Solar today for a full range of solar services.

Rapid Shutdown Device Failure: These safety switches can fail and cut off solar production entirely. If your solar rapid shutdown devices are failing or causing issues, contact your solar company as soon as possible.

How Green Ridge Solar Can Help

Green Ridge Solar offers fast, expert solar troubleshooting and restoration services.

We diagnose and repair:

• Total solar panel system shutdowns
• Faulty solar wiring, breakers, and rapid shutdown devices
• Failed or incompatible inverters
• Grid‑connection issues
• Out‑of‑code installations

If your solar panel system has stopped producing energy, contact Green Ridge Solar for full diagnostic assessment and repair services. Our solar experts can troubleshoot potential causes of solar production issues and get your solar production back to normal. Chat with our solar experts today for all your solar panel service needs, even if you installed with another company!

When Is It Time to Add or Upgrade Panels?

For many homeowners, the issue with their solar panel system isn’t a system failure, it’s a system that no longer meets their needs. As households evolve, energy consumption often increases in ways the original solar design couldn’t have predicted. Electric vehicles, additional heating or cooling loads, new appliances, hot tubs, home offices, or expanded living spaces can all significantly change how much electricity a home uses. A system that once covered most of a family’s energy demand may suddenly feel inadequate. In some cases, the original installer may have sized the system too conservatively, leaving homeowners with limited production from the beginning. And for those with aging systems, older inverters or outdated technology may serve as a bottleneck, restricting the potential for higher production or preventing the addition of battery backup.

When these shifts occur, upgrading or expanding your solar panel system becomes a practical way to realign solar production with current lifestyle and energy needs.

Signs You Need a Solar Upgrade

• Your electricity bill has increased due to rate hikes
• You’ve added more appliances, an EV, or a heat pump
• Your current system was undersized by the original installer
• You want to add battery backup
• Your panels or inverter are older or outdated

Green Ridge Solar installs additional solar panels, inverter upgrades, and battery‑ready systems. If your energy usage has grown, we can help expand or modernize your solar panel or battery backup system. Contact Green Ridge Solar for guidance on upgrading your solar panels, adding solar panels, battery backup, and more.

Why Choose Green Ridge Solar for Solar Service & Repair

Not every solar company stays in business long enough to support the systems they install. Many homeowners find themselves stranded when the original installer won’t answer calls or no longer exists.

Green Ridge Solar does things differently. We offer:

• Professional service even if we didn’t install your system
• Skilled technicians trained on all major solar brands
• Diagnostics, repairs, replacements, and upgrades
• Solar panel additions and battery backup installation
• Transparent pricing and honest assessments
• Fast response times and reliable communication

We’ve helped thousands of Oregon homeowners get the most out of their solar systems, and we’re here to help you too. Contact Green Ridge Solar today for all your solar and battery backup needs.

Contact Green Ridge Solar for Help with Solar System Issue

If you’re experiencing any of the issues listed above, or if something just doesn’t feel right with your solar panel system, our team can help.

Whether you need troubleshooting, repairs, upgrades, monitoring restoration, solar panel additions, adding battery backup, or full system diagnostics, Green Ridge Solar has the tools, expertise, and local experience to get your system performing at its best.

Schedule your Solar Service & Troubleshooting Appointment today:

• Visit our Solar Service Page
• Request a Solar Repair Quote
• Or contact us for a Solar System Health Check

With Green Ridge Solar, your system is in good hands, no matter who originally installed it. Contact Green Ridge Solar today for all your solar and battery backup needs.