Solar panels are a proven way to lower your energy bills, reduce carbon emissions and utilise natural daylight more effectively year-round. But there’s nothing quite like looking at your solar monitoring app or dashboard to realise your panels aren’t working as well as they should, or even at all.
In this troubleshooting guide, we’ll cover the most common issues that can cause solar panels to stop working and some tips on what you can do to rectify them.
1. Weather & Seasonal Variations
The most common culprit for ‘broken solar panels’ is often down to nothing more than weather or seasonal variations. Solar panels will naturally produce less electricity in winter compared to summer months. This is because there are fewer daylight hours and the sun sits at a lower angle. Cloudy weather, rain, or snow can also impact output.
What to look for: Does your current output match that of similar days in previous months/year?
Remember: Reduced generation during winter is perfectly normal in the UK.
2. Dirty Panels/Shading Problems
Sunlight can’t reach the cells in your solar panels if they’re covered in dirt, dust, leaves, bird droppings, or moss. Shading from surrounding trees, chimneys, scaffolding or neighbouring buildings will also affect your solar panels’ performance. In fact, even partial shade on a single panel can reduce the output of your entire system.
What to do:
- Visually inspect panels for dirt/debris
- Clean panels with water and a soft brush
- Remove any new sources of shade where possible
3. Inverter Issues
The inverter is the heart of your solar PV system. It converts solar energy into usable electricity for your home. Inverters are also one of the most commonly replaced components of solar systems, due to having a shorter lifespan than solar panels themselves.
Symptoms of faulty inverters:
- System not generating electricity
- Inverter has warning lights/error message displayed
- Inverter display is turned off
If your inverter has a displayed fault code, or is showing a warning light, it’s best to contact a qualified solar engineer for repair. Don’t attempt to fix the issue yourself.
4. Wiring or Electrical Faults
Solar systems wiring can become loose over time, cables can become damaged or general electrical faults can occur over time. Causes can range from normal wear and tear, adverse weather damage, or animals nesting in your roof.
Disclaimer: DIY repairs should NOT be attempted on solar PV systems. Solar panels produce high voltage electricity which can be deadly if incorrectly handled. Any electrical faults must be inspected by a qualified solar engineer.
5. Damaged Panels
Solar panels are built to withstand the UK’s weather, but they’re not indestructible. Damage to individual panels can occur due to extreme weather conditions, falling branches/debris or general impact. Cracked panels, water ingress or damaged panel frames can all lead to poorly performing solar.
Physical damage to look out for:
- Visible cracks or damage to glass surface
- Discolouration/watermarks on panels
- Damaged or loose panel frames
Contact a professional if you suspect any damage to your solar panels.
6. Monitoring System Alerts
Solar monitoring systems these days are fantastic at alerting you to faults or loss of performance (depending on the system you have installed). If you notice your solar panels have stopped working, it’s always worth checking your monitoring app/dashboard first to see if anything is reported.
7. Faulty Installation / Poor System Design
If your solar panels have underperformed since day one, it’s possible the system was poorly installed or designed incorrectly. Incorrect panel positioning, roof angle, not accounting for shading factors or using incompatible parts can all impact the overall performance of your solar PV system.
Have a professional reassess your system to ensure it’s configured correctly for your home.
8. Solar Panels Naturally Lose Efficiency Over Time
Solar panels naturally degrade and lose a small percentage of their efficiency year on year. This loss of efficiency is perfectly normal and shouldn’t usually be noticeable. That said, solar panels can lose efficiency gradually over an expected lifespan of over 25 years.
However, if you suddenly lose a large percentage of your solar performance at once, then it’s definitely cause for concern.
Need a Helping Hand?
At Eden Power Ltd, we can conduct a full system inspection to diagnose why your solar panels have stopped working. Our friendly team are experienced in solar servicing and fault-finding to ensure your system is safe, and operating at its best. Don’t be afraid to contact us if you need some advice on your solar system.
