Signs Your Solar Panels May be Underperforming

Your solar system is supposed to deliver predictable savings. If output drops, even slightly, you could be losing out on cost savings and compromising efficiency. You might even be shortening the lifespan of your system!

Sometimes underperformance happens gradually, so you might not notice until your energy bills go up or a system alert shows a problem.

We're going to talk about some clear signs causing your solar system to underperform and what to do about them.

Common Signs of Underperformance 🔍

• Unexpected jump in your energy bill: if your home's power usage is staying roughly the same, but your electricity bill is rising or spiking, that can be a red flag. It could indicate that your solar output has dropped, and small drops can make a noticeable difference.
• Noticeable soiling or other contaminants: Dust, debris, bird droppings, and other "soiling" on your panels can contribute to reduced energy production. Research shows that shaded and otherwise obscured cells can contribute to poorer performance.
• Extremely hot weather: Solar panels can reach temperatures of 150ºF or even higher. During these extreme conditions, performance can decline somewhat.
• Large amount of shading: Trees, chimneys, structures and other nearby buildings, or even new construction can significantly reduce output.
• Bad Panel or "String": A singular weak-link of your system (or multiple) can drag down the performance of your array. Whether it's due to manufacturing defects, damage, shading, or soiling - it's important to make sure your system is working cohesively.

What Can You Do?

Here's a few tips you can use to get the most out of your solar system

Monitor your panels closely

Use a monitoring system such as one that comes with a mobile-app to track output trends over time. Compare performance against expected production. 

Schedule Regular Cleanings

Regular cleanings, even just once per year, helps restore light access to your panels by removing all soiling and accumulation from the surface. Especially if you live in a region with heavy dust, pollution, or the lovely southern pollen - cleaning can make a big difference.

Plus, every cleaning visit from Solar Clean Pros includes a multi-point inspection of your system to catch problems early.

Have a Professional Inspect Electrical Components

If output is low and your panels are not dirty or shaded, it might be an electronic issue. Consider having an experienced professional inspect system components like wiring, inverters, meters, etc. to ensure everything is working properly.

Trim Nearby Trees

If you have large trees that hang over your solar system, consider trimming them to prevent them from blocking your panels. Please consider your own safety first and always use  safety equipment or hire a professional.

Don't Wait Till It's Too Late!

Solar panels are intended to be low-maintenance, but they are not maintenance-free. A small problem today (dust, debris, dirt, shading, failing components) can turn into months of lost production. Without resolve, that can mean thousands of dollars lost over the lifetime of the system.

If you suspect your system might be underperforming, don't guess - check! And if you want a professional to clean, inspect, or diagnose, reach out to Solar Clean Pros.