Do You Need a Solar Repair? 6 Warning Signs to Know

Your solar system was designed to provide clean, affordable power for decades, often 30 years or more. But when something isn’t working right, small issues can quickly lead to lower energy production, higher electric bills, and a reduced return on your investment.

That’s why staying alert to early warning signs is so important. Whether it’s a drop in performance or a panel that looks off, acting early with professional solar repair services can help protect your system and your savings. A qualified solar repair service can diagnose the issue, perform necessary solar repair and maintenance, and get your system producing at full strength again.

With over 12 years of solar industry experience, GreenLancer offers expert solar repair, solar repair and maintenance, and full-service support across the country. Our mission is to help you keep your solar system performing at its best, for the long run.

6 signs your system may need a solar repair

Solar systems are designed to last for decades—often 25 to 30 years—but like any complex system, they may need occasional attention. Over time, weather, wear, or equipment failure can cause your system to lose efficiency. If you’re not checking in on it regularly, these issues might go unnoticed until you see a spike in your electric bill.

The good news? Most problems can be fixed quickly and affordably with the right solar repair service. Here are six signs your system may need professional solar repair and maintenance, plus what to look for before scheduling a service.

1. Sudden drop in solar energy production

A noticeable drop in energy output is one of the most common reasons people contact a solar repair service. Your solar system should deliver consistent production levels, especially on clear, sunny days. If it suddenly starts underperforming, it may be a sign that something isn’t working as it should.

What this could mean:

• A panel might be shaded or disconnected.

• A microinverter, like an Enphase IQ7 or IQ8, may have stopped communicating or stopped working.

• There could be a string issue in a SolarEdge system, especially if multiple panels drop out at once.

A typical solar system should produce a fairly consistent amount of electricity day-to-day, with some variation depending on the weather. If you notice that your system is underperforming compared to previous weeks or months, it’s a red flag.

Most solar monitoring platforms, such as the Enphase App or mySolarEdge, provide daily performance data. If you see a sharp decline without an obvious reason (like a major storm), it’s time to schedule a solar repair service. Technicians can test individual panels and inverters to pinpoint the issue and restore output.

2. Your monitoring app shows offline status or error messages

If your app is showing errors or not reporting at all, it may be time for a solar repair and maintenance check. Many systems—especially those from Enphase and SolarEdge—rely on internet-connected devices like the Envoy or inverters to transmit real-time data. If those connections drop, your system might still be producing power, but you won’t be able to monitor performance.

Common signs:

• The Enphase App says the system is "not reporting."

• SolarEdge monitoring shows “communication error” or “inverter not connected.”

• You see missing panels on the monitoring screen, or the system production data hasn’t updated in days.

These alerts may point to a Wi-Fi issue, a disconnected Envoy (Enphase’s communication hub), or a problem with a specific panel or optimizer. A system that’s no longer sending data may still be producing power, but without monitoring, you can’t be sure how well.

Solar repair costs & recommendations:

You may be able to resolve solar inverter issues on your own by following our DIY troubleshooting guide, without needing to call a professional solar repair technician. A quick check of your Wi-Fi connection or the communication gateway may help. 

If it doesn’t resolve the issue, it’s best to bring in a solar repair and maintenance expert to get your system talking again.

3. Inverter lights are off, red, or flashing

Inverters are one of the most vital parts of your system, and when something goes wrong, it’s often where issues start. If your inverter lights are red, blinking, or completely off, it’s a strong sign you need a solar repair visit.

In Enphase and SolarEdge systems, inverter errors might appear as codes or colored indicator lights.

What to look for:

• Enphase Envoy or IQ Combiner showing red or no lights.

• SolarEdge inverter flashing red, beeping, or showing an error code on the display.

• An inverter that makes unusual sounds, feels excessively hot, or suddenly shuts off.

Inverter issues are one of the most common reasons people schedule a solar repair. Many inverters, including SolarEdge string inverters, are designed to last 10–15 years. However, they can sometimes fail earlier due to electrical surges, overheating, or manufacturing defects. 

Solar repair costs & recommendations:

The good news is that inverter replacements are often covered under the inverter manufacturer’s warranty—especially with well-known brands like Enphase and SolarEdge. That said, labor for diagnosing or replacing the inverter usually isn’t included in the warranty. 

An expert solar repair technician can assess whether the inverter needs to be rebooted, reconnected, or replaced. In some cases, replacing the inverter may be covered under warranty.

4. Damaged or discolored solar panels

Solar panels are made to withstand rain, wind, snow, and hail—but they’re not indestructible. Over time, they may develop subtle or visible damage that can reduce performance and cause electrical issues.

Signs of panel damage:

• Cracks or chips in the glass surface

• Brown or dark discoloration (“hot spots”)

• Panels appear cloudy or have moisture under the glass

This type of solar panel damage is often caused by:

• Hailstorms or debris from trees

• Walking on panels during roof work

• Manufacturing defects

Hot spots usually form when one part of the panel overheats due to poor cell connection or shading. These reduce panel output and can shorten the life of your system. If you see visual damage or your app shows underperformance in one area, a solar repair service can help determine if the panel needs cleaning, rewiring, or replacement.

Solar repair costs & recommendations:

If you have storm damage, your homeowner's insurance will likely cover the entire cost solar repair after paying the deductible.

5. Your electric bill is higher than expected

One of the easiest ways to spot a problem? Look at your electric bill. If your solar system is working correctly, it should offset most of your electricity usage—especially in the summer months.

Red flags include:

• Unexpected spikes in electricity costs

• Utility usage is higher than your solar monitoring shows

• A steady decline in savings compared to the same time last year

This could mean your system is only partially working or has stopped altogether. Often, people don’t realize there’s a problem until the utility bill arrives.

Higher bills can result from:

• Inverter shutdowns

• Dirty or shaded panels

• A broken or disconnected microinverter

If you suspect a problem, don’t wait. A qualified technician can evaluate system performance and provide a report explaining what’s affecting your savings. Regular solar repair and maintenance help keep your bills low and your system working efficiently.

6. Loose wiring, racking, or exposed components

Your solar system’s panels, wires, and mounting hardware are exposed to the elements every day. Over time, components can shift, loosen, or corrode—especially after high winds or heavy snow.

Things to look for:

• Wires hanging below the panels or visible from the ground

• Loose rails, clamps, or screws on the mounting system

• Rust, corrosion, or water pooling around rooftop equipment

Not only can these issues hurt performance, but they can also create safety hazards if left unaddressed. Wiring issues may trip your inverter, and loose panels could shift or detach during a storm. 

A solar repair service can inspect your mounting system, wiring, and junction boxes to ensure everything is secure and safe. Many providers, like GreenLancer, offer full-system inspections to catch these problems before they cause larger issues. 

Depending on your equipment manufacturer, some of these repairs may be covered under warranty—but only if the work is done by a qualified technician. Attempting to repair the system yourself could not only void the warranty but also pose serious electrical safety risks.

Common solar repair and maintenance issues we see

Over time, solar systems can develop performance issues, especially if they’ve been exposed to harsh weather, shifting roof structures, or weren’t installed to the highest standards. At GreenLancer, we’ve provided solar repair services across the country for more than a decade, and we’ve seen the full range of system issues.

Some problems require quick adjustments. Others may involve full replacement of components. Here are some of the most common solar repair and maintenance issues we diagnose and fix.

Inverter failures

Inverters are among the most frequent sources of solar repair and maintenance requests. These devices convert the energy your panels generate into usable electricity for your home or business. If an inverter goes offline, your system’s power output can drop significantly—or stop altogether.

Common inverter problems include:

• Age-related component wear (especially after 10+ years)

• Connectivity issues in systems like Enphase or SolarEdge

• Internal faults due to power surges or overheating

While most inverters are covered under manufacturer warranties, labor and troubleshooting often are not. A professional solar repair service can determine if you’re eligible for a replacement and take care of installation and reconnection safely.

Communication or monitoring problems

Modern solar systems rely on monitoring platforms like the Enphase App, SolarEdge Monitoring, or custom tools to report performance data. If your system isn’t reporting, it can be difficult to know whether it’s working properly.

Common causes include:

• Wi-Fi signal drops or router issues

• Firmware updates that don’t complete

• Hardware failures in Envoy or inverter-based gateways

These issues can usually be resolved with help from a qualified solar repair technician, who can test connectivity, reestablish communication, and confirm that system data is accurate.

Racking and mounting concerns

Your panels are only as strong as what’s holding them up. Over time, racking systems can loosen or shift, especially after roof repairs, heavy wind, or snow loads. These concerns often bring people to solar repair services when they notice something doesn’t look right from the ground.

What we often find:

• Loose rails or clamps

• Sagging panel rows

• Screws or bolts that have corroded or come undone

These issues can strain wiring or misalign panels, which reduces energy production and may lead to more serious structural problems. During a solar repair and maintenance appointment, these components can be inspected, tightened, and secured to keep everything safe and efficient.

Solar Panel-level issues

Many calls for solar repair service start at the panel level. Even though solar panels are built to be durable, they can still be damaged by hail, flying debris, or improper handling during roof work.

Typical panel issues include:

• Broken glass from impact damage

• Hotspots caused by shading or internal cell problems

• Microcracks that reduce performance over time

These problems can affect a single panel or spread across a string of modules. Left untreated, they reduce system efficiency and increase long-term costs. During a solar repair, technicians use tools like thermal imaging and panel-level monitoring to identify and fix the issue quickly.

What to expect from a professional solar repair service

Here’s what you can expect from a professional solar repair service—from the initial inspection to final repairs, including quotes, timelines, and warranty support.

✅  System inspection by a qualified solar repair technician

When you schedule a solar repair service, the process starts with a full system inspection. A licensed technician will check your solar panels, inverter, racking, wiring, and monitoring tools to identify what’s causing the problem. Whether it’s a minor issue or a more involved repair, you’ll get a clear explanation of what’s going on and how to fix it.

✅  Upfront quote before your solar repair and maintenance begins

At GreenLancer, we take the guesswork out of the process. Before any work is done, you’ll receive a detailed quote outlining the cost of the recommended solar repair and maintenance. We want you to feel confident about every decision—no surprise charges or hidden fees.

✅  Repair timeline depends on parts and availability

The time it takes to complete your solar repair can vary. If your system only needs a reset or quick adjustment, it might be fixed the same day. But if a part needs to be replaced—like an inverter or a failed optimizer—the timeline will depend on how quickly that part can be delivered. We’ll keep you informed every step of the way so you know what to expect.

✅  Working with solar equipment warranties

GreenLancer can help determine if your issue qualifies for a manufacturer’s warranty. Many equipment warranties—especially from brands like Enphase and SolarEdge—cover replacement parts for inverters, panels, or optimizers. However, it’s essential to know that most warranties do not cover labor costs. That’s where our solar repair services come in: we’ll help with warranty paperwork and complete the labor safely and professionally.

✅  Experienced solar repair services, nationwide

With over 12 years of experience in the solar industry, GreenLancer provides reliable, nationwide solar repair and maintenance. We work with all major brands and system types, offering expert guidance and fast, efficient service to get your system back to peak performance, without the hassle.

If your system needs expert attention, GreenLancer is here to help. We offer nationwide solar repair services and have more than ten years of experience in the solar energy industry. Keep your solar investment running strong—schedule a service visit today.

Complete the form below to get started.