Solar panel repair: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What solar panel repair is

Solar panel repair diagnoses a system that produces less power than expected or has stopped. The technician checks the panels, the wiring, the inverter, the connections, the shading and the monitoring data, then replaces the failed part. Many problems are in the inverter, a connector, a string of panels or a shaded section, and the monitoring app often shows the first clue.

Signs you need it

  • The monitoring app shows production well below what the system made in the same season before
  • The inverter shows a fault code, a red light or a warning message
  • The system stopped producing entirely, or it runs only at certain times of day
  • A panel shows cracks, browning, a burnt smell, or a bird or hail mark after a storm
  • A connector, a junction box or a conduit shows heat, water, or corrosion
  • A new tree, building or neighboring structure has begun to shade part of the array

What the pro does

  • Pull the monitoring data for each string and each panel to find which part of the array is underperforming
  • Check the inverter for fault codes and error logs, and confirm its status with the manufacturer's diagnostic tools
  • Test each string's open-circuit voltage and current with the correct meter, and compare them to the panels' ratings
  • Inspect the connectors, junction boxes and the rapid-shutdown device for heat, moisture and damage
  • Check the shading pattern and any new obstructions, and note the time of day when production drops
  • Replace the failed panel, connector, inverter component or conductor, then confirm the string runs correctly on the monitoring app

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Whether the fault is in one panel, one connector or the inverter, which changes the repair scope
  • Whether the inverter must be replaced, and the inverter's type and availability
  • Panel model and whether a match is available for the existing array
  • Access to the roof and the array, including the height and the roof pitch
  • Whether wiring or conduit damage needs repair as well
  • Whether the repair requires a permit, an inspection or a utility notification

What a written quote should spell out

  • The fault found, the monitoring data used and the test that confirmed it
  • Each part replaced, with its model and match to the existing system
  • Inverter fault code, reset result and firmware status
  • Connector, junction box and conduit work performed
  • Post-repair production check, with the string output shown on the monitoring app

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Will you check the monitoring data first, and show me which string is underperforming?
  • Is the inverter fault a reset or a failed component?
  • Can you match the panel or the inverter model to my existing system?
  • Will you check the connectors for heat, water or corrosion?
  • Is any part of the repair covered by the warranty, and who files the claim?
  • How will you confirm the system is back to normal production?

Red flags

  • Replaces panels without pulling the monitoring data or testing the strings
  • Says the inverter is fine without checking its fault log
  • Ignores a burnt connector or a hot junction box in the repair
  • Cannot say how the repaired system's output will be verified
  • Offers to open the inverter or the rapid-shutdown device without the right training and power isolation

What you can do yourself

Checking the monitoring app, watching for the inverter fault code, and cleaning panels from the ground with a soft brush and water are reasonable. Walking on the roof, opening the inverter or the junction boxes, and testing strings are dangerous because the array carries live DC voltage even when the grid is off. Call a licensed solar installer for any hands-on work.

Licenses and permits

Solar repair is commonly done by licensed electrical contractors, and roof or structural work may need a roofing or structural license. A permit may be required when the repair changes the wiring or the inverter. Check with your state or local licensing agency and building department for the rules that apply.

Solar panel repair questions

Why is my solar system making less power in the winter?

Shorter days, lower sun angles and snow cover all reduce output. Compare the same month across years in the monitoring app. A real fault shows as a drop that does not match the season.

Will the inverter need replacing?

Inverters can fail, and the fault log shows whether a reset will hold or a part must be replaced. The technician checks the log and the component before recommending a new inverter.

Can a bird or hail damage a solar panel?

Yes. Cracks, hot spots and browned cells can reduce output, and some damage is a safety hazard. Ask the technician to check the panel and the wiring, and to show you the readings before you decide on a claim.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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