5 Most Common Solar System Problems And How to Fix Them

Installing solar panels is a smart way to save money on energy bills and help the environment. But like any technology, solar systems can have problems over time.

Whether you own a home or a business, it’s important to know the common solar issues and how to fix them. This helps keep your solar system working well and protects your investment.

Understanding solar system problems early can save you from bigger repair costs down the track. Many of these issues are preventable or can be fixed easily with professional help. 

At Bright Spark Group, our certified technicians and solar energy professionals are trained to spot and solve these problems quickly, ensuring your system keeps running at its best.

Let’s explore the most frequent solar power problems and what you can do about them. 

1. Noticing Lower Power Output From Your Solar System?

Your energy bills are going up, or your solar monitoring system shows that your panels are making less power than usual. 

You might also see that your system is producing much less electricity on sunny days than it did in the past.

Why Your Solar Output Might Be Dropping

• Trees or new buildings casting unexpected shade over your panels
  
• A build-up of dirt, dust or bird droppings blocking sunlight
  
• Panels degrading with age, especially older technology
  
• One or more panels failing due to environmental exposure
  
  

Steps to Restore Lost Solar Efficiency

• Remove or trim vegetation casting shadows over your system
  
• Book a solar panel cleaning service to restore optimal performance
  
• Get your system professionally assessed to identify underperforming panels
  
• Upgrade older panels or add panel optimisers to balance the system
  
  

Monitoring systems can help you detect reduced output early. If you don’t have one, consider installing one. 

Bright Spark Group can help install and manage smart monitoring tools for your home or business. 

2. Is Your Inverter Showing Error Codes or Shutting Down?

Flashing red lights or error codes on your solar inverter. The system may shut down or stop feeding power to your home. You may see warning messages like “no grid,” “earth fault,” or “isolation fault.”

Why Inverter Problems Are So Common

• Voltage instability in your local grid, interfering with operation
  
• Internal overheating due to poor ventilation or exposure to weather
  
• Software bugs or outdated firmware
  
• Wear and tear in older inverters beyond 10 years
  

How to Solve Solar Inverter Faults

• Follow your inverter’s restart guide to see if the error clears
  
• Make sure nothing is blocking airflow or causing overheating
  
• Book a licensed technician for solar inverter troubleshooting and repairs
  
• Upgrade outdated inverters to modern, more efficient models
  
  

Inverters are the brains of your system. If they fail, your solar panels can’t deliver power. Bright Spark Group can diagnose, repair, or upgrade your inverter to keep your system running at its best.

3. Are Your Solar Panels Dirty or Damaged?

You might see dirt building up or signs of damage like cracks, rust, or fading colour. Some panels may also make less electricity than others, especially if you can check each panel’s performance separately.

What Causes Solar Panel Damage or Dirt Buildup

• Airborne pollutants from nearby construction or traffic
  
• Bird droppings and debris from nearby trees
  
• Storm events like hail or strong winds cracking or loosening panels
  
• Age-related wear and poor initial installation
  

Best Practices to Clean and Protect Your Panels

• Clean with non-abrasive materials and soft detergents, or hire professionals
  
• Schedule twice-yearly inspections for structural integrity and performance
  
• Install critter guards or mesh to reduce pest interference
  
• Replace or reseal cracked panels to maintain efficiency
  
  

Solar panel maintenance at least twice a year can prevent most of these issues. Bright Spark Group offers solar panel cleaning services tailored to your location and setup. 

For Queensland residents, a government checklist also highlights how often to inspect and clean your system.

4. Seeing Inconsistent Power or Electrical Issues?

You might notice your system producing power unevenly, shutting down, or giving off a burning smell. There could also be signs of electrical sparks around junction boxes, scorch marks, or loose wires.

What Leads to Solar Wiring or Connection Failures

• Rodents chewing on exposed cabling or nesting inside inverters
  
• Moisture entering junction boxes during storms
  
• Poor installation, leaving wires exposed to UV and weather damage
  
• Loose or degrading connectors over time
  

How to Fix Faulty Solar Wiring Safely

• Schedule a full inspection by a licensed solar electrician
  
• Replace damaged cables with UV and rodent-resistant alternatives
  
• Waterproof all enclosures and install conduit where needed
  
• Tighten and test all connections to avoid energy loss or fire risk
  
  

DIY repairs on wiring can be dangerous. Always call a professional. Bright Spark Group specialises in solar electrical repairs and ensures all connections meet safety standards.

5. Having Trouble With Your Solar Battery Storage?

Your batteries might not hold a charge, drain too quickly, or get too hot. You might also lose backup power during outages. Your energy monitor could show unusual charging or discharging patterns.

Why Your Solar Battery Might Be Letting You Down

• Incorrect charging cycles or inverter settings
  
• Environmental heat damaging battery performance
  
• Old or degraded battery cells past their usable lifespan
  
• Misconfigured battery management systems
  

Proven Ways to Boost Solar Battery Life and Performance

• Have your technician assess system settings and energy use profile
  
• Upgrade to modern lithium batteries with higher efficiency
  
• Relocate batteries to ventilated, weather-protected areas
  
• Add monitoring tools to track charging and discharging activity
  
  

Not all solar systems have batteries. But if you do, regular servicing is key. Bright Spark Group can install, maintain, and upgrade solar battery storage systems to keep your backup power reliable. 

For more guidance on keeping your solar and battery system safe and efficient, the Queensland Government provides detailed information on Battery safety and maintenance.

How to Stay Ahead of Common Solar Problems

Preventing solar system problems is all about regular care, early detection, and professional servicing.

What You Can Do:

• Schedule yearly inspections by qualified technicians
  
• Clean your panels regularly
  
• Install a monitoring system for real-time updates
  
• Act quickly on warning signs like error messages or performance drops
  
• Keep your panels clear of shade or overgrowth
  

What Professionals Can Offer:

• Detailed system diagnostics
  
• Safe and thorough repairs
  
• Expert advice on upgrades and optimisation
  
• Compliance checks and safety reviews
  
• Post-installation support and reporting
  
  

Bright Spark Group offers tailored maintenance plans for homes and businesses to ensure your system stays reliable and efficient year-round. You can also reference this official solar maintenance checklist to stay on top of regular system care.

Ready to Keep Your Solar System Running Smoothly?

Solar energy is a long-term investment that offers great benefits. But it’s important to keep an eye on common solar problems to get the most out of your system. Whether it’s inverter errors, lower power output, or battery issues, there are simple solutions and experts who can help.

A well-maintained solar system provides energy savings and peace of mind. Don’t wait until problems impact your power supply. Get in touch with our expert team to schedule a service or consultation today.

Contact us today for reliable solar, electrical, or air conditioning solutions.

FAQ: 5 Most Common Solar System Problems And How to Fix Them