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Reviewed by Elena Volkova — Senior Editorial Reviewer — Electrical, Smart Home & Appliances

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Solar panels producing less power than expected: call a electrician — or fix it yourself

When your solar panels generate noticeably less electricity than their rated output — your electricity bill creeps up, the monitoring app shows declining production, or you're producing far less than neighbors with similar systems — the cause is usually one of a few fixable issues. Dirty panels (dust, pollen, bird droppings, tree sap) can cut output by 15–25%. Partial shading from a tree that grew since installation can drop an entire string's production. A failing inverter — the component that converts DC from panels to AC for your home — is the most common hardware failure, typically after 10–15 years. Loose or corroded wiring connections degrade over time and reduce current flow. A licensed solar electrician can diagnose the issue with monitoring data, visual inspection, and electrical testing, then clean panels, replace the inverter ($1,500–$3,500), trim shading, or repair wiring. Most residential solar systems carry 25-year panel warranties and 10–15-year inverter warranties — check before paying out of pocket.

Is this your problem?

Symptoms to look for

  1. 01

    Monitoring app shows a steady decline in daily kWh production over weeks or months

  2. 02

    Electricity bill has increased despite no change in usage or rate

  3. 03

    One or more panels show zero or near-zero output in the monitoring dashboard

  4. 04

    Visible dirt, bird droppings, or leaf debris covering panel surfaces

  5. 05

    Inverter displays an error code or its status light is red or off

Who to call

Electrician

A solar electrician tests string voltages and currents, finds the failed optimizer, connector or diode, replaces an inverter under warranty, and arranges canopy trimming where a tree now shades the array.

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Fix it yourself

How to fix solar panels producing less power than expected

Solar panels producing less power than expected

easy 30–90 min

Tools: the monitoring app, binoculars, garden hose with a soft-brush attachment on a pole, phone camera · Materials: deionised or plain water — no detergent

Steps

  1. Compare like with like in the monitoring app: this month against the same month last year, and a clear-sky day against a clear-sky day; cloud and season explain most 'declines'.
  2. Look at per-panel or per-string data if the app shows it — one panel or one string at zero while the rest are normal points at a connector, an optimizer or shading, not the whole system.
  3. Check the inverter: a green light and a live display are fine; a red light, an error code or a blank screen means it has stopped, and the code is what the installer needs.
  4. From the ground with binoculars, look for droppings, leaves, pollen film or a branch that has grown into the sun path since installation.
  5. Rinse the panels early in the morning with plain water and a soft brush on a pole, from the ground only; never spray cold water on hot glass at midday and never climb the roof.
  6. Check the warranty before paying for anything: panels usually 25 years, inverters 10–15, workmanship shorter — a failed inverter inside its term costs a phone call, not a part.

Stop and call a pro if

  • the inverter shows a fault, is silent or the DC disconnect has tripped — that is licensed electrical work
  • output has halved with clean, unshaded panels
  • there are scorch marks, discoloured cells or a broken panel
  • cleaning would mean getting on the roof

What a pro does that you can't

A solar electrician tests string voltages and currents, finds the failed optimizer, connector or diode, replaces an inverter under warranty, and arranges canopy trimming where a tree now shades the array.

DIY cost: $0–30 for a pole brush

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Who should I call for: Solar panels producing less power than expected?

Call a licensed electrician. Electricians have the specialized training, tools, and insurance to diagnose solar panels producing less power than expected safely and stand behind the fix. Most offer free quotes and can visit the same day or the next.

Can I fix this myself?

Often, yes: the guide above has 6 steps (easy, 30–90 min, $0–30 for a pole brush). Stop and call a electrician if the inverter shows a fault, is silent or the DC disconnect has tripped — that is licensed electrical work.

How fast can a pro come out?

Most electricians offer same-day or next-day visits for non-emergency issues. True emergencies (burst pipes, gas smell, no heat in winter) are typically handled within 1–4 hours.

How much does it cost to fix?

Costs vary by severity and your location. Submit a free quote request to get real pricing from local pros in your area.

What are the signs of: Solar panels producing less power than expected?

Monitoring app shows a steady decline in daily kWh production over weeks or months. Electricity bill has increased despite no change in usage or rate. One or more panels show zero or near-zero output in the monitoring dashboard. Visible dirt, bird droppings, or leaf debris covering panel surfaces. Inverter displays an error code or its status light is red or off.

Who to call

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