Solar systems are designed to work seamlessly and independently, so it isn’t always obvious when something isn’t working the way it should.
If you have a hunch your system isn’t working correctly, here’s how to troubleshoot your solar panels at home and when to call in professional help. My Generation Energy offers solar panel maintenance and repair services for systems across Massachusetts, even if we didn’t install your original system.
How to Troubleshoot Your Solar Panels
You may have already taken some of these easy, self-guided steps, but it is worth covering all the bases from square one:
1. Check your solar monitoring app
Most modern systems include an online monitoring portal or app from the inverter or microinverter manufacturer. Look at your production on a clear, sunny day. If it’s unusually low or showing repeated errors, your system is not working as it should.
2. Look at the lights on your inverter
If your system has a visible inverter, it often uses lights or a small display to indicate status. If the inverter shows a yellow light, red light, or error code, don’t attempt to open or repair it yourself; make a note of the code and contact a solar professional.
3. Compare your recent electric bills
One of the easiest ways to see if your solar panels are working is to look at your electric bill. A sudden, unexplained increase in utility costs can indicate your solar system is not producing as expected.
4. Do a visual inspection from the ground
From a safe vantage point, look for physical damage, or if snow or debris is not clearing on its own. It’s best to call a qualified solar maintenance company rather than climbing on your roof and trying to fix it yourself.
When to Call for Professional Solar Repair
Attempting DIY electrical work on a solar system can be dangerous and even void your warranty, so it’s a good idea to bring in an experienced solar company for anything beyond basic monitoring and visual checks.
It’s time to call the professional solar technicians at My Generation Energy if:
- Your monitoring app shows repeated fault codes, error messages, or no activity.
- The inverter light is red or flashing during the day, or the display shows an error.
- Your system’s daily production has dropped sharply compared to past months, without a clear weather‑related reason.
- You see visible panel or wiring damage, or hear unusual noises from the inverter equipment.
My Generation Energy: Your Long-Term Solar Partner in Massachusetts
Whether your system was installed last year or a decade ago, our team can help you keep it running at peak performance. We’ll work on your system, even if we didn’t install it! Our team provides solar panel maintenance and repair services across Cape Cod and the Islands, the South Shore, the South Coast, and Greater Boston
Here’s what you can expect from My Generation Energy when your system is struggling:
- A review of your monitoring data and utility bills to check performance trends.
- On‑site inspection of panels, inverters, and wiring to identify problems.
- Clear explanations of what we find and straightforward repair recommendations.
