MonitoringMarch 1, 20256 min read
Are My Solar Panels Working? 5 Signs They're Not
Most homeowners have no idea their solar panels are underperforming. Here are the warning signs you're losing money every month.
Expert guides on monitoring your solar investment, catching problems early, and making sure you get every dollar of savings you were promised.
Written by Rich, founder of SolarDoctor · 20 years in the solar industry
Most homeowners have no idea their solar panels are underperforming. Here are the warning signs you're losing money every month.
Over 100 solar companies filed for bankruptcy in 2024. If your installer is gone, here's how to keep your system running and monitored.
A homeowner-friendly guide to every SolarEdge inverter error code, what they mean, and what to do about them.
Your system size, location, and time of year all affect production. Here's how to calculate if you're getting what you paid for.
Dirty panels can lose 5-25% of their output. We break down when cleaning makes financial sense and when it doesn't.
Inverter apps show you data. SolarDoctor tells you what that data means. Here's how they differ.
An isolation fault on your SolarEdge inverter means electricity is leaking where it shouldn't be. Here's what causes it and what to do.
An arc fault is one of the most serious SolarEdge errors — it means electrical arcing that could cause a fire. Here's what to do.
If your SolarEdge monitoring shows optimizers offline or communication errors, your system may be losing production. Here's how to fix it.
A DC overvoltage error means the voltage from your panels is too high for your inverter. Here's what causes it and whether you should worry.
AC voltage errors on your SolarEdge inverter usually point to a problem with your utility grid, not your solar system. Here's what to know.
An over-temperature error means your SolarEdge inverter is running too hot. Usually it's a ventilation issue — here's how to fix it.
A ground fault or RCD error on your SolarEdge inverter is a critical safety alert. Don't reset it — here's what to do instead.
If your SolarEdge inverter shows 'Night Mode' during the day, something is preventing it from starting. Here are the most likely causes.
A relay fault means your SolarEdge inverter has a hardware problem that prevents it from safely connecting to the grid. Here's what to know.
A rapid shutdown error means your SolarEdge system's safety mechanism isn't working properly. Here's what to check.
If your Enphase monitoring shows microinverters offline, it's usually a communication problem — not a hardware failure. Here's how to fix it.
Getting 'AC Voltage Out of Range' alerts from your Enphase system? The problem is usually your utility grid, not your solar panels.
A GFI (ground fault) alert on your Enphase system means electricity is leaking to ground. Here's what it means and how to address it.
An over-temperature alert means your Enphase microinverter is throttling output due to heat. Here's what's normal and what's not.
A 'DC Too Low' error usually means low light conditions, but if it happens during sunny weather, there may be a real problem.
The 'DC Resistance Low - Power Off' alert is Enphase's most serious fault. Your microinverter detected dangerous insulation breakdown.
If your Enphase system shows 'No Grid' or 'Grid Lost,' your microinverters can't detect a valid electrical grid to export power to.
If your Enphase Gateway (Envoy) has lost internet connection, you lose monitoring visibility — but your panels are probably still producing.
The LED light on your Enphase microinverter tells you everything about its status. Here's how to decode green, orange, and red lights.
An AC frequency error means your local grid's electrical frequency has drifted outside safe limits. Here's why it happens.
Your solar panels should be generating electricity, but your monitoring app shows zero output. Learn the most common causes and how to fix them.
TroubleshootingYou lost power to the grid, but expected your solar panels to keep working. Here's why grid-tied systems shut down during outages and what you can do about it.
TroubleshootingWinter reduces solar production significantly. Learn what's normal, how snow affects output, and what you can actually do about it.
Solar BasicsClouds reduce solar production, but how much is normal? Learn realistic expectations and when cloudy-day performance indicates a problem.
TroubleshootingYour inverter is the heart of your solar system. When it keeps shutting down, here's how to diagnose why and get it back online.
TroubleshootingAll panels degrade slightly over time, but if output is dropping faster than expected, something else is wrong. Learn the difference.
TroubleshootingNo data in your monitoring app? Troubleshoot connectivity, gateway issues, and firmware problems.
TroubleshootingYour system was supposed to produce 25 kWh daily but only makes 15. Learn how to calculate expected output and find the problem.
Solar BasicsYou installed solar to eliminate your electric bill, but it's still high. Learn about net metering, TOU rates, and system underproduction.
TroubleshootingYou found a visible crack, dent, or damage on a solar panel. Here's what it means and what to do.
TroubleshootingOne of your SolarEdge optimizers is offline. Learn what that means, how it affects production, and how to fix it.
TroubleshootingOne of your Enphase microinverters is offline. Learn what that means for your system and how to get it fixed.
TroubleshootingYour solar panels are making sounds. Learn what's normal, what's concerning, and when to call a professional.
TroubleshootingThermal imaging revealed hot spots on your panels. Learn what causes them and when they're a safety issue.
TroubleshootingYour solar breaker keeps tripping. Learn the causes and when it's a safety issue vs a configuration problem.
TroubleshootingTrees shade your solar panels. Learn how much shading is acceptable and when trimming is worth it.
Solar BasicsNet metering is how your utility credits solar exports. Understand the process to maximize your savings.
Solar BasicsYour monitoring app shows confusing numbers and graphs. Learn what each metric means and what to watch for.
Solar BasicsDirty panels reduce production. Learn when cleaning is worth it and the right way to do it.
Solar BasicsYour solar panels will outlive most roof materials. Learn what to expect over 25, 40, and 50 years.
Solar BasicsShould you add a battery to your solar system or stay grid-tied? Understand the trade-offs.
If your solar panels produce less energy than expected, it's usually one of a few common causes. Learn how to diagnose the problem and fix it.
MonitoringYour monitoring app shows you data, but how do you know if your panels are actually performing well? Here's how to run a real performance check.
EducationSolar panels lose 0.7-0.8% of efficiency annually. Understand normal degradation vs. early failures and how to measure your own panels.
MonitoringA proper solar health check covers 10+ critical system components. Learn what gets checked, how often, and when DIY isn't enough.
ComparisonNot all monitoring apps are equal. Compare SolarEdge, Enphase, SolarDoctor, Solar Analytics, and Sense to find the right one for your needs.
TroubleshootingZero production on sunny days? This emergency troubleshooting guide walks you through diagnosis in 5 minutes, so you know whether to call a technician.
Solar OrphansYour installer disappeared but your warranty is still valid. Learn what's covered, how to file claims, and what to do if the manufacturer won't pay.
EducationProduction varies dramatically by state due to sunshine hours and climate. Use this state-by-state breakdown to calculate your expected monthly output.
Having issues with your specific solar installer? Find troubleshooting guides tailored to your system.
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