Common reasons why your solar panels aren’t producing enough power
System Not Installed Properly
Inexperienced installers (and those who aren’t electricians) are known to make errors. For example, installing to a below industry standard or not being trained correctly in the best install practices. Conversely, we are CEC licensed and are also experienced enough to put pre-existing issues from other providers right.
Poor Positioning
Panels that are poorly positioned can dramatically reduce energy output. Solar panels should be positioned where they will get the least amount of shade. In Australia, the best panel orientation is due north, although east and west orientations also have their advantages. Ideal pitch and orientation will differ according to the exact location.
Circuit Breaker Issues
If your circuit breaker is tripping, it could be a problem in control circuitry (often the case when the system shuts down at a high level of input power). However, there are many other potential causes. We can perform a diagnosis to locate the issue(s).
Obstruction By Nearby Objects
Has a tree grown substantially since installation? Or is some other structure (like a new multi-story adjoining building) blocking the sun’s rays? This can heavily decrease your power output. The solution here is to remove the obstructions, wherever possible.
Cracks, Scratches and Debris
Debris (leaves, sticks and dirt) can build up under/on your solar panels. If left unchecked, this can result in problems like performance loss. Microfractures/microcracks can arise from weather conditions eg. large sized hailstones. Physical damage, which can also happen due to poor installation/cleaning, e.g. standing on panels, can benefit from a performance check.
Uninvited Inhabitants
Unwelcome inhabitants, such as possums and pigeons, may be the cause of a solar system which is underperforming or is no longer working. Chewed cables and obstructive nests can easily spell a recipe for disaster. We can offer solutions to help keep these types of animals at bay, allowing your system to function at its peak performance.
System Not Installed Properly
Inexperienced installers (and those who aren’t electricians) are known to make errors. For example, installing to a below industry standard or not being trained correctly in the best install practices. Conversely, we are CEC licensed and are also experienced enough to put pre-existing issues from other providers right.
Poor Positioning
Panels that are poorly positioned can dramatically reduce energy output. Solar panels should be positioned where they will get the least amount of shade. In Australia, the best panel orientation is due north, although east and west orientations also have their advantages. Ideal pitch and orientation will differ according to the exact location.
Circuit Breaker Issues
If your circuit breaker is tripping, it could be a problem in control circuitry (often the case when the system shuts down at a high level of input power). However, there are many other potential causes. We can perform a diagnosis to locate the issue(s).
Obstruction By Nearby Objects
Has a tree grown substantially since installation? Or is some other structure (like a new multi-story adjoining building) blocking the sun’s rays? This can heavily decrease your power output. The solution here is to remove the obstructions, wherever possible.
Cracks, Scratches and Debris
Debris (leaves, sticks and dirt) can build up under/on your solar panels. If left unchecked, this can result in problems like performance loss. Microfractures/microcracks can arise from weather conditions eg. large sized hailstones. Physical damage, which can also happen due to poor installation/cleaning, e.g. standing on panels, can benefit from a performance check.
Uninvited Inhabitants
Unwelcome inhabitants, such as possums and pigeons, may be the cause of a solar system which is underperforming or is no longer working. Chewed cables and obstructive nests can easily spell a recipe for disaster. We can offer solutions to help keep these types of animals at bay, allowing your system to function at its peak performance.
Your solar maintenance & repair questions, answered.
Are my solar panels faulty?
Solar panels can be defective but this is usually the worst-case scenario. There are many other factors that could be causing the problem. These must be investigated and systematically ruled out. Just for starters, it could also be a malfunctioning solar panel inverter, battery/faulty charge controller.
In any case, you can rely on our team to accurately diagnose the problem and perform any maintenance and repair works, as requested.
Is it my solar panel inverter?
The indicator that your inverter is working usually looks like a blinking green or yellow light. If there’s a red light or error message your inverter is switched off or disconnected from the power grid. Yet, despite what this electronic control panel indicates, you can find that your solar inverter is still malfunctioning.
How much will solar panel maintenance cost?
At Cardinal Solar, we will include your first year’s service checkup in your install.
How much does it cost to fix solar panels?
A significant investment of time is dedicated to establish issues and correct them and there is the possibility that no resolution is sought. Therefore, a nominal call-out fee is required to diagnose the problem and a quotation is provided to fix the job. However, any cost to fix solar panels will be agreed upon by you before we commence works.
Contact us for more details.
What will void my solar panel warranty?
An obvious way to void your solar warranty is to interfere with the system yourself. Don’t attempt to fix any problems yourself. This can be very dangerous and make things worse. You should only ever allow a qualified electrician with solar experience (that’s us at Cardinal Solar) to repair or replace any of your solar systems, or parts thereof.
Reach out to our team to organise solar repair.
