Solar panels are built to be durable, but they’re not indestructible. Between Texas heat, hail, windstorms, and natural wear, your panels may eventually need repairs to stay efficient. The challenge is that many signs of solar damage aren’t obvious, and homeowners often don’t realize something is wrong until their production drops.
Here’s how to know if your solar panels need repair, the signs you should watch for, and when it’s time to call a professional technician.
1. Your Energy Production Has Dropped Unexpectedly
A sudden or unexplained drop in energy production is one of the most reliable signs something is wrong.
This could be caused by:
- Faulty wiring
- A failing inverter
- Panel micro-cracks
- Buildup or shading
- Connector issues
- Storm damage
Your monitoring app is the first place you’ll notice something is off. If your numbers dip even on sunny days, repairs may be needed.
2. Your System Isn’t Showing Any Production at All
If your monitoring app displays 0 power, it usually means:
- The inverter shut down
- Wiring is damaged
- Breakers are tripped
- System communication has failed
It doesn’t always mean your panels are broken — but the issue should be checked quickly to avoid additional damage.
3. You See Physical Damage on the Panels
Sometimes the signs are easy to spot. Look for:
- Cracks
- Chips
- Cloudy or hazy glass
- Bent frames
- Burn marks
- Hotspots or dark streaks
Even small cracks can let moisture in, which affects electrical components and reduces efficiency over time.
4. A Recent Storm Hit Your Area
After hail or high winds, your system may look fine from the ground but still have damage. Weather-related issues include:
- Micro-cracks from hail impact
- Loosened mounting hardware
- Water intrusion under damaged seals
- Wiring pulled loose from strong winds
- Dislodged panels or racking
Storm damage almost always needs a professional inspection to confirm.
5. Your Inverter Is Showing Warning Lights or Error Codes
A failing inverter can make it seem like your panels are the problem. Yellow, orange, or red lights are a sign your inverter or panels need attention.
This could point to:
- Voltage fluctuations
- Overheating
- Internal failure
- Wiring issues
- Grounding problems
If you’re seeing error codes, schedule a diagnostic to find the root cause.
6. You Notice New Shading That Wasn’t There Before
Shading can dramatically reduce output — even if only part of one panel is shaded.
New shading may come from:
- Tree growth
- New structures
- Rooftop debris
- Storm-damaged branches
Sometimes the panels are fine, but the shade causes what looks like a performance issue. Shading problems can also lead to hotspots that eventually damage the panel.
7. Your Breakers Keep Tripping
Repeated tripping is a sign of:
- Wiring faults
- Ground issues
- Overheating
- Inverter instability
- Panel-related electrical problems
This is a safety concern and should be inspected quickly by a licensed solar technician.
8. You Hear Buzzing, Clicking, or Humming Near the System
Solar systems should operate quietly. If you hear unusual sounds, they may be coming from:
- Worn electrical components
- Loose wiring
- Failing inverter parts
- Overheating circuits
Any electrical noise is a clear sign something needs repair.
9. Your Panels Are Over 10–12 Years Old
Panels can last more than 25 years, but aging systems are more prone to:
- Wiring wear
- Panel discoloration
- Degraded output
- Inverter issues
- Connector corrosion
If your system is entering its second decade, annual inspections are essential to catch early repair needs.
10. You Recently Had a Roof Repair or Replacement
If the panels were detached and reinstalled — or worse, not properly handled — your system may need adjustments such as:
- Wiring corrections
- Grounding verification
- Flashing replacement
- Monitoring reconnection
Improper reinstallation is one of the most common causes of repair calls in Texas.
Common Solar Panel Issues in Texas
Texas homeowners frequently see solar issues caused by:
- Intense heat
- Sudden temperature swings
- Hail and thunderstorms
- High winds
- Dust and pollen buildup
- Wildlife nesting
- Roof damage affecting panel mounts
Regular inspections help prevent long-term problems from these conditions.
Can Solar Panels Be Repaired, or Do They Need Replacement?
It depends on the damage.
Repairs are possible for:
- Loose wiring
- Damaged connectors
- Faulty diodes
- Monitoring or inverter issues
- Minor mounting problems
- Shading-related performance loss
Replacement may be needed for:
- Major cracks
- Burn damage
- Shattered glass
- Warped frames
- Electrical shorts
- Large hotspots
A professional diagnostic will reveal the best option.
