Solar panels are built to last. But even high-quality panels slowly lose efficiency as the years pass. This natural process is called “solar degradation,” and while it happens to every system, many Texas homeowners don’t realize how much local weather and roof conditions speed it up.
If your energy production isn’t as strong as it used to be—or you want to protect your system for as long as possible—understanding why solar panels lose power over time is essential. The good news is that homeowners can significantly slow this process with the right habits, regular maintenance, and support from trained solar technicians.
This guide breaks down the real reasons panels degrade, the signs homeowners should watch for, and the steps that keep a solar system performing at its best for decades.
What Exactly Causes Solar Panels to Lose Power?
All solar panels degrade, but not all panels degrade at the same speed. Straight from the manufacturer, most panels lose about 0.5%–0.8% efficiency per year under ideal conditions.
But Texas is anything but ideal.
High heat, strong UV exposure, hail, windstorms, pollen, dust, and storm-driven debris all speed up the natural aging process.
Here are the most common reasons solar panels lose power over time—and why Texas homeowners must pay closer attention than most.
1. Extreme Heat and UV Exposure
Texas solar panels endure heat levels that exceed standard laboratory testing. Constant exposure to temperatures above 100°F causes:
- Thermal stress
- Panel expansion and contraction
- Wear on connectors
- Faster aging of internal components
- Microcracking of cells
Even when the panels look perfectly fine on the outside, the inside experiences years of accelerated wear.
And because Texas is one of the sunniest states, UV exposure is far stronger than in northern regions. UV rays slowly weaken the encapsulation and protective materials, reducing efficiency over time.
2. Microcracks From Weather and Roof Movement
Microcracks are tiny fractures in the silicon cells. They’re invisible from the ground and often invisible even when looking closely.
They can form due to:
- Hail impact
- Branches hitting the surface
- Panel shifting during windstorms
- Roof movement from temperature changes
- Older roofs sagging slightly
- Poor installation pressure
Microcracks are one of the biggest causes of long-term degradation in Texas. They start small, but over time they spread, reducing the panel’s ability to generate power efficiently.
3. Dust, Dirt, and Pollen Buildup
Texas is dusty. There’s no way around it. Between construction, dry winds, and heavy seasonal pollen, surface buildup happens constantly.
Dirty panels produce less energy because sunlight can’t reach the cells as effectively. But buildup also creates heat pockets on the panel surface, which speeds up thermal aging.
Common sources of long-term buildup include:
- Summer drought dust
- Cedar and oak pollen
- Air pollution
- Tree sap
- Bird droppings
- Rain residue and mineral spots
Dirty panels degrade faster—plain and simple.
4. Moisture Intrusion and Seasonal Humidity
Even though Texas is hot, humidity levels can be surprisingly high, especially in spring and early summer.
Moisture intrusion happens when water seeps into:
- Panel edges
- Microcracks
- Internal seal failures
- Conduit entry points
Over time, this causes internal corrosion. And inverters, wiring, and connectors are especially vulnerable when moisture gets into the system.
5. Electrical Wear and Weakening Connections
Solar panels are only part of the energy system. Wiring, connectors, and junction boxes age too—and in Texas heat, they age even faster.
Common electrical degradation signs include:
- Loose connectors
- Corroded terminals
- Discolored wiring
- Weakened conduit
- Aging inverters
- Faulty optimizers or microinverters
When these components weaken, the system produces less energy even if the panels themselves are still in good shape.
6. Poor Original Installation
This is one of the most common issues Sunaura Solar sees during repair and diagnostic visits.
If panels weren’t installed correctly from the beginning, degradation happens faster.
Problems include:
- Loose mounting hardware
- Poor grounding
- Misaligned panels
- Wire strain
- Improper spacing
- Incorrect torque on bolts
- Bad penetrations that lead to leaks under the array
Even small installation mistakes can reduce energy output year after year.
7. Storm Damage That Goes Unnoticed
Texas hailstorms and windstorms leave behind damage that’s not always obvious from the ground.
Hidden storm damage includes:
- Panel cell fractures
- Frame bending
- Loosened wiring
- Displaced conduit
- Roof shingle damage that spreads over time
- Moisture paths forming around mounts
When damage goes unaddressed, system performance slowly drops without homeowners realizing why.
Signs Your Panels Are Already Losing Power Faster Than They Should
Here are the warning signs homeowners should look for:
1. Gradual production decline
If year-over-year production drops significantly beyond what’s normal, something is wrong.
2. Hotter-than-usual panel temperatures
Hot panels are inefficient panels.
3. Frequent inverter warnings
Inverters often detect issues before you do.
4. Higher utility bills
Lower production forces your home to pull more energy from the grid.
5. Dirty-looking panels
Buildup is one of the quickest ways to speed up degradation.
6. Roof issues near the array
Weak shingles = weak solar support.
If any of these signs appear, professional diagnostics are the safest next step.
How to Slow Down Solar Degradation (What Homeowners Can Do)
Even though degradation is natural, Texas homeowners can significantly slow it down—and even recover lost efficiency—with proper care.
Here’s how to extend the life of your solar system:
1. Schedule Regular Solar Panel Cleaning
Clean panels degrade slower because dirt doesn’t trap heat or block light.
Cleaning reduces:
- Hot spots
- Thermal stress
- Structural wear
- Energy loss
- Moisture retention
Most Texas homeowners benefit from 2–3 cleanings per year.
2. Get Annual Solar Maintenance and Diagnostics
Texas weather is unpredictable. Annual professional maintenance catches:
- Early wiring wear
- Sealant failure
- Loose racking hardware
- Inverter issues
- Debris beneath the array
- Hidden roof damage
Preventive care saves homeowners far more than reactive repairs.
3. Fix Roof Problems Before They Spread
Roof issues accelerate panel degradation. Addressing:
- Loose shingles
- Water intrusion
- Sagging roof lines
- Granule loss
…helps protect the entire solar system.
4. Make Sure Monitoring Is Working
Tracking your system is essential for catching production changes early. If your monitoring app isn’t reporting correctly, that’s a problem to fix—not ignore.
When a Solar Detach & Reset Can Restore Lost Performance
A Solar Detach & Reset (D&R) is one of the most overlooked ways to fix performance issues caused by roof problems or poor installation.
Homeowners should consider a D&R when:
- Their roof needs replacement
- Panels were installed incorrectly
- Previous installers did sloppy electrical work
- Storms caused hidden roof damage
- Mounting hardware looks misaligned
- Wiring appears stressed or aged
A proper D&R restores:
- Correct panel alignment
- Safe, code-compliant wiring
- Correct racking tension
- Healthy roof penetrations
- Improved long-term efficiency
This process protects both the roof and the solar system.
Why Professional Technicians Are Essential in Texas
Solar systems in Texas face more environmental stress than those in many other states. That’s why professional technicians like Sunaura Solar are essential for:
- Safe rooftop handling
- Code-compliant electrical repairs
- Accurate diagnostics
- Roof-safe cleaning
- Long-term system protection
DIY attempts or general electricians simply can’t offer the specialized expertise required
