Chapter 4: Solar Maintenance & Troubleshooting
Solar systems are incredibly reliable, but like any home system, occasional hiccups can happen. The good news? Most issues are easy to spot and even easier to solve. In this lesson, we’ll walk you through the most common solar problems, how to identify them, and when it’s time to call in support.
At SolarShip, we don’t believe in keeping you in the dark—literally or figuratively. Whether we installed your system or not, our goal is to empower you with the knowledge to keep your solar setup running strong.
IN THIS LESSON
Common Solar Issues & What to Do About Them
Sudden Drop in Energy Production
What it means: Your system isn’t producing the same amount of electricity as usual.
Possible causes:
Dirt, snow, or debris blocking panels
A blown fuse or tripped breaker
Faulty inverter or wiring issue
How to troubleshoot:
Check for visible obstructions
Review your solar monitoring app (if available)
Reset the system (if you’ve been trained on how to do so)
If unsure, contact your provider to avoid voiding your warranty
Inverter Warning Light or Error Code
What it means: There may be a system-level issue needing attention.
Possible causes:
Ground fault
Overheating
Faulty wiring
How to troubleshoot:
Record the error code/message
Don’t attempt electrical fixes yourself
Call your installer or SolarShip for diagnosis and repair
Monitoring App Not Showing Data
What it means: Your system might be working, but you can’t see what it’s doing.
Possible causes:
Wi-Fi/router connection issues
App needs updating
Inverter lost connection
How to troubleshoot:
Reboot your Wi-Fi router
Restart the monitoring app
Check inverter lights for connectivity warnings
If issues persist, contact tech support
Decreased Offset
What it means: In addition to your solar energy system, you are also using energy from the utility grid
Possible causes:
Increased energy usage, such as installing a hot tub, getting an electric vehicle, more people in the house, decreased home efficiency, wasted energy
Decreased system production, referring to a sudden drop in the production section
How to troubleshoot:
Determine why you’re using more energy, account for where your energy is going, and whether it is justified or can be reduced.
Animal Infestations
What it means: Squirrels and birds can sometimes next under panels
Possible causes:
While not common in general, houses near heavy woods or the shoreline more often have animal issues
How to troubleshoot:
Determine if installing critter guards is the right choice to stop or prevent animal problems
No Power at All
What it means: Your system is completely down
Possible causes:
Breaker tripped
Grid outage
Inverter failure
How to troubleshoot:Check your electrical panel for tripped breakers
If the grid is down, remember: grid-tied systems shut off during outages unless you have battery backup
Contact a licensed technician if breakers are fine but power is still out
Key Takeaway:
Most solar issues are simple and easy to fix, especially if you know what to look for. If you ever feel unsure or just want peace of mind, we’re here to walk you through it—with no pressure and no upsells.
Have a Question or Something Not Working? Let’s Figure It Out Together
Whether it's a blinking light on your inverter or a dip in performance, we’re happy to help—even if you didn’t go solar with us.
➡️ Reach out now for a no-cost system check or expert troubleshooting advice from the SolarShip team.