LEARNING CENTER
Chapter 4: Solar Maintenance & Troubleshooting

When to Call a Professional for Solar Repairs

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Solar systems are built to last—but like any home technology, there may come a time when something needs repair. While many routine tasks like monitoring and basic cleaning can be handled on your own, some issues should only be handled by trained professionals. In this lesson, we’ll help you recognize the red flags and give you peace of mind about what’s normal, what’s not, and when to pick up the phone.

At SolarShip, we don’t pressure you into unnecessary service. We just want to help you stay safe, protect your system, and know who to trust if something goes wrong—even if we’re not the ones who installed it.

IN THIS LESSON

7 Signs You Should Call a Pro

Cracked or Broken Solar Panels

  • Panels are extremely durable, but impacts from hail or heavy debris can cause visible cracks.

  • A cracked panel may still produce energy, but it can compromise system safety and efficiency—and should be evaluated quickly.

Burning Smell or Sparking

  • If you ever smell burning plastic or see sparking near your electrical box or inverter, shut the system down immediately and call a professional.

  • While rare, electrical faults can happen—don’t risk it.

Significant Drop in Energy Output

  • If your solar monitoring app shows a major, sustained dip in production and you’ve ruled out shade or debris, something deeper may be wrong.

  • Could be a failing inverter, a wiring issue, or a panel malfunction.

Inverter Warning Lights or Error Codes

  • Inverters are the heart of your system. If they display blinking lights, error messages, or shut down entirely, call a technician.

  • Attempting to repair or reset complex inverter issues on your own can void warranties or cause further damage.

Exposed or Damaged Wiring

  • Never attempt to fix exposed or disconnected electrical lines yourself.

  • If you notice loose cables, corrosion, or animal damage, call a licensed solar electrician right away.

You’ve Tried Troubleshooting—But Nothing’s Working

  • If you’ve cleaned your panels, rebooted your monitoring system, and still can’t identify the issue, that’s your cue.

  • There’s no shame in getting help—in fact, it can save you time, money, and frustration.

Why It’s Worth Calling a Pro

  • Protect your warranty by letting certified technicians do the work

  • Stay safe—solar systems carry high voltage and shouldn’t be DIY’d beyond surface-level maintenance

  • Get peace of mind with a professional inspection and repair

  • We don’t upsell—we just want your system to work like it should

"Just because you can Google it, doesn’t mean you should climb a roof with a wrench.”— Everyone who’s ever called us after trying to fix it themselves

Need a Hand? Call Us Before You Climb

We’re here to support you—not sell you something you don’t need. If you’re unsure whether your system needs repair, we’ll give you honest, pressure-free guidance.
➡️ Book a system evaluation or speak to a SolarShip advisor today. It might just save you time—and your roof.