Should I Repair My Solar Panels? A Homeowner's Guide
If your electricity bills have been creeping up, even with sunny weather, your solar system may not be working properly. A professional solar panel repair can restore lost production and help you get the most from your investment. Before spending a lot to repair your system, consider whether it's worth the cost.
The right choice depends on the age of your system, the type of problem, and whether a solar panel repair will deliver enough benefit to justify the cost. This guide will help you weigh your options, understand common solar repair services, and decide what makes the most sense for your home, goals, and budget.
"Many homeowners invest over $10,000 in a solar system, but some don't keep up with the necessary repairs, which can slowly erode that investment,” says Patrick McCabe, co-founder and president of GreenLancer. “And since most solar systems are designed to last 25 to 30 years, even a small drop in performance early on can really add up over time, quietly draining their solar energy output month after month."
Understanding Solar Panel Problems
Even well-installed solar systems can develop issues over time that affect performance and savings. Left unresolved, these issues can reduce output, shorten equipment lifespan, and increase your electricity costs.
Common problems include:
- Failed solar inverters shut the system down
- Monitoring and communication issues
- Improper installation or configuration
- Cracked glass on solar panels from hail or debris
- Hot spots caused by shading or cell damage
- Loose wiring that interrupts the electrical flow
One of the easiest ways to catch problems early is by using your solar monitoring system. Watch for sudden drops in production, inconsistent output on sunny days, or error alerts from your inverter. If you notice unusual patterns, it may be time to schedule a professional inspection to keep your system operating at peak performance.
Factors to Consider Before Repairing
Solar repairs are often worth the cost, especially if the system is still within its expected lifespan. The age of your solar system is a key factor. If it's relatively new, fixing issues can restore years of energy production.
The extent of the damage matters too. Small problems like cracked glass on one panel or loose wiring are usually relatively inexpensive to fix and can quickly restore lost output.
Weigh the cost of solar panel repair against the potential energy savings. In most cases, the savings add up faster than you might expect.
Also, check your solar panel warranty coverage. If your system is still under warranty, many repairs could be partially or fully covered, making the decision even easier. If your solar installer has closed down or the labor warranty has run out, you might need to pay for the labor portion of the repair, but not for replacement parts.
Likewise, consider whether your homeowners' insurance covers solar panels. Many policies treat panels as part of the home, meaning storm or accident damage may be covered, helping eliminate repair or replacement costs.
Why Solar Repair Makes Sense
In many cases, repairing your solar panels is the smart choice, primarily when the fix restores performance, protects safety, or preserves your investment.
Boosting System Output
If a solar panel repair will noticeably improve your system's production, it's often worth the investment. Restoring lost output can lower your electricity bills and help you get the most from your solar installation.
Addressing Safety Hazards or Code Violations
Repairs are essential when fixing problems like loose wiring, cracked panels, or faulty inverters. These issues can create fire or shock risks, and resolving them keeps your home safe and your system compliant.
Warranty Coverage on Parts
If the needed parts are still under warranty, you might only be responsible for labor costs. Keep in mind that labor is often not covered, especially if your installer has closed or your labor warranty has expired.
Typical warranty timelines:
- Solar panels: 25-year performance warranties and 10 to 25-year product warranties, depending on the manufacturer.
- String inverters: Usually 10 to 12 years, with many companies offering extended coverage up to 20 years.
- Microinverters: Often 20 to 25 years, which can match the lifespan of your panels.
Relatively Young System
Solar systems are designed to last 25 to 30 years. If your solar system is less than twenty years old, repairs can extend its life span significantly and help you maximize your return on investment.
Environmental Benefits
Repairing panels instead of replacing them reduces waste and keeps functional equipment in service, supporting your sustainability goals. Recycling solar panels is possible but can be difficult and costly, so extending their lifespan through repairs supports your sustainability and avoids unnecessary disposal challenges.
Preparing to Sell Your Home
A fully functional solar system can increase your home's appeal to buyers and potentially boost resale value. Making repairs before listing ensures buyers see the system as an asset, not a liability.
When Repair Might Not Be Worth It
While many solar panel repairs are worth the cost, there are situations where replacement or leaving the system as-is may make more sense.
Panels Near End of Life
If your solar panels are 20 to 25 years old, they may be approaching the end of their expected lifespan. In this case, replacing the system can be more cost-effective than repairing aging components.
Severe Structural Damage
If your solar panels are damaged due to an extreme weather event or vandalism, your homeowners' insurance may cover the cost of repairs or replacing the solar panels.
Extensive damage, such as a panel frame bent beyond repair, can make replacement a better option than attempting costly fixes.
No Impact on Performance or Safety
Some cosmetic issues, like minor discoloration, don't affect output or safety. For example, a panel with light surface staining may not need immediate repair.
Solar System Repair Options
When you're deciding how to address solar panel problems, there are a few approaches to consider.
Hiring a Solar Repair Company
For most issues, especially electrical problems, failed inverters, or wiring faults, hiring a professional solar repair company is the safest and most effective choice. They can diagnose the problem accurately, source the right parts, and ensure repairs meet code.
DIY Fixes (When Safe and Allowed)
Some problems, such as solar monitoring issues or inverter firmware updates, can be addressed by following this troubleshooting guide or using information from your equipment manufacturer. Always take safety precautions, and be aware that performing certain repairs yourself can void your warranty if not done according to the manufacturer's guidelines.
Solar Repairs Are Usually Worth It
In most cases, repairing your solar panels is a smart move that restores lost production, protects your investment, and extends your system's lifespan. Unless your system is very old or repairs are extremely costly, a solar panel repair can help you get the energy savings you expected and keep your home running on clean, renewable power.
