12 Signs Your Solar System Needs Repairs And What To Do Next (AZ Guide)

This blog was originally published on Sunny Energy RX.

Arizona’s sunshine should keep your production steady. If your monitoring app shows odd dips on clear days or your inverter light is anything but calm green it’s time to act. Catching issues early protects your savings, your roof, and your warranty coverage. Use this quick, copy-ready guide to spot problems, try safe checks, and decide when to call a pro.

App & Inverter Clues You Shouldn’t Ignore

• Production drops on sunny days. If output slides without clouds or seasonal changes, something’s wrong.
• Warning lights or error codes. Flashing red/amber LEDs or code readouts demand attention.
• Frequent shutdowns/restarts. Usually tied to overheating, bad fans, or voltage swings.
• Rising utility bills with similar usage. Your system may not be offsetting as it should.
• Battery not charging or backing up (if installed). Communication or inverter issues can be the culprit.

Ground-Level Visuals You Can Check Safely

• Cracked or chipped glass on any module.
• Brown spots, hazy discoloration, delamination (potential hot spots).
• Panels out of alignment, loose racking, sagging conduit.
• Exposed/chewed wiring or nesting under panels.
• Water stains or corrosion near roof penetrations or junction boxes.

Tip: Use binoculars from the yard. No ladders, no climbing visual checks only.

Stop and Call a Pro If You See Any of These

• Burning-plastic smell, arcing, loud buzzing, or rapid clicking at the inverter or roof area.
• Scorch marks near vents or electrical enclosures.
• Repeatedly tripping breakers tied to the solar system.
• Storm or hail damage visible from the ground.
• Any exposed conductors or clearly loose electrical components.

Safe DIY Triage (No Tools, No Panels Touched)

• Reboot by the book. Follow the manual’s shutdown/startup sequence (usually AC off, then DC; reverse to power up).
• Check breakers and disconnects. Make sure nothing has tripped upstream.
• Confirm monitoring connectivity. Wi-Fi drops can mimic “no production.”
• Improve airflow around the inverter. Clear stored items blocking vents; never open the casing.
• Document everything. Photos of codes, lights, and panels; note dates, temps, and recent storms.

Stop there. No tightening hardware, no electrical work keep it safe and warranty-friendly.

Why Arizona Systems Need Extra Attention

• Extreme heat: Electronics degrade faster; shade and ventilation matter.
• Dust & pollen: Fine grime bakes on glass, reducing light capture schedule cleanings.
• Monsoon winds & hail: Can shift racking, introduce moisture, or crack modules.
• Pests: Birds/rodents love the shade under arrays; install guards if activity persists.

Fixing Issues Early Pays Off

• Recover lost production before small drops become big bills.
• Prevent cascade failures (heat stress → inverter faults → extended downtime).
• Protect your roof by addressing loose hardware and compromised seals.
• Keep warranties valid with professional diagnostics, repair, and clear documentation.

Repair Roadmap (Simple and Stress-Free)

• Track trends, not single days. If performance slips for several sunny days, proceed.
• Capture codes + photos. The more detail you share, the faster the diagnosis.
• Book a professional diagnosis. Ask for repair-vs-replacement guidance, timeline, and an itemized quote.
• Lock in maintenance. Regular inspections and safe cleanings help prevent repeat issues.

FAQ Quick Hits

• Is it the inverter or the panels? Whole system down → likely inverter. A few modules lagging → panel-level hardware or specific modules.
• Can rain “clean” panels? It helps a little, but baked-on dust and droppings need safe, professional cleaning.
• How often should I schedule service? At least annually; twice yearly in dust-prone areas or after major storms.

Ready to Get Your Solar Back to Peak?

If you’re seeing error lights, production dips, or any red flags above, schedule a professional solar diagnosis and repair with Sunny Energy RX. You’ll get clear answers, safe fixes, and a plan to keep your system strong through Arizona’s toughest seasons.

Turn warning signs into steady savings book your Sunny Energy RX service today.