How to Tell if Your Solar Panels Are Underperforming

Solar panels are designed to reduce energy costs and provide reliable clean power. However common issues creep in over time and systems gradually underperform without the homeowner realising it.

A homeowner who spent $45,000 learned this firsthand when 12 panels failed and the battery stopped charging, cutting their independence to 65% and driving up their bills. 

Underperforming solar panels rarely show obvious warning signs. Their decline hides in rising bills, fluctuating charts, and gradual drops in output. 

Here’s how to recognise these warning signs before they impact your investment. 

Your system produces less power than usual, even on sunny days

You open your solar monitoring app and notice your system is producing only half its normal output, even though the weather has been clear all week. Yesterday’s production graph shows 15 kWh when it normally averages 30 kWh this time of year.

This kind of drop can be caused by partial shading from new tree growth, accumulated dust or debris on the panels, or deteriorating panel efficiency from age or microcracks. A loose connection or wiring fault can limit how much current reaches the inverter, dragging down the whole system’s performance.

• Risks: You risk losing hundreds of dollars in energy savings over time while unknowingly drawing more power from the grid. Continuous underperformance can also accelerate wear on other system components as they compensate for the lower output.
• Solution: Check your monitoring data against past production levels. Schedule an inspection to look for shading, soiling, or electrical faults.

Your electricity bill doubles despite the same usage

Your power bill has doubled from $200 to $400 without any shift in your daily routines. The numbers suggest higher energy rates, but your solar system’s output charts show a clear drop despite steady sunshine.

System inefficiency and performance loss are common when solar output falls and grid use increases. A high electricity bill with solar indicates inactive panels, inverter failures, or a battery that is no longer charging fully.

Read more: https://tradienearme.com.au/how-to-tell-if-your-solar-panels-are-underperforming/