Your solar system is 5+ years old — here’s what to check
A&R Solar residential install in Milwaukie, OR
Solar panels are remarkably low-maintenance, but they aren’t “set it and forget it.” If your solar system is five years old or more, a few quick checks can help you catch small issues early and keep your savings on track.
Key takeaways
- A quick monthly check of your inverter and production app is the easiest way to confirm your system is healthy.
- Physical issues like debris buildup or discolored cells can often be spotted from the ground without a ladder.
- Comparing your current monthly kilowatt-hour (kWh) production to previous years helps identify gradual performance dips.
- Safety first: Always call a professional for electrical testing or if you notice frayed wiring or loose mounting hardware.
What to look for during a visual inspection
You do not need to climb onto your roof to get a good sense of your system’s health. For most residential 7 kW to 10 kW systems, a pair of binoculars or a clear view from a second-story window is enough.
Start by looking for “hot spots” or discoloration. Brownish tints on the blue or black cells can indicate internal electrical issues.
Then check for physical obstructions. In the Pacific Northwest, it is common for fallen leaves, pine needles, or even bird nesting materials to collect around arrays. While rain helps, a heavy layer of grime can reduce efficiency by 5% to 10%.
Also keep an eye out for cracks in the glass. While rare, hail or a stray branch can cause damage that lets moisture into the laminate over time.
How to know if your inverter is working correctly
Your inverter is the “brain” of your solar array. It converts DC power from your roof into the AC power your home uses.
Most modern residential installations include a monitoring app. This is your first line of defense. If the app shows a “Communication Error” or production is flat on a sunny day, it is time to check the physical unit.
Many wall-mounted inverters have simple LED indicators:
- A solid green light usually means everything is functioning normally.
- A blinking red or orange light often indicates a fault code.
If you see an error message, write it down. Sometimes a simple “power cycle” (following the manufacturer’s instructions) can clear a glitch. If the error returns, it is best to schedule a technician to review the internal circuitry or string voltages.
When a production dip becomes a problem
Solar production naturally changes with the seasons. A cloudy March in the PNW will yield less energy than a clear July.
The most useful comparison is year-over-year. Compare your current month to the same month last year. For example, if your 8 kW system produced 900 kWh last June but only 600 kWh this June with similar weather, you may have a dead string or a faulty microinverter.
Beyond the numbers, take a quick look at the hardware holding the system together. Solar racking is designed to last 25+ years, but things can loosen or shift.
Call a professional if you notice:
- Wires hanging down and touching the roof surface.
- Loose mounting hardware.
- Frequent animal activity under the array (animals chewing wires is a major cause of residential faults).
Keeping your investment secure
Maintaining your solar system is mostly about being an observant homeowner. If you spend ten minutes once a month reviewing your production app and walking your property perimeter to look at the roofline, you will protect the ROI of your investment.
Next step: Open your monitoring app today and compare last month’s total production to the same month last year. If you see a dip of more than 15% that is not explained by the weather, it may be time for a professional solar “health check.”