Greer Resident's Guide to Solar Troubleshooting

Have you noticed your solar system isn't producing as much energy as usual? Before calling for professional help, there are several things you can check yourself to identify common issues and potentially solve minor problems.

Most solar system problems fall into a few categories, and many can be spotted by homeowners who know what to look for. Here's your guide to basic solar troubleshooting in Greer.

Dirty panels are the most frequent cause of reduced performance. Dust, pollen, leaves, and bird droppings can significantly impact energy production, especially during Greer's heavy pollen seasons.

Shading problems can develop over time as trees grow or new structures are built nearby. Even small amounts of shade can dramatically reduce a solar panel's output.

Inverter issues are another common problem. Your inverter converts the DC power from panels to AC power for your home, and when it fails, your entire system stops working.

Monitoring system problems can make it seem like your panels aren't working when they actually are. Check your monitoring app or website to see if it's showing current data.

Start by looking at your monitoring system or app. Compare your current production to previous months or the same time last year. A significant drop suggests a problem that needs attention.

Check your electric bill to see if your usage from the grid has increased unexpectedly. This can indicate your solar system isn't producing its normal amount of power.

Look at your inverter display if it has one. Most inverters show current production levels and will display error codes if something's wrong.

Walk around your property and visually inspect your panels. Look for obvious damage, accumulated debris, or new sources of shade that weren't there before.

Electrical issues should never be DIY projects. If your system has stopped working completely, shows error codes you don't understand, or you smell burning or see sparks, call professionals immediately.

Physical damage to panels, mounting hardware, or wiring requires expert repair. Don't attempt to fix cracked panels, loose connections, or damaged components yourself.

Performance problems that cleaning doesn't solve usually indicate internal issues that need professional diagnosis. If your system is clean but still underperforming, it's time for expert help.

Any safety concerns should prompt immediate professional service. Solar systems involve high voltages that can be dangerous to work with.

Greer's tree-lined neighborhoods mean seasonal shading changes as leaves grow and fall. What looks like a system problem in summer might just be normal seasonal variation from increased tree coverage.

Our area's humidity can promote faster accumulation of dirt and organic growth on panels. Regular cleaning becomes more important here than in drier climates.

Greer's occasional severe weather can cause subtle damage that isn't immediately obvious. After major storms, it's worth having your system inspected even if it appears to be working normally.

The region's pollen seasons can coat panels quickly, causing temporary but significant performance drops. Understanding this pattern helps you know when cleaning is most needed.

Prime Solar Services has been helping Greer homeowners troubleshoot and maintain their solar systems for over 10 years. Our team understands local conditions and can quickly identify whether your system issues require professional attention. We offer complete troubleshooting and maintenance services and can help with everything from simple cleaning to panel removal and reinstallation during roof work.

Need help diagnosing your solar system problems? Call us at (864) 357-7043 to schedule a professional evaluation and get your system back to optimal performance.