Why is my solar system not producing enough power?
Solar Energy Adelaide
A well designed solar system that is tailored to your electricity needs should be cutting your electricity bills by 60-90%, even more if you have a battery.
But if your solar system is not performing as expected, you may be asking, “Why are my solar panels producing less energy?” or “Is there something wrong with my solar system?”
In this article, we will explore the most common issues that affect poor solar panel performance and how these problems can be fixed.
With over 10 years of experience, we at Solar Energy Adelaide have seen every type of solar system issue—whether it is solar panel degradation, undersized solar systems or inverter faults. Our goal is to restore your solar system to its full potential, helping you get back to saving on electricity costs as quickly as possible.
Let’s look at the top reasons why your solar system might not be delivering the energy savings you expected.
What could be wrong with my solar system?
There are three common reasons why your solar panels might not be producing enough energy for your home:
1. Your solar system is too small to power your home.
Many homes in Adelaide have solar systems that were installed 10 to 15 years ago during the first “solar boom”. During this time solar technology was far more expensive. As a result, most homeowners could only afford smaller systems, often around 1.5kw – 3 kW. Today, the average solar system size ranges from 6 to 20 kW, making older, smaller systems inadequate in meeting modern energy needs.
Another situation that arises frequently is where a person or family purchases a new home that has an existing solar system, but this system wasn’t designed for them and their electricity needs.
If your household has grown or you’ve moved into a home with an undersized system, it may not be sufficient to meet your energy needs, especially if the previous owners had different energy consumption habits.
If you have a solar system that is not covering your electricity bills, a simple energy assessment can reveal whether it is time to expand your system or upgrade it to meet your current and future electricity demands.
2. Your solar panel’s ability to convert sunshine into electricity has decreased over time.
Solar panels are designed to last for over 25 years, but like anything exposed to the elements, they degrade over time.
Older panels, especially those installed 10-15 years ago, degrade at a higher rate—about 1%- 1.5% annually. This means that if your system is a decade old, it could be operating at just 85% of its original output.
In contrast, modern solar panels degrade much slower, at a rate of only 0.5% per year. So even after 25-30 years they still able to perform at an impressive 80-88% efficiency.
If you notice your system producing less energy than before, panel degradation could be the cause.
3. Your solar system or solar inverter has a fault.
Your solar inverter is a critical component of your solar system. It converts the sunlight into usable energy for your home. If your inverter is faulty, your solar panels may be generating energy, but your home won’t be able to use it.
Common issues requiring solar inverter repairs include blown fuses, internal malfunctions, or complete inverter failure. Sometimes, a simple repair is all that’s needed. In other cases, a full replacement might be necessary.
Other faults which can impact the performance of your solar system include malfunctioning control panels, worn out terminals, corrosion in panels or electrical faults.
It is important to note that these faults can not only affect the performance of your solar system but can also pose a fire risk danger. Therefore, it is crucial to have your system inspected as soon as possible.
What can I do if I think my solar system is not working properly?
If you’ve received a higher-than-expected electricity bill despite having solar panels, it’s crucial to have your system inspected by a solar electrician as soon as possible.
Ignoring potential issues will result in continued underperformance, leading to greater financial loss.
At Solar Energy Adelaide, we offer comprehensive solar system inspections. Our qualified solar electricians will examine your panels, inverter, and wiring using advanced techniques like thermal imaging and resistance testing to identify any solar system faults.
Once the inspection is complete, we provide tailored solutions that may include:
- Solar panel repairs or panel replacements.
- Inverter repairs or replacements.
- Solar component replacements.
- Solar warranty claims.
- Existing solar system upgrades.
- Full solar system replacements.
Solar Energy Adelaide for Expert Solar Power Repairs
With over 10 years of experience, we’ve seen every type of solar system issue—whether it’s solar panel degradation, undersized systems or inverter faults. Our goal is to restore your solar system to its full potential, helping you get back to saving on electricity costs.
If you suspect that your solar system isn’t performing as it should, don’t wait.
Contact us to book a solar inspection and our expert team will ensure your system is operating at peak efficiency.
For local solar support and to get your solar system producing more energy today get in touch with Solar Energy Adelaide.
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Adelaide metro and surrounding suburbs including Glenelg, McLaren Vale, Morphett Vale, Seaford, Victor Harbor, Aldinga, Normanville, Mt Barker, Bridgewater and more.
Solar systems tailored for your home or business
Solar power has become a staple for South Aussie homes and businesses. With rising electricity costs, solar installation offers long term savings and financial security with minimal maintenance and solar rebates available.
Solar batteries
Ready to gain energy independence? Dreaming of a day with a $0 power bill? With a solar battery for your home or business, you can store your excess energy and use it when you need it most.
Solar battery have become more affordable in recent years and can even be added to most existing solar systems.
Solar inspections and repairs
Worried your solar system is underperforming? If your solar system is not covering between 60-90% of your energy needs there is likely a problem that needs attention.
Our skilled technicians handle all aspects of solar system care, including solar panel repairs, solar inverter repairs and solar warranty assistance.