Solar energy systems are an excellent way to reduce your carbon footprint and save money on your energy bills. However, sometimes issues can arise that can impact the performance and effectiveness of your solar panels. One common issue that solar panel owners may encounter is a discrepancy in the amount of energy produced by each panel. If you notice that one of your solar panels is producing less energy than the others, here are some potential reasons and troubleshooting steps to take.
Shade
One of the most common reasons why one of your solar panels may be producing less energy than the others is due to shade. Shade from nearby trees, buildings, or other obstructions can impact the amount of sunlight that a solar panel receives. If one of your solar panels is shaded for a significant portion of the day, this can impact its energy production. To troubleshoot this issue, assess the surrounding area and consider trimming trees or removing other obstructions that may be causing shade.
Dirt or debris
Dirt, debris, or other buildup on your solar panels can also impact their energy production. Over time, dust, leaves, or other debris can accumulate on your solar panels, reducing their efficiency. To address this issue, inspect your solar panels regularly and clean them with a soft brush or sponge and water. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals, which can damage the panels.
Damaged panels
Physical damage to one or more of your solar panels can also impact their energy production. Damage can occur due to severe weather conditions, falling debris, or other external factors. If you notice any cracks, chips, or other damage to your solar panels, contact your solar installer to schedule repairs or replacements.
It is common for panels on the same roof to vary in energy generation by 10%. Many factors cause variation, such as panel direction, shading from chimneys or trees, and other obstructions. For instance:
- Solar panels are “mismatched” directly from the factory and can vary. This is normal.
- The solar panels that are being compared may not be on the same roof. In this case, they will not receive the same amount of sun each day.
- One of the panels may be obstructed or shaded for a part of the day. For example, a neighbor’s roof may shade lower panels for part of a day, or one panel may have the shadow from a vent stack come across it each day.
In any of these cases, a variation of 10% for panels on the same roof is not uncommon.
If one of your microinverters has been replaced, only the product for the new unit will be displayed. Data will be correct from the time that the new microinverter was installed, but you will no longer be able to see energy production from before the microinverter was replaced.
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Conclusion
If you notice that one of your solar panels is producing less energy than the others, there are several potential reasons why this may be happening. By assessing the surrounding area for shade, cleaning your solar panels regularly, and checking for physical damage, you can troubleshoot the issue and restore your system's efficiency. At Enlightened Solar, we are committed to helping homeowners and businesses optimize the performance of their solar energy systems. Contact us today if you need assistance troubleshooting issues with your solar panels or to learn more about our solar energy solutions.