Common Solar Panel Problems and How to Fix Them

Published: 23 Sep, 2025 | By Solar

The world has changed and people have started to realise that solar panels are one of the best ways to save on electricity bills and enjoy reliable power at home. And that is the reason why more and more families in India are now choosing solar panels for home because they are very cost effective, eco friendly, long lasting and much much more reliable. But every good thing has a bad side, and for solar panels, it's them being machines, that means even they are not problem free.

You may have wondered: “What are the problems of solar panels?” or “How to fix solar panel problems at home?” The good news is that most issues are small, and with the right servicing or a little care, they can be fixed easily.

In this article, we’ll explain the major problems solar panels face in India, the reasons behind them, and simple solutions you can try.

What Are the Problems of Solar Panels?

Before we get into solutions, let’s look at the most common solar panel problems people face:

• Dust, Dirt, and Bird Droppings
• Shading from Trees or Buildings
• Cracks or Physical Damage
• Water Leakage or Moisture
• Loose Wiring and Corrosion
• Inverter Issues
• Hot Spots on Panels
• Drop in Electricity Output
• High Maintenance Neglect
• Aging of the System

Now let’s go step by step to understand these problems and their solutions.

1. Dust, Dirt, and Bird Droppings

The Problem

In Indian cities and villages, dust settles quickly on surfaces. Add bird droppings and dry leaves, and your solar panels may not get enough sunlight. This reduces efficiency by up to 20%.

How to Fix at Home

• Wash the panels gently with clean water once every 2–3 weeks.
• Avoid using soap or harsh chemicals.
• If the roof is too high, call a professional for safe cleaning.

2. Shading from Trees or Buildings

The Problem

Solar panels need direct sunlight. If a new tree grows tall or a building is constructed nearby, shadows can reduce your power generation.

How to Fix at Home

• Trim nearby trees to reduce shadows.
• If shading is permanent, consult your installer about adjusting the angle or adding more panels.

3. Cracks or Physical Damage

The Problem

Any thing with a force can crack your panels, hail storms, or maybe just a ball that kids were playing with, and in that case even a small crack can let water get inside and damage solar cells.

How to Fix at Home

• See, honestly, cracks cannot be fixed at home. So what you need to do is…
• If you notice a crack, immediately call a trusted company, because replacing the panel may be required.

4. Water Leakage or Moisture

The Problem

After heavy rains, sometimes water gets into the panel frame or wiring. Moisture inside the system can cause short circuits or rust.

How to Fix at Home

• Always check your panels after the rainy season.
• If you notice water inside, do not try to open the panel yourself. Call an expert for resealing or replacement.

5. Loose Wiring and Corrosion

The Problem

As the time goes by, the wiring connections might not hold up and get loose, they might get rusted and it is very common in coastal cities. It can be very dangerous.

How to Fix at Home

• Switch off the system and do a quick visual check once in a while.
• If you notice loose or rusted wires, call a technician. Do not try to rewire yourself unless you have electrical training.

6. Inverter Issues

The Problem

The inverter is the “brain” of your solar system. If it shows red lights, error codes, or makes unusual noise, your solar panels may not be sending power properly.

How to Fix at Home

• Restart the inverter once to check if the error clears.
• If not, note down the error code and call your service provider.

7. Hot Spots on Panels

The Problem

Sometimes, small areas of the panel get overheated, called “hot spots.” They usually occur due to dirt, cracks, or internal cell issues. Hot spots reduce performance and can even damage the panel permanently.

How to Fix at Home

• Keep panels clean to avoid this problem.
• If hot spots still appear, the panel may need servicing or replacement.

8. Drop in Electricity Output

The Problem

If you see a sudden fall in electricity generation even though the sunlight is the same, your system is facing some issue, maybe dirt, wiring, or panel aging.

How to Fix at Home

• Compare your current output with past months.
• Check for dirt or shadows first.
• If everything looks fine, call a service expert for a full check-up.

9. High Maintenance Neglect

The Problem

Many people think solar panels don’t need any servicing. That’s not true. Without regular care, performance keeps dropping silently.

How to Fix at Home

• Schedule at least one professional maintenance visit every year.
• Regularly clean panels and check inverter display.

10. Aging of the System

The Problem

Solar panels last 20–25 years, but their efficiency slowly decreases with age. After 10–15 years, you may notice a lower generation.

How to Fix at Home

• Old panels cannot be “fixed.” But you can add new panels or upgrade your system for better performance.

How to Fix Solar Panel Problems at Home – Quick Checklist

Here’s a simple do-it-yourself checklist for homeowners:

• Clean panels with water every few weeks.
• Trim trees or objects that cast shadows.
• Check for visible cracks or damage.
• Keep an eye on your monthly electricity bill.
• Look at the inverter, green light is good, red means call a technician.
• Book professional servicing once a year.

Buying Reliable Solar Panels for Fewer Problems

One of the best ways to avoid common issues is to invest in good quality panels and proper installation from the start. Cheap or poor-quality systems often face more problems.

If you are planning to buy solar panels or looking for solar panels for home, check with trusted companies like Spectra Solar Power.

Spectra Solar Power offers:

• On-grid solar systems for homes and businesses.
• High-quality, durable panels that face Indian weather conditions.
• Affordable servicing and support after installation.
• Guidance on solar system price and solar panel for home price in India so you get the right fit for your budget.

Conclusion

Solar panels are the best thing that could ever happen for your house. Solar panels save you money, they reduce your electricity bills, they increase your house’s value, they are eco friendly and are even reliable. But at the end they are also machines and machines also face problems from time to time.

And the most common solar panel problems include dust, shading, cracks, water leakage, inverter issues and them getting old. Some of these like dust and shading can be fixed by yourself at home, like cleaning dust or trimming trees for shading. But others like cracks or wiring issues need professional servicing.

And with the right care and support from trusted companies like Spectra Solar Power, your solar system will keep working smoothly for decades. Whether you want to buy solar panels, check the solar system price, or compare the solar panel for home price in India, spectra can guide you in every step of the way.

Take care of your solar panels, and they will take care of your family’s energy needs for years to come.