1. Increase in electricity bill

If you notice a sudden increase in your electricity bill or if your electricity bills never decrease after installation, it could be a sign that your solar panels are not working properly. Although you can expect your electricity bill to fluctuate from month to month, over time you should notice a decrease in your electricity bill thanks to your solar panels. So if you notice a costly increase, it’s best to check the entire panel system.

Additionally, if you never see a decrease in your electricity bills, that’s also a good sign that the panels weren’t installed correctly in the first place. Monitoring your electricity bills carefully is a great way to spot problems early and save money in the long run. If you are concerned, contact your solar installation company to come check it out.

2. Inverter showing red or orange light

If your solar panel system’s inverter shows a red or orange light, don’t ignore it. These lights alert you that there is a problem somewhere in your panel system. The inverter is responsible for converting the direct current (DC) electricity generated by the solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity, which you can then use in your home. A red or orange light on the inverter indicates that there is a problem in the system, such as with the panels, wiring, or inverter.

Ignoring the warning sign could lead to more costly problems in your system’s performance. This means that not only could you end up paying more for your monthly electricity bill, but it could also cost you more in repairs. Again, contact your solar company if you see this red light.

3. Weather and production don’t mix

Pay close attention to weather reports in your area, as keeping an eye on the weather can tell you a lot about the performance of your solar panel. On sunny days and clear skies, you should have optimal energy production as the panels can efficiently convert sunlight into electricity. However, if you notice a consistent trend of low energy production on sunny days, it’s a good indication that your solar panels are not working efficiently.

Cloudy or overcast days and extreme weather events like storms or heavy snow can disrupt energy production. You will probably notice a reduction in energy production, but usually not a complete reduction. Monitoring the performance of your solar panel system in different weather conditions can help you identify any potential problems.

4. The solar meter does not increase

Your solar meter should provide alerts or readings that let you know if your panels are not working as they should. Check the solar meter’s kilowatt-hour totals, which measure the energy produced by your solar panels. If the total kilowatt hours increase, the panels work. However, if the number stays the same, decreases, or only increases slightly, there may be a problem. You should also be able to compare solar meter readings to previous periods. Be sure to monitor your solar meter regularly for any increases or decreases in energy production.