Solar System Not Working? Australian Troubleshooting Guide

The Troubleshooting Framework

When your solar system isn't generating expected output, work through this framework before calling an electrician:

1. Check the basics (disconnects, weather, dirty panels)
2. Review monitoring app for error codes or data
3. Inspect physical equipment for obvious damage
4. Check inverter display for warnings
5. Test DC and AC circuit breakers
6. Call your installer if nothing obvious is wrong

Most problems are simple (dirty panels, shade changes, weather) and cheap to fix. Some require professional diagnosis.

Check the Basics First

Is it dark? Solar panels don't generate electricity at night. If it's evening or early morning, zero output is normal.

Is it raining or heavily overcast? Cloud cover reduces output by 50-80% depending on cloud density. System might be working fine but output is naturally low.

Is it recently installed? Sometimes new systems aren't properly activated. Check whether AC and DC disconnects are in "on" position (small switches, usually near the inverter).

Did something change? New tree growth, new building shade, new fence? Shading changes cause output drops.

Are panels dirty? Visible dust, pollen, or bird droppings? Dirty panels generate 5-25% less power depending on dirt amount.

These basics account for 80% of "not working" complaints and require no electrician.

Monitoring App: Your Diagnostic Tool

Your monitoring app shows real-time generation, cumulative generation, and sometimes error codes. Different inverters have different apps:

• Fronius app: Shows real-time AC output, daily total, cumulative total, sometimes DC input data
• Enphase Enlighten: Shows panel-level output (if using microinverters), system total, alerts
• SolarEdge: Shows optimiser-level data, system output, alerts
• SMA: Shows generation data, sometimes system efficiency

Open the app and look for:

1. Real-time output: Should match weather conditions. On a clear 10am day, output should be 50-80% of system size. On overcast, 10-30%.
2. Error codes or alerts: Red warning signs mean something's wrong. Different manufacturers use different codes. Google the specific code and manufacturer name.
3. System efficiency: Rarely below 70%. If below 60%, something's wrong.
4. Missing data: If you see gaps (missing data for 2+ hours), communication between inverter and monitoring server might be broken.

Most monitoring apps let you see weekly, monthly, and yearly trends. Compare today's generation to similar-weather days recently. If today is 30% lower than similar days, investigation is warranted.

Inverter Error Codes: What They Mean

Fronius inverter codes:

• "Overvoltage DC": DC voltage too high, usually a string fault. Call electrician.
• "Grid voltage too high": Network voltage out of spec. Contact your network operator.
• "No feed-in": Inverter isn't communicating with grid. Check AC disconnect switch.

Enphase codes:

• "Unreachable": Microinverter isn't communicating with gateway. Check WiFi or network connection.
• "Production Loss": Panel underperforming. Could be shading, dirt, or microinverter failure.

SolarEdge codes:

• "Mains Supply Failure": Inverter lost AC supply. Check your main AC breaker. Could also be network issue.
• "Isolation Fault": Safety issue in DC circuit. Call electrician immediately.

Google your specific error code and inverter brand for exact meaning. Most codes are informational, some require electrician attention.

Physical Inspection

Walk around your system and look for:

• Visible cracks or damage to panels: Microcracking is hard to see, but large cracks are visible. Take a photo and contact your installer.
• Loose fasteners or racking movement: Racking should be rigid. If it moves, something's loose.
• Water pooling or moisture inside the panel glass: Indicates seal failure, requiring panel replacement.
• Burnt-looking components: Discolouration on inverter or wiring could indicate overheating. Call electrician.
• Chewed cables: Cockatoo or possum damage. Need protective wrapping.
• Animals nesting in or around the system: Remove the nest if safe, or call a professional.

Document any damage with photos for warranty claims.

Checking Circuit Breakers and Disconnects

Most solar systems have DC and AC disconnects/breakers:

DC disconnect: Usually a small switch or breaker near the inverter, controlling power from panels to inverter. Should be in "on" position. If it's off, flip it on and check whether system starts generating.

AC disconnect: Usually a small switch near the inverter, controlling power from inverter to house. Should be in "on" position. If it's off, flip it on.

House main breaker: If you're getting zero output, check your main house breaker hasn't tripped. If it has, flip it back and check whether solar system works.

After flipping any breakers, give the inverter 5 minutes to start up and begin generating. Inverters take time to boot and synchronise with the grid.

Shade Changes: Hidden Problem

New shade from tree growth, new construction, or seasonal changes can cause sudden output drops. If output dropped 20%+ recently:

• Check the roof for new shade at different times of day
• Walk around your house and look for new obstacles
• Consider seasonal effects (winter sun is lower, might cast shade that isn't there in summer)

If shade is the problem, solutions depend on the obstruction. Tree trimming might help (though you need permission from the tree owner). If new construction caused it, there's not much you can do without legal action.

Temperature Considerations

Australian summer heat reduces panel output. On a 45°C day, your panels might be 65-70°C and generating 10-20% less than on a 25°C day. That's normal and unavoidable.

If system output is consistent with heat patterns (lower on hot days, higher on cool days), no problem. If output is low even on cool days, something else is wrong.

Microcracking and Performance

Micro-cracks in panel silicon are invisible but reduce output. They develop from:

• Manufacturing defects (should be caught early)
• Impact damage (hail, tree branch)
• Thermal stress (extreme heat cycling)
• Improper installation

If panels are under warranty and output is consistently 10-20% lower than expected, contact your installer to arrange testing. They can diagnose micro-cracking with electrical testing.

When to Call Your Installer

Call your installer if:

• Output is consistently 20%+ lower than expected after checking basics
• Inverter shows error codes you can't resolve
• You see physical damage to panels or wiring
• AC or DC breakers keep tripping
• System won't start generating even after unplugging and replugging
• Monitoring app shows no communication with inverter

Describe what you've already checked and what the inverter is displaying. That helps them diagnose remotely before visiting.

Warranty and Diagnostics

Most installers offer free diagnostic visits within warranty period (usually 10 years installation warranty). If your system isn't working properly, your installer should diagnose the issue.

If panels are failing, that's typically a manufacturer warranty issue (covered by panel manufacturer, not your installer). Document generation loss and performance history.

If inverter is failing, that's manufacturer warranty (usually 10 years). Your installer can help with warranty claims.

Common "Not Working" Diagnoses

"I'm generating less than expected": Usually dirty panels (5-25% loss), shade changes (20%+ loss), or heat (10-20% loss on hot days). Check all three.

"No output at all": Usually AC breaker off, DC breaker off, or night. Check disconnects and time of day first. If still zero during daylight, call electrician.

"Output dropped suddenly": Usually shade change, dirty panels, or weather. If none of those apply, could be equipment failure.

"Monitoring app shows error code": Google it. Many codes are minor and self-resolve. Some require electrician.

Prevention vs Cure

Most problems are preventable with:

• Regular cleaning (2-4x yearly)
• Annual professional inspection
• Monitoring app checks (weekly)
• Prompt action on error codes

A $300-400 annual inspection catches problems early and prevents expensive failures.

Getting Your System Working

Solar systems are genuinely reliable, but problems do happen. Work through the troubleshooting steps, check the obvious issues, and call professionals if you're not comfortable.

Most Australian homes with quality installers get 25+ years of reliable operation with minimal maintenance. Problems, when they occur, are usually easy to fix once diagnosed.

Learn about regular maintenance to prevent issues

Understand panel cleaning's effect on output

Explore common heat and performance issues