Common Solar Service Problems and How to Fix Them
Solar energy systems are engineered for long-term performance. However, like any technology-driven solution, they may occasionally experience service-related issues. These challenges are not necessarily indicators of poor product quality; instead, they often arise due to environmental conditions, installation practices, usage patterns, or delayed maintenance.
For both residential and commercial users, timely identification and resolution of service issues is essential to maintaining system efficiency, reliability, and return on investment. Understanding common service problems and knowing how to address them helps minimize downtime, prevent avoidable losses, and ensure uninterrupted system operation.
In this blog, we outline the most common service issues encountered in solar and energy storage systems, their causes, practical corrective actions, and how a strong after-sales support framework ensures efficient resolution.
Why Service issues occur in Solar Systems?
Solar power systems have been designed for reliable operation over many years. However, they function in real-world environments where external factors can influence performance.
Dust accumulation, high ambient temperatures, humidity, and grid voltage fluctuations can impact components such as inverters, batteries, and communication modules. Changes in energy consumption patterns, shading conditions, or internet connectivity may also affect system output. In some cases, installation or commissioning parameters may not be fully optimized, contributing to operational challenges.
The positive reality is that most solar service issues are predictable and manageable. When identified early through monitoring, regular inspections, or timely service intervention, they can be resolved quickly without affecting system efficiency or long-term returns.
Common Solar Service Problems and How to fix them?
1. Reduced Solar Power Generation
Symptoms: Daily energy production drops significantly compared to historical averages, despite similar weather conditions.
Common Causes:
Accumulated dust or dirt on panels reducing light transmission by 15–25%
Shading from new construction, tree growth, or debris
Normal panel degradation (0.5–0.8% annually), accelerated by defects
Inverter efficiency loss or MPPT malfunction
Degraded wiring connections increasing electrical resistance
Basic Corrective Actions:
Clean solar panels using soft brushes or squeegees with plain water
Inspect the site throughout the day for new shading sources
Review monitoring data and compare current output with historical performance
When to Contact Service Support: If generation drops exceed 15% after cleaning, if visible panel damage is present, if entire panel strings are non-functional, or if electrical connection issues are suspected, professional inspection is recommended.
2. Inverter Not Powering On
Symptoms: The inverter display remains blank; indicator lights are off, and the system produces no output despite adequate sunlight.
Common Causes:
Tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse on the DC or AC side
Loose or disconnected wiring
Insufficient DC voltage during early morning or late evening hours
Grid voltage outside permissible limits
Internal inverter component failure
Basic Corrective Actions:
Check DC and AC circuit breakers and ensure they are in the ON position
Inspect visible wiring connections for looseness or corrosion
Verify that solar panels are generating sufficient DC voltage using the monitoring system
When to Contact Service Support: If breakers trip repeatedly, visible component damage is observed, the inverter fails to start despite adequate input voltage, or if electrical troubleshooting is not safe to perform, professional service support should be contacted immediately.
3. Battery Not Charging
Symptoms: Battery voltage remains low despite sufficient solar generation or grid availability.
Common Causes:
Blown fuse in the charging circuit
Loose or corroded battery terminals
Reverse polarity connections
Charge controller malfunction
Deep discharge triggering battery protection mode
Basic Corrective Actions:
Inspect and clean battery terminals using appropriate safety procedures
Check and replace blown fuses with identical ratings
Verify correct polarity using a multimeter
When to Contact Service Support: If charging does not resume after basic checks, if controller failure is suspected, or if batteries are deeply discharged beyond recovery thresholds, professional service intervention is required.
4. Monitoring App or Wi-Fi Connectivity Issues
Symptoms: The monitoring application displays offline status or fails to show real-time data, while the inverter continues operating normally.
Basic Corrective Actions:
Restart the inverter to reset the communication module
Check Wi-Fi signal strength at the inverter location
Verify router settings and confirm password accuracy
Update the monitoring application to the latest version
When to Contact Service Support: Persistent connectivity issues, damaged communication modules, or reconfiguration requirements should be handled by technical support teams.
Solving Problems before they occur
Preventive maintenance significantly reduces the likelihood of service issues and improves long-term system performance.
Recommended practices include:
Quarterly visual inspections of inverters and batteries
Semi-annual panel cleaning (more frequently in dusty areas)
Monthly electrolyte checks for lead-acid batteries
Weekly monitoring data review to establish performance baselines
Annual professional system inspections
Regular firmware updates for inverters and monitoring devices
How Eastman Simplifies Problem Resolution
While many basic issues can be resolved independently, certain problems require professional expertise. Eastman has developed one of India’s most comprehensive after-sales service ecosystems to ensure fast, reliable, and effective support.
A. Extensive Service Network
Eastman’s service infrastructure spans across India, ensuring prompt assistance in metros, tier-2, and tier-3 locations. With 1,750+ trained field service engineers, customers benefit from reduced response times and consistent service quality nationwide.
B. Self-Help and Technical Education Resources
Eastman offers a rich library of self-help videos, expert tutorials, installation guides, and technical master classes through its digital platforms and YouTube channels. These resources enable customers to troubleshoot confidently and better understand system operations.
C. Multi-Channel Support Access
Customers can reach Eastman through multiple service channels:
Eastman Assure: Service Portal for after-sales support
24/7 Call Center: Toll-free support at 1800 419 8610
WhatsApp Support: Share images and details for faster diagnosis
AI-Powered Chatbot: Instant responses to common queries
Web Portal: Structured service requests via the Eastman Assure platform
D. Advanced Digital Monitoring
Eastman One monitoring applications for GTI Solar inverters provide continuous system health tracking, real-time alerts, and performance insights, allowing early intervention before minor issues escalate.
Conclusion
Service issues are a natural part of operating solar and energy storage systems. What truly matters is how efficiently these issues are identified and resolved.
By understanding common service challenges and taking appropriate corrective actions, system owners can maintain consistent performance and maximize long-term returns. Choosing manufacturers like Eastman, who have invested deeply in service infrastructure, digital tools, and skilled manpower, ensures that professional assistance is always accessible when needed.
With structured processes, proactive monitoring, and nationwide service reach, Eastman demonstrates how strong after-sales support plays a vital role in system reliability, customer satisfaction, and long-term success.
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FAQ’s
Q. Are service issues common in solar systems?
A. Minor issues may occur due to environmental or operational factors, but most are easily manageable with timely support.
Q. How can solar system problems be detected early?
A. Remote monitoring tools and regular system checks to help identify issues at an early stage.
Q. Does delayed service affect solar system performance?
A. Yes. Delayed intervention can lead to extended downtime and reduced energy generation.
Q. Should all service issues be handled by professionals?
A. Basic issues can be addressed using self-help resources, but technical faults should always be handled by authorized service teams.
Q. Does Eastman provide structured service support?
A. Yes. Eastman offers digital service platforms, trained engineers, and comprehensive PAN-India service coverage.
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