At MPV Solar, we are committed to providing high-quality solar energy solutions that maximise efficiency, durability, and long-term savings. While solar panels are robust and reliable, they can encounter some common issues that, if unaddressed, may reduce your system’s performance and lifespan. Understanding these problems and knowing how MPV Solar’s expert team can assist you ensures your solar investment remains efficient and problem-free.
In this article, we’ll explore the typical challenges faced by solar panel owners and highlight how MPV Solar’s services and products are designed to help you prevent or quickly resolve these issues.
Dirt, Dust, and Debris Buildup
The Issue:
One of the most frequent yet preventable problems is the accumulation of dirt, dust, leaves, and bird droppings on your panels. This buildup blocks sunlight, diminishing energy output.
How MPV Solar Can Help:
Our team recommends regular cleaning schedules tailored to your location and environmental conditions. We offer professional cleaning services utilising safe, effective methods that preserve panel integrity.
Shading and Obstructions
The Issue:
Shadows from trees, buildings, or seasonal foliage can significantly reduce your system’s efficiency, especially if not properly accounted for during installation.
How MPV Solar Ensures Optimal Performance:
MPV Solar’s site assessment experts perform comprehensive shading analysis before installation, ensuring your panels are positioned for maximum sunlight exposure throughout the year. We also recommend strategic trimming of nearby vegetation and choosing panel orientations that minimise shading. For challenging sites, our advanced micro-inverters and power optimisers optimise each panel’s output, mitigating shading effects.
Physical Damage to Panels
The Issue:
Weather events such as hailstorms, falling branches, or impacts from debris can crack or damage solar panels.
How MPV Solar Addresses This:
Our panels are selected from top manufacturers known for their durability and weather resistance. During installation, we ensure panels are securely mounted to withstand environmental stresses. Should damage occur, our warranty-backed services guarantee prompt repair or replacement, minimising downtime and protecting your investment.
Hot Spots and High-Temperature Effects
The Issue:
Uneven heating under intense sunlight can lead to hot spots, which damage panels over time and decrease overall efficiency.
How MPV Solar Ensures Reliability:
We install panels with excellent temperature coefficients and provide proper ventilation solutions to dissipate heat. Our performance monitoring systems can alert you to unusual temperature-related issues so corrective action can be taken early, extending your panels’ lifespan.
Wiring and Connection Problems
The Issue:
Corrosion, loose connections, or damaged wiring can interrupt power flow and cause performance drops.
How MPV Solar Prevents & Fixes Wiring Issues:
Our certified technicians carefully install all wiring and connections using weather-resistant materials. We also conduct regular inspections, and if any issues are detected, we provide professional repairs ensuring continued system integrity and safety.
Inverter Failures
The Issue:
Inverters are vital for converting solar energy into usable power. Failures or malfunctions can reduce your system’s output or cause complete shutdowns.
How MPV Solar Supports You:
We supply high-quality, reliable inverters with extended warranties and integrate monitoring technology that warns you of any operational issues. Our maintenance plans include inverter checks, and when replacements are needed, our team ensures swift, professional upgrades to keep your system running smoothly.
Natural Degradation Over Time
The Issue:
All solar panels degrade gradually, typically losing about 0.5% efficiency annually.
How MPV Solar Maximizes Longevity:
Choosing panels with longer warranties and proven durability is key. MPV Solar offers panels from reputable manufacturers with long-term performance guarantees. We also continue monitoring your system’s output, ensuring any unexpected declines are addressed promptly.
Why Choose MPV Solar for Your Solar Maintenance and Installation?
- Expert Assessments: We provide personalised site analysis to prevent shading, damage risks, and inefficiencies.
- Quality Parts & Reputable Brands: Our panels and components are selected for durability, efficiency, and resilience.
- Professional & Accredited Installation: With years of experience, our technicians ensure secure, optimal setup.
- Ongoing Support & Aftercare Service: MPV Solar offers maintenance plans, cleaning services, and quick repairs, aiming to keep your system operating at peak performance.
- Advanced Monitoring: Our systems allow real-time performance tracking, so issues are caught early. Learn more.
Your solar energy system is a valuable long-term investment. MPV Solar is dedicated to helping you protect and optimise that investment through expert installation, regular maintenance, and prompt repairs. By understanding common panel problems and choosing a trusted partner like MPV Solar, you ensure your solar system remains operating efficiently and at peak performance.

MPV Solar – The trusted choice
A proven industry leader
33
YRS
YEARS IN SOLAR solutions
5471
+
COMPLETED PROJECTS
15
+
DEDICATED SOLAR STAFF
100
%
family owned & operated
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FAQs about common solar panel problems Solar Panels
Your questions about common solar panels problems answered.
Why are my solar panels not producing enough electricity?
This could be due to shading, dirt or debris on the panels, inverter issues, or damage to the panels themselves. Regular cleaning and inspections can help identify and resolve these issues.
What causes a decrease in solar panel efficiency over time?
Over time, panels can experience a reduction in efficiency due to wear and tear, dirt accumulation, or potential micro-cracks in the cells. Some degradation is normal, but significant loss may require repairs or replacements.
How can I tell if my solar panels are damaged?
Signs include visible cracks or discolouration, a drop in power output, or unexpected system errors. Conducting regular inspections and monitoring system performance helps detect damage early. Learn more about the importance of solar system monitoring
Why is my inverter continuously turning off or showing errors?
Inverter issues can be caused by electrical faults, overheating, or firmware problems. Ensuring proper ventilation and contacting a technician for troubleshooting can resolve these issues. Learn more about MPV inverter repairs
What should I do if my solar panels are producing less energy than expected?
Check for shading issues, cleanliness, and system settings. If problems persist, consult a professional like MPV Solar for a thorough inspection or potential repairs.
Can weather conditions damage my solar panels?
Extreme weather like hail, heavy snow, or high winds can cause physical damage. Most panels are designed to withstand weather, but severe conditions may necessitate inspections or replacements afterward. Learn more about how weather can affect your solar system
How often should I have my solar system inspected or maintained?
Regular maintenance is recommended annually or biannually to ensure optimal performance and to catch potential issues early.


MPV Solar is committed to providing industry-leading solar energy solutions across Sydney, backed by a proven track record of successfully completing over 5,000 projects. As a family-owned business, we prioritise personalised service and truly value our clients, ensuring that each system is tailored to meet your unique energy needs.
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Get in Touch
MPV Solar
Unit 3, 43-51 College St,
Gladesville NSW 2111
info@mpvgroup.com.au
(02) 9817 0333
Monday – Friday
8:30 – 5:00pm