From the boroughs of New York City to the rolling hills of the Hudson Valley, solar energy is transforming how New Yorkers power their homes. But whether you're in Brooklyn, Buffalo, or the Finger Lakes, New York's climate can put your solar panels to the test.

Your solar system requires regular maintenance to operate efficiently in various conditions, including snow, storms, fluctuating temperatures, and urban environments with wildlife. Here are the top 5 signs your solar panels might need repair in New York and why it's critical to act fast.

1. Reduced Solar Output Without Weather Explanation

If your solar production drops off unexpectedly, it's a red flag. New York experiences intense sun in spring and fall, so poor performance during these seasons is likely indicative of an issue.
Common Causes in New York:

Partial shading from tall city buildings or trees
Inverter or microinverter issues
Panel soiling from pollen, pollution, or snow residue
Aging equipment (especially if the system is over 5–7 years old)

What to Do: Check your solar monitoring app or system logs. If your output is below average, book a diagnostic with a New York solar repair expert immediately.

2. Damage from Snow, Ice, or Strong Winds

New York winters can be brutal. Heavy snowfall and ice accumulation can damage your panels or mounting hardware. Winds from nor'easters or summer storms may dislodge panels or loosen electrical connections.

Signs to Look For:

Cracked or misaligned panels
Ice dams are forming near the mounting brackets
Racking bent or out of place
Panels slipping on steep roofs

What to Do: Avoid climbing up yourself. Schedule a post-storm inspection with a qualified technician who is familiar with New York building codes and various roof types.

3. Inverter Warnings or Malfunctions

If your inverter is flashing warning lights, displaying error codes, or has stopped converting energy, the system may be partially or completely down.

Causes in NY Homes:

Corrosion from salted air (especially near Long Island or NYC)
Moisture seeping in from freeze/thaw cycles
Short circuits from rodent or bird damage

What to Do: Contact a licensed solar repair company to inspect your inverter and surrounding electrical components. DIY fixes can be risky and may void your warranty.

4. Higher Electric Bills with No Change in Usage

If you've noticed an uptick in your utility bill but you're not using more power, your solar system might be failing silently.
Possible Explanations:

Panel degradation
Snow or leaf coverage
Animal damage to cabling
Malfunctioning microinverters (common in multi-panel urban setups)

What to Do: Compare your bill to last year's at the same time. If your solar contribution has dropped significantly, consider having a professional conduct a comprehensive system performance check.

5. Rodent, Bird, or Squirrel Damage

In New York's urban and suburban areas, animals can wreak havoc under your solar panels. Birds love nesting beneath arrays, and squirrels often chew on exposed wiring.
Signs of Critter Damage:

Chewed insulation or disconnected wires
Nests or feathers under panels
Sudden drops in performance without weather events
Tripping circuit breakers

What to Do: Let the professionals handle it. We offer critter guard installation throughout New York to keep animals out and protect your system.

Why Timely Solar Repairs Are Crucial in New York

Whether you're dealing with urban snowstorms or leafy upstate tree cover, ignoring system issues will ultimately cost you money. Timely repairs will:

Restore full solar production
Extend your system's lifespan
Prevent voided warranties
Improve your ROI on solar investment

Trusted Solar Repair in New York

At Solar Repair Maintenance, we offer expert solar panel repair and maintenance services throughout New York State, including New York City, Long Island, Albany, Buffalo, Rochester, and the Hudson Valley.

Our services include:

Solar diagnostics and performance testing
Inverter replacement and wiring repair
Storm damage assessments
Seasonal and preventative maintenance
Critter guard installation

Don't ignore the signs. Schedule your inspection today and ensure your solar system is delivering the energy savings you deserve.

Call (732) 860-4627 or request a quote online. We're New York's go-to team for solar panel repairs and system protection.

Top 5 Signs Your Solar Panels Need Repair in New York