Solar Panel Services — Installation, Repair & Maintenance

Solar panels produce up to 600V DC that cannot be switched off while the sun is shining. Current as low as 75 milliamps across the heart is lethal, and arc flash from improper DC connections can cause severe burns. Faulty wiring and loose connections account for nearly 25% of all PV-related fires. A licensed solar electrician has the training, PPE, and tools to work safely on energized systems. Typical diagnostic and repair runs $100–$500. Safety tip: never touch exposed wiring or open junction boxes on a solar system, even on cloudy days.

A sharp production drop indicates a failed inverter, severed wiring, or multiple panel failures — all of which involve high-voltage DC circuits. DIY troubleshooting risks electrocution and can void your warranty. A professional will use thermal imaging and IV curve tracers to pinpoint the fault without damaging equipment. Diagnostic cost runs $150–$350. What goes wrong with DIY: homeowners damage weatherproof seals, void panel warranties, or create ground faults that become fire hazards. Safety tip: check your monitoring app first and report error codes to your installer.

Hail, wind, or debris can crack panels, loosen mounting hardware, and compromise roof waterproofing. Damaged panels may have exposed wiring carrying lethal DC voltage. Walking on a storm-damaged roof with compromised racking creates fall and electrocution hazards. Professional repair costs $250–$1,700 depending on damage extent. DIY attempts often worsen roof leaks and void both solar and roofing warranties. Safety tip: if panels are visibly cracked or displaced after a storm, keep everyone away and call your installer immediately.

Inverter failures stop all energy production and may indicate dangerous ground faults or arc faults in the system. Modern inverters shut down specifically to prevent fires — bypassing safety shutdowns is extremely dangerous. Replacement costs $1,000–$3,000 for string inverters or $150–$500 per microinverter, often covered under warranty (most have 10–25 year coverage). DIY inverter swaps can create code violations and void manufacturer warranties. Safety tip: note the exact error code and contact your installer or the inverter manufacturer’s support line.

Solar racking penetrates the roof membrane with lag bolts sealed by flashing. Failed seals cause leaks that damage decking, insulation, and interior finishes. Fixing requires removing panels (high-voltage DC hazard), resealing or replacing flashing, and reinstalling the array. Professional panel removal and reinstallation costs $2,800–$5,900. DIY removal risks electrocution, panel breakage ($200–$400 per panel), and further roof damage. Safety tip: place a bucket under the leak and call a solar-certified roofer — regular roofers may not know how to handle energized panels.