Solar power systems are essential for farms, homes, and businesses across the Western Cape — especially in off-grid and rural areas. But even well-installed systems can develop faults that reduce performance, damage components, or cause outages.
At FarmTech Engineer, we help farm owners and rural clients identify, fix, and prevent solar problems before they become expensive failures.
Common Signs Your Solar System Has a Problem
- Battery not charging fully or discharging too fast
- Inverter shuts off or displays error codes
- Low power output from panels
- No power during the day
- Burnt smells or melted wiring near fuses or breakers
Top 6 Causes of Solar System Problems
1. Dirty or Damaged Panels
Dust, bird droppings, or cracked glass reduce panel efficiency. Clean panels every few months and inspect for damage after storms or hail.
2. Loose or Corroded Connections
DC and AC wires, terminals, and lugs must be tight and clean. Moisture or vibration can cause arcing or voltage drops.
3. Faulty Charge Controller
If the controller isn’t regulating voltage correctly, batteries can be undercharged or overcharged — both reduce battery life.
4. Inverter Failure
Inverters often display fault codes (like “low battery” or “overload”). Always check wiring, fuses, and battery voltage before replacing an inverter.
5. Battery Bank Issues
Old or mismatched batteries can drag the system down. Look for:
- Swollen or leaking battery cases
- Uneven voltage readings
- Fast drain under small loads
6. Poor Grounding or Surge Protection
Without proper earthing and surge arrestors, systems can be damaged by lightning or grid spikes — especially in rural areas.
Our Troubleshooting Process
- Inspect all visible components (panels, wires, fuses, etc.)
- Check panel output, controller input/output, and battery voltage
- Use a thermal camera (if needed) to detect heat faults or internal issues
- Provide a repair or replacement recommendation
- Offer a system upgrade plan (if components are outdated)
Preventative Maintenance Tips
- Clean panels every 3–6 months
- Check cable tightness and insulation once a year
- Log inverter messages or warnings
- Cycle deep-cycle batteries correctly
- Add lightning protection and earth spikes if not already in place
Book a Solar Health Check
If you’re based in Heidelberg, Swellendam, Riversdale or surrounding areas, we offer affordable call-outs and diagnostics.
Call or WhatsApp: +27 67 069 6251
Email: Support
Website: maintenance