Categories Solar Performance

Solar System Not Producing Power?

If your solar system suddenly stops producing power, it can be hard to tell whether something is actually wrong or if production has simply dropped due to weather or seasonal changes.

Many homeowners start asking the same questions: Is my solar system working? Why is my solar system not producing? What does it mean if my solar system shows “offline”?

Understanding a few basics about how solar systems behave throughout the year can help you quickly tell the difference between normal fluctuations and a real system issue.

Quick Basics: What “Normal” Looks Like

Solar production changes with the seasons. Systems typically produce more power in summer and less in winter as daylight hours shorten. Over time, panels also lose a small amount of efficiency, usually about 0.5% per year. Your monitoring app is the best tool for tracking these trends and comparing current production with past performance.

How to Check If Your Solar System Is Not Producing Power?

Start with these easy checks:

  1. Check your monitoring app or dashboard

  2. Inspect the inverter

    • Usually located in a garage or near the panels.

    • Green lights: normal operation.

    • Red or flashing lights: possible fault.

    • A soft hum during daylight is normal.

  3. Check your utility meter and bill

    • With net metering, your meter may spin backward or show credits on sunny days.

    • Programs are regulated through agencies like the South Carolina Energy Office and the Georgia Public Service Commission.

    • Check your recent utility bills. An increase in energy usage or charges may indicate your solar system isn’t producing.

  4. Quick visual check

    • Look for dirt, debris, storm damage, or new shading from trees or buildings.

    If everything looks normal but production is lower, the drop is often seasonal rather than a system failure.

What Does “Offline” Mean?

Zero production (even on sunny days) = offline. This is serious, and call a pro. Common causes:

  • Inverter failure
  • Wiring/breaker issues
  • Grid/communication problems

Red flags: No app data for 24+ hours, error codes (e.g., “No Grid”), full reliance on utility power.

Underperforming vs. Seasonal Dip vs. True Failure

ScenarioProduction LevelCommon Causes
Seasonal Dip50–80% of peakShorter days, clouds, lower sun angle
Underperformance70–90% of expectedDirt, shading, minor inverter or panel issues
Fully Offline0%Inverter or wiring failure

Seasonal dips are normal. However, regular solar panel maintenance helps keep your system performing at its best by preventing buildup from dirt, debris, or shading that can reduce output over time. You can estimate what your system should be producing using the PVWatts Calculator.

When to Call Live Oak Energy Systems

If checks point to a problem (or you’re unsure), contact us. We specialize in diagnostics, repairs, and maintenance work. Many issues are covered under 25-year panel / 10–12-year inverter warranties. Delaying can mean lost savings or risks.

Have questions? Give us a call. We’re here to help keep your system shining!

SOLAR SYSTEM ANNUAL SERVICE AGREEMENT–PRO

This Solar System Annual Service Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into between Live Oak Energy Systems, LLC, a South Carolina limited liability company (the “Company”), and the individual or entity completing checkout (the “Owner”), for the annual maintenance and monitoring of the Solar System (“System”) located at the property address provided at checkout (“Property Address”).

SCOPE OF SERVICES

The Contractor agrees to perform one (1) comprehensive annual preventative maintenance visit to inspect the System including, but not limited to:

  • Annual System Performance Check

  • Visual System Inspection

  • Inverter Health Check

  • Energy Production Report

  • Significant Wiring & Connection Check

  • Accessible Roof Penetration & Attic Water Intrusion Inspection

  • 24/7 System Monitoring

  • 8% Discount on Repairs

EXCLUSIVE MEMBER BENEFITS

Any and all repairs or scope of work outside the maintenance included herein, if any, shall only be provided upon the execution of a Project Agreement with Company which will be provided with any quote for repairs after inspections. Company shall not be responsible for any other scope of work without the parties’ execution of a Project Agreement for that certain work. Any and all other work not outlined herein, and included in any executed Project Agreement, shall be performed in accordance with the applicable Project Agreement.

PRICING & AUTO RENEWAL

The pricing and billing frequency (Monthly or Annual) selected by Owner at checkout are incorporated into this Agreement by reference.

This Agreement is valid for a 12-month term (“Term”) commencing on the date of first payment. If Owner selects a monthly billing option, payments shall be charged on a recurring monthly basis during the Term. If Owner selects an annual billing option, payment shall be made in full at the commencement of the Term.

This Agreement shall automatically renew for successive one (1) year terms unless either party provides written notice at cancellations@liveoakenergysystems.com of non-renewal to the other party at least thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of the then-current term.

LIMITATIONS & EXCLUSIONS

Roof Integrity: This Agreement covers the solar equipment only; it does not cover the maintenance or repair of the underlying roof surface.

Force Majeure: Contractor is not responsible for damage caused by “Acts of God” (e.g., hail, lightning, extreme wind) but is available by separate agreement to assist in documentation for insurance claims.

AUTHORIZATION

The Owner agrees to provide safe access to the roof and electrical main panels during the scheduled service window.

The Owner agrees to have active internet/WiFi on-site. The site’s internet connectivity may affect certain provisions of this Agreement.

At the 1st service visit, Live Oak Energy Systems will assess the system’s ability to connect to the internet. If needed, Live Oak Energy Systems will provide a separate scope of work and Project Agreement for such connections.

ENTIRE AGREEMENT, SEVERABILITY, AND MODIFICATION

This Agreement represents and contains the entire agreement between the parties. Prior discussions or verbal representations by the parties that are not contained in this Agreement are not a part of this Agreement. All modifications to this Agreement must be made in writing and be signed by both parties to be enforceable. The determination by any court or body that any section of this Agreement is unenforceable shall have no effect on the remaining portions of this Agreement and shall be considered by both parties to be legal and binding.

APPLICABLE LAW

This Agreement is entered into under the laws of South Carolina, and the laws of this state shall apply to any actions taken under this Agreement.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

Company shall only be liable to Client for any amounts paid to Company for the Scope of Services provided herein. In no event shall Company be liable for any defects or damages that exist prior to the Scope of Work provided herein. Company shall not be liable for any pre-existing condition of the System. Any and all other work provided under a Project Agreement shall be done pursuant to that Project Agreement which will supersede this Agreement.

EXECUTION

This Agreement may be executed in separate parts or portions by facsimile, e-mail, electronic transmittal or any other form of electronic transference, but each party shall attain a fully executed copy for their records. It is understood that each Party may execute this Agreement individually, and all copies signed shall be considered one document for purposes of the parties and this Agreement.

ACCEPTANCE OF AGREEMENT

By checking the acceptance box and completing payment at checkout, the Owner acknowledges that they have read and understand this Agreement in its entirety and agree to be bound by all terms and conditions contained herein. This Agreement shall become effective upon Owner’s completion of payment. Live Oak Energy Systems, LLC is bound by this Agreement upon issuance and performance of the services described herein.

SOLAR SYSTEM ANNUAL SERVICE AGREEMENT–STARTER

This Solar System Annual Service Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into between Live Oak Energy Systems, LLC, a South Carolina limited liability company (the “Company”), and the individual or entity completing checkout (the “Owner”), for the annual maintenance and monitoring of the Solar System (“System”) located at the property address provided at checkout (“Property Address”).

SCOPE OF SERVICES

The Contractor agrees to perform one (1) comprehensive annual preventative maintenance visit to inspect the System including, but not limited to:

  • Annual System Performance Check

  • Visual System Inspection

  • Inverter Health Check

  • Energy Production Report

  • 24/7 System Monitoring

  • 5% Discount on Repairs

EXCLUSIVE MEMBER BENEFITS

Any and all repairs or scope of work outside the maintenance included herein, if any, shall only be provided upon the execution of a Project Agreement with Company which will be provided with any quote for repairs after inspections. Company shall not be responsible for any other scope of work without the parties’ execution of a Project Agreement for that certain work. Any and all other work not outlined herein, and included in any executed Project Agreement, shall be performed in accordance with the applicable Project Agreement.

PRICING & AUTO RENEWAL

The pricing and billing frequency (Monthly or Annual) selected by Owner at checkout are incorporated into this Agreement by reference.

This Agreement is valid for a 12-month term (“Term”) commencing on the date of first payment. If Owner selects a monthly billing option, payments shall be charged on a recurring monthly basis during the Term. If Owner selects an annual billing option, payment shall be made in full at the commencement of the Term.

This Agreement shall automatically renew for successive one (1) year terms unless either party provides written notice at cancellations@liveoakenergysystems.com of non-renewal to the other party at least thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of the then-current term.

LIMITATIONS & EXCLUSIONS

Roof Integrity: This Agreement covers the solar equipment only; it does not cover the maintenance or repair of the underlying roof surface.

Force Majeure: Contractor is not responsible for damage caused by “Acts of God” (e.g., hail, lightning, extreme wind) but is available by separate agreement to assist in documentation for insurance claims.

AUTHORIZATION

The Owner agrees to provide safe access to the roof and electrical main panels during the scheduled service window.

The Owner agrees to have active internet/WiFi on-site. The site’s internet connectivity may affect certain provisions of this Agreement.

At the 1st service visit, Live Oak Energy Systems will assess the system’s ability to connect to the internet. If needed, Live Oak Energy Systems will provide a separate scope of work and Project Agreement for such connections.

ENTIRE AGREEMENT, SEVERABILITY, AND MODIFICATION

This Agreement represents and contains the entire agreement between the parties. Prior discussions or verbal representations by the parties that are not contained in this Agreement are not a part of this Agreement. All modifications to this Agreement must be made in writing and be signed by both parties to be enforceable. The determination by any court or body that any section of this Agreement is unenforceable shall have no effect on the remaining portions of this Agreement and shall be considered by both parties to be legal and binding.

APPLICABLE LAW

This Agreement is entered into under the laws of South Carolina, and the laws of this state shall apply to any actions taken under this Agreement.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

Company shall only be liable to Client for any amounts paid to Company for the Scope of Services provided herein. In no event shall Company be liable for any defects or damages that exist prior to the Scope of Work provided herein. Company shall not be liable for any pre-existing condition of the System. Any and all other work provided under a Project Agreement shall be done pursuant to that Project Agreement which will supersede this Agreement.

EXECUTION

This Agreement may be executed in separate parts or portions by facsimile, e-mail, electronic transmittal or any other form of electronic transference, but each party shall attain a fully executed copy for their records. It is understood that each Party may execute this Agreement individually, and all copies signed shall be considered one document for purposes of the parties and this Agreement.

ACCEPTANCE OF AGREEMENT

By checking the acceptance box and completing payment at checkout, the Owner acknowledges that they have read and understand this Agreement in its entirety and agree to be bound by all terms and conditions contained herein. This Agreement shall become effective upon Owner’s completion of payment. Live Oak Energy Systems, LLC is bound by this Agreement upon issuance and performance of the services described herein.

SOLAR SYSTEM ANNUAL SERVICE AGREEMENT–ELITE

This Solar System Annual Service Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into between Live Oak Energy Systems, LLC, a South Carolina limited liability company (the “Company”), and the individual or entity completing checkout (the “Owner”), for the annual maintenance and monitoring of the Solar System (“System”) located at the property address provided at checkout (“Property Address”).

SCOPE OF SERVICES

The Contractor agrees to perform one (1) comprehensive annual preventative maintenance visit to inspect the System including, but not limited to:

  • Annual System Performance Check
  • Visual System Inspection
  • Inverter Health Check
  • Energy Production Report
  • Significant Wiring & Connection Check
  • Accessible Roof Penetration & Attic Water Intrusion Inspection
  • Priority Service Scheduling
  • Pest & Debris Mitigation
  • Annual System Health Report
  • 24/7 System Monitoring
  • 10% Discount on Repairs

EXCLUSIVE MEMBER BENEFITS

Any and all repairs or scope of work outside the maintenance included herein, if any, shall only be provided upon the execution of a Project Agreement with Company which will be provided with any quote for repairs after inspections. Company shall not be responsible for any other scope of work without the parties execution of a Project Agreement for that certain work. Any and all other work not outlined herein, and included in any executed Project Agreement, shall in accordance with the Project Agreement.

PRICING & AUTO RENEWAL

The pricing and billing frequency (Monthly or Annual) selected by Owner at checkout are incorporated into this Agreement by reference.

This agreement is valid for a 12-month term (“Term”) commencing on the date of first payment. If Owner selects a monthly billing option, payments shall be charged on a recurring monthly basis during the Term. If Owner selects an annual billing option, payment shall be made in full at the commencement of the Term.

This Agreement shall automatically renew for successive one (1) year terms unless either party provides written notice at cancellations@liveoakenergysystems.com
of non-renewal to the other party at least thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of the then-current term.

LIMITATIONS & EXCLUSIONS

Roof Integrity: This agreement covers the solar equipment only; it does not cover the maintenance or repair of the underlying roof surface.

Force Majeure: Contractor is not responsible for damage caused by “Acts of God” (e.g., hail, lightning, extreme wind) but is available by separate agreement to assist in documentation for insurance claims.

AUTHORIZATION

The Owner agrees to provide safe access to the roof and electrical main panels during the scheduled service window.

The Owner agrees to have active internet/wifi on-site. The site’s internet connectivity may affect certain provisions of this agreement.

At the 1st service visit, Live Oak Energy Systems will assess the system’s ability to connect to the internet. If needed, Live Oak Energy Systems will provide a separate scope of work and Project Agreement for such connections.

ENTIRE AGREEMENT, SEVERABILITY, AND MODIFICATION

This Agreement represents and contains the entire agreement between the parties. Prior discussions or verbal representations by the parties that are not contained in this Agreement are not a part of this Agreement. All modifications to this Agreement must be made in writing and be signed by both parties to be enforceable. The determination by any court or body that any section of this Agreement is unenforceable, shall have no effect on the remaining portions of this Agreement and shall be considered by both parties to be legal and binding.

APPLICABLE LAW

This Agreement is entered into under the laws of South Carolina, and the laws of this state shall apply to any actions taken under this Agreement.

LIMITATION OF LIAIBILTY

Company shall only be liable to Client for any amounts paid to Company for the Scope of Services provided herein. In no event shall Company be liable for any defects or damages that exist prior to the Scope of Work provided herein. Company shall not be liable for any pre-existing condition of the System. Any and all other work provided under a Project Agreement shall be done pursuant to that Project Agreement which will supersede this Agreement.

EXECUTION

This Agreement may be executed in separate parts or portions by facsimile, e-mail, electronic transmittal or any other form of electronic transference, but each party shall attain a fully executed copy for their records. It is understood that each Party may execute this Agreement individually, and all copies signed shall be considered one document for purposes of the parties and this Agreement.

ACCEPTANCE OF AGREEMENT

By checking the acceptance box and completing payment at checkout, the Owner acknowledges that they have read and understand this Agreement in its entirety and agree to be bound by all terms and conditions contained herein. This Agreement shall become effective upon Owner’s completion of payment. Live Oak Energy Systems, LLC is bound by this Agreement upon issuance and performance of the services described herein.