You were promised significant savings on your electricity bills, but after looking at your monthly statements, the numbers just don’t add up. It’s a deeply frustrating situation, and one of the most common complaints we see. If you suspect your solar panels are not producing enough power, you are likely right. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to diagnose the issue and determine if you have a case for a dispute.
Step 1: Find Your “Promised” Production Number
Before you can prove underperformance, you need to know what was promised. This number isn’t just a verbal estimate from a salesperson; it should be written down. Look through your original solar agreement and sales proposal for a section detailing the “Estimated Annual Production,” usually listed in kilowatt-hours (kWh). This figure is the baseline for your entire case.
Step 2: Gather Your “Real-World” Production Data
Next, you need to collect the hard data on what your system is actually generating. There are two primary places to find this information:
- Your System’s Monitoring App: Nearly every modern solar installation comes with an application for your smartphone or a web portal (from companies like Enphase, SolarEdge, etc.). Log in and look for a “Production” or “Energy” report. Find the total kWh produced over the last 12 months (or for as long as the system has been active).
- Your Monthly Utility Bills: Your utility bill is another excellent source. It will show a credit for the excess energy your system sent back to the grid, often under a “Net Metering” section. A consistently low credit amount is a very strong indicator of an underperforming system.
Step 3: Compare Promise vs. Reality (The Right Way)
A fair comparison requires understanding a few key variables. Solar production is cyclical, so comparing a cloudy December against a summer month isn’t an accurate test. The most reliable method is to compare the total kWh promised for the first year against the total kWh your system actually produced in its first 12 months. While minor dips can happen due to an unusually cloudy year or dirty panels, a significant and persistent shortfall of 15-20% or more is a major red flag that points to more serious issues.
Step 4: Common Causes of Serious Underperformance
A major performance gap is rarely due to weather alone. It typically points to systemic issues that are the solar company’s responsibility, such as:
- Faulty Inverters: The “brain” of your system could be failing, crippling production.
- Incorrect Installation: Panels installed at the wrong angle, in an undisclosed shaded area, or with faulty wiring.
- Defective Panels: The panels themselves may not be performing to the manufacturer’s warranted specifications.
Step 5: Your System is Underperforming. What’s Your Next Move?
Identifying a performance shortfall is the first half of the battle. The next challenge is proving it’s due to a breach of your contract or warranty. This is where self-research ends and expert analysis begins.
At SolarDispute.com, we specialize in this deep analysis. We take your data and documents and build a comprehensive case report that identifies the specific grounds for a dispute. We provide you with the professional evidence and leverage you need to take effective action.