Solar Panel Repair in New Paltz, NY

Maximum Energy Output with Professional Solar Panel Repair

If your solar panels are suddenly underperforming, showing error messages, or you suspect damage after a storm, you likely want clear answers and a prompt fix, not sales pressure. Lighthouse Solar helps homeowners and small property owners in New Paltz understand what went wrong, what it will take to repair, and whether their system can safely get back to work.

Many of our clients are unsure whether they need a full replacement or if a focused repair will solve the problem. We walk through the options step by step, explain what is urgent and what can wait, and provide transparent pricing before any work begins. Our goal is to protect your investment and restore your system, allowing you to continue counting on predictable, low energy bills.

Our team works on a wide range of residential solar setups in the local area, from older rooftop arrays installed a decade ago to newer systems with monitoring apps and batteries. We combine hands-on field experience with careful diagnostics, so you receive practical answers and a repair plan tailored to your roof, equipment, and budget.

Ensure your investment continues to pay off by resolving underperforming cells and inverter errors immediately. Contact us at (845) 251-2012 or fill out our online form to schedule a comprehensive system diagnostic and repair service.

Common Signs Your Solar System Needs Attention

Some issues are obvious, such as cracked glass or panels that have shifted after a heavy wind. Others are more subtle, like gradual output loss that creeps up over several seasons. If you see snow or debris lingering on one part of the array while the rest is clear, or notice one string of panels shaded by a newly grown tree, that can also indicate a performance problem worth evaluating.

We encourage customers to call us when they first notice something is off, even if the system appears to be working properly. Addressing loose wiring, deteriorating sealant, or early moisture intrusion early can help reduce later repairs and avoid roof damage. During our visit, we inspect electrical connections, mounting hardware, and nearby roofing to provide a more comprehensive picture of the system's condition, rather than just a quick glance at the panels.

Why New Paltz Homeowners Trust Lighthouse Solar For Repairs

When something is wrong with your solar system, you are balancing time, cost, and risk. You need a company that respects that balance and treats your home as carefully as it would its own. Lighthouse Solar focuses on thoughtful diagnosis, clear communication, and workmanship tailored to our local roofs and weather conditions.

Many of our customers come to us after their original installer closed, moved, or stopped responding. We are used to stepping in on existing systems, even when we did not perform the initial installation. Our team approaches each project with curiosity and care, documenting what we see and explaining how we plan to address it in terms that are clear and understandable.

Roofs in and around New Paltz and nearby areas see heavy snow loads, high summer sun, and occasional strong winds that roll off nearby ridges. All of these conditions impact the aging of solar equipment. Because we work in this community regularly, we understand how ice buildup, wet leaves, and wind-driven rain can reach mounting points, wiring, and junction boxes.

We keep these local factors in mind when recommending repairs, so we are not just fixing the symptom that brought you to us. Instead, we work to minimize the likelihood that the same issue will recur next season. That focus on the real conditions your system lives in is a key reason local property owners come back to us when they need additional work.

How Our Solar Repair Process Works

Knowing the process in advance can make solar repair feel far more manageable. We have developed a straightforward approach for New Paltz property owners that moves from information gathering to inspection to repair, with clear communication at each step. You always know the current stage of your project and what comes next.

This structure also helps us work efficiently, which can lower the time your system is under repair. By preparing in advance and bringing the right tools and materials for your equipment type, we can often resolve many issues during a single visit. If a return trip is needed, we explain the reason.

Step 1: Initial Contact & Information Gathering

When you reach out, we start by listening. We ask about how long you have had your solar system, who installed it, if you know, and what changes have occurred recently. For example, did a strong storm just pass through, did a new roof get installed, or has the system been slowly producing less than before without any obvious weather event?

We may also request photos of the equipment, error messages, or monitoring screenshots, when available. This helps us prepare for the visit and identify any potential safety issues in advance. With this information in hand, we schedule a time to visit your property and inspect the system in person.

Step 2: On-Site Inspection & Diagnosis

During the site visit, we inspect the roof array, mounting hardware, wiring paths, inverter, and any combiner or disconnect boxes. We follow the path of power from the panels to your main service equipment, which often reveals where performance drops or faults occur. Every home is unique, so we tailor our inspection to the specific characteristics of the roof, including its style, age, and accessibility.

We document what we see and, when possible, show you photos or describe conditions in plain terms. If we find multiple issues, we group them into safety, performance, and cosmetic categories. This makes it easier for you to decide what should be handled immediately and what could be scheduled later.

Step 3: Repair Plan, Pricing & Next Steps

Once we understand the problem, we develop a repair plan tailored to your system and priorities. This includes the work we recommend, the parts that may be needed, and an estimated timeline for completing the job. Costs are explained in advance, allowing you to make an informed decision without pressure. We also offer flexible financing solutions.

In some cases, repairs can be done during the same visit, for example, replacing a failed component or tightening and resealing a small section of racking. In other cases, we may need to order specific parts that match your existing equipment. When that happens, we outline realistic timing, especially if supply chains or manufacturer support affect availability.

Common Solar Problems We See In New Paltz

Solar systems in our region face a mix of sun, snow, and seasonal debris. Over time, this combination creates patterns of wear that recur frequently on local homes. Knowing these patterns helps us diagnose issues more quickly and recommend repairs that withstand the local environment.

We also see the impact of installations that were completed quickly without enough attention to long-term maintenance. Loose wiring, stressed roofing materials, and undersized hardware may not fail immediately, but they tend to create issues a few years later. Our repair work often involves correcting these underlying conditions to prevent the same problems from recurring.

Weather & Roof Related Issues

Snow and ice against panels, especially near the ridge of a roof, can lead to cracked glass, damaged frames, or shifted mounting rails. Heavy wet snow, common in the Hudson Valley, can stress attachment points, especially on older roofs that already have soft spots. When this happens, we not only address the solar components, but we also look for any related roof concerns.

Wind-driven rain and leaves can force moisture into junction boxes or under loose flashing. Over time, this can cause corrosion or intermittent faults that show up as occasional inverter errors. By sealing and tightening these areas properly, we help protect both the solar system and the roof structure beneath it.

Electrical & Inverter Failures

Inverters and power electronics work tirelessly every day, so it is not unusual for them to fail at some point in a solar system's life. When this happens, the system may shut down completely or operate at a fraction of its normal output. We evaluate whether repair, reconfiguration, or replacement is the most sensible course of action.

Many inverters were installed during earlier phases of local solar incentives, which means some equipment is now reaching an age where failures are more likely. We review your existing warranty information, when available, and discuss how different repair approaches might impact future service options.

Monitoring, Communication & Production Issues

Modern systems often include monitoring portals and apps, and when those stop working, it can be frustrating. Sometimes the problem is in the communication equipment, not in the solar production itself. At other times, monitoring alerts reveal panel or string-level issues that would otherwise go unnoticed.

We look at both sides. We verify the actual power delivery to your home and the grid, and also inspect the monitoring hardware and connections. Our goal is to restore both real performance and your visibility into how the system is doing, so you can keep an eye on production across New Paltz seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Repair A System That Another Company Installed?

Yes, we often work on systems that were installed by other companies. Many homeowners contact us because their original installer is no longer operating in the area or does not offer repair services. We approach these systems carefully, documenting their development and identifying any deviations from current codes or established practices.

While we cannot change how the system was originally designed, we can usually correct faults, improve safety, and restore performance where practical. We explain what we can address directly and what may require coordination with manufacturers or other parties, so you understand the scope of the repair from the start.

How Long Does A Typical Solar Repair Take?

Many repairs can be completed in a single visit, especially if the issue is limited to a small number of components and the roof is safely accessible. However, timing depends on factors such as equipment type, part availability, weather, and the number of issues we uncover during the inspection. If specialized parts must be ordered, the work may extend over more than one appointment.

We outline expected timing after diagnostics and keep you updated if anything changes. Our goal is to restore safe operation as efficiently as possible, while ensuring that the job is done carefully and correctly.

Is Solar Repair Covered By My Warranty Or Insurance?

Sometimes, but it depends on the kind of problem and the terms of your specific agreements. Panel and inverter manufacturers often provide limited warranties for defects, while workmanship warranties cover the original installation for a set period. Homeowners insurance might address certain storm-related damage, particularly when the event is clearly documented.

We cannot guarantee coverage in advance, but we can provide documentation of our findings and the proposed repairs. Many customers use this information when speaking with their insurer or reviewing their manufacturer's warranties.

Will Repairing My Solar System Damage My Roof?

Properly performed repair work is designed to protect your roof, not harm it. During our inspections and repairs, we pay close attention to shingles, flashing, and underlayment in the vicinity of attachment points. If we see existing roof concerns, we explain them and discuss how they might affect current or future solar work.

When repairs require lifting or adjusting mounting hardware, we work carefully and reseal as needed. If we believe that roof work should be coordinated with a roofing contractor, we will clearly inform you of this before performing any non-urgent tasks that could interact with aging or fragile materials.

What Should I Do If My Solar System Stops Working Suddenly?

If your system shuts down completely, start by checking for obvious safety issues, such as burning smells or visible sparks. If you notice anything unusual, stay away from the equipment and contact emergency services if necessary. If there are no immediate hazards, note any error messages on your inverter. If it is safe, you can also check your electrical panel for tripped breakers.

Then, contact a qualified solar repair company and provide as much detail as possible about what happened and when. We use this information to plan our diagnostic approach, allowing us to address the issue safely and efficiently.

How Often Should I Have My Solar System Inspected?

Most residential systems benefit from periodic checkups, especially after several winters and summers. While there is no single schedule that fits every home, many owners choose to have a thorough inspection every few years, or sooner if they notice changes in production, new roof work, or major weather events.

Regular inspections can catch loose wiring, aging sealants, or early panel degradation before they turn into larger problems. During these visits, we also review system performance, address your questions, and suggest any minor adjustments that may improve reliability or output.

Restore Your Solar System With Help From A Local Team

If your solar system is not performing the way it should, you do not have to sort it out alone. Lighthouse Solar helps homeowners understand what went wrong, what it will take to fix it, and how to protect their investment going forward. From the initial phone call to the final cleanup, we prioritize clear communication, meticulous work, and respect for your home.

Protect your home from potential electrical hazards and maintain your manufacturer's warranty with our certified repair solutions. Contact us at (845) 251-2012 or fill out our online form to receive a detailed estimate for your solar maintenance needs.