The most common cause of low power output in solar panels is obstructions or shadows on the array. Checking Voc (voltage open circuit) and Isc (current short circuit) measurements can help diagnose panel issues. To test solar panels, set your multimeter to DC voltage mode and measure open circuit voltage (VOC) at the positive and. Solar panels are designed to last for years to come, and so are other solar components, including inverters. Before you panic or immediately call a technician, there are several simple troubleshooting steps you can. Common issues are zero power and low voltage output. For that reason, it's most likely that a problem is caused by a defect in system components other than. Soiling is the #1 culprit: Dirt, dust, and debris accumulation is the most common cause of underperforming solar panels, with potential output reductions of 15-25% in dusty environments, making regular cleaning essential for optimal performance. The solar inverter display or App can provide you with some basic information about how much power (kW) your system is generating at a single point in time and how much it has generated.