Support & Troubleshooting

8 out of 10 times, this is a Wi-Fi connectivity issue. Try these steps:

• Restart your home Wi-Fi router (unplug for 30 seconds, plug back in)
• Check that the Enphase Envoy or Tesla Gateway has a solid green light
• If using Enphase, open the Enlighten app and check connection status
• Your system is still producing even if monitoring is offline

If the issue persists after 24 hours, call our PV tech line: (808) 380-6845

Several factors can affect production:

• Weather: Cloudy or rainy days naturally reduce output. In Hawaii, long overcast stretches, Kona storms, and vog can drag production down for days or weeks. Check monthly averages, not daily.
• Seasonal variation: Winter months produce 15-20% less than summer in Hawaii.
• Dirty panels: Dust, pollen, or bird droppings can reduce efficiency. Rain usually cleans panels, but a gentle hose rinse can help.
• Shade: New tree growth or construction nearby may be casting shadows.
• Inverter/panel issue: Check your monitoring app for any error alerts on specific panels.

If production is consistently 20%+ below expected during normal weather, or clearly below the same month last year, contact us for a system check.

Yes. Hawaii solar production can dip sharply during extended cloudy periods, rainy trade-wind patterns, Kona weather, or vog events.

• Short-term dips are normal: A few weak days do not usually mean something is broken.
• Compare month to month: Your monitoring app matters more over a 30-day window than over a single afternoon.
• Look at last year's pattern: If this month is similar to the same season last year, weather is the likely cause.
• Watch for alerts: If production is low and the app shows inverter, gateway, or panel errors, then it may be a system issue.

If the skies clear and production still does not bounce back, call our PV tech line: (808) 380-6845.

Common reasons for higher-than-expected bills:

• Usage increase: New appliances, AC usage, EV charging, or guests can increase consumption beyond what your system offsets.
• System underperforming: Check your monitoring app to compare actual vs expected production.
• Rate increase: HECO rates may have increased since your system was installed.
• HECO minimum charge: Even with solar, there's a minimum monthly connection fee (~$25).
• SRE true-up: Annual credit true-up can result in higher bills in some months.

Roof leaks should be inspected promptly, especially if the leak appears near roof penetrations, attic runs, or the area beneath your solar array.

• Take photos: Document ceiling stains, attic moisture, or visible drip points.
• Note the timing: Was it after heavy rain, strong wind, or a recent storm?
• Do not climb on the roof yourself: Wet roofs and solar wiring create unnecessary risk.
• Protect the interior: Move valuables and place a bucket or towel under active drips if needed.
• Electrical caution: If water is reaching electrical panels, batteries, or inverters, shut off power to the affected area only if it is safe to do so and call immediately.

Call our office at (808) 842-5853 to schedule a roofing or solar-related leak inspection.

Not every roof leak near a solar system is caused by the solar installation. In Hawaii we also see leaks from aging underlayment, cracked flashing, storm-driven rain, and general roof wear.

• Possible solar-related clues: leakage near array attachments, conduit penetrations, or recently modified roof areas.
• Possible general roofing clues: widespread moisture, older roofing materials, leaks far from the array, or previous roof repair history.
• The right approach: inspect both the roofing condition and the solar attachment points rather than assuming one cause.

We recommend an inspection rather than guesswork. Water intrusion gets more expensive the longer it sits.

Try these steps:

• Open the Tesla app and check the Powerwall status screen
• Verify your solar panels are producing (check during daytime)
• Check the Powerwall physical unit for any blinking red lights or error codes
• If Storm Watch activated, the battery may be in reserve mode — this is normal
• Try toggling the Powerwall off and on via the Tesla app

If the issue persists, contact us at (808) 380-6845.

Open the Tesla app → Powerwall section → look for "Backup Reserve" slider. This controls what percentage of battery is kept for outage protection. We typically recommend 20-30%. If you're on BYOD+, HECO requires a 20% minimum reserve.

Before calling for service, check these:

• Filters: Clean or replace air filters. Dirty filters are the #1 cause of reduced cooling.
• IFEEL mode: If enabled, the remote control senses temperature at its location, not the unit. Try disabling IFEEL mode to use the unit's built-in sensor.
• Outdoor unit: Make sure the outdoor unit is clear of debris, plants, or obstructions.
• Set temperature: Verify the set temperature is below room temperature and mode is set to "Cool" (not "Fan" or "Dry").

Normal sounds: Clicking when turning on/off, slight whooshing of airflow, occasional water dripping (condensate).

Abnormal sounds: Grinding, rattling, or loud buzzing could indicate a loose component, debris in the outdoor unit, or a refrigerant issue. Turn off the unit and call us for service.

Check these common causes:

• Weather: Extended cloudy days reduce solar heating. Your electric backup should compensate.
• Backup element: If water is lukewarm even on cloudy days, the electric backup element may have tripped. Check your circuit breaker panel — reset the breaker for the water heater.
• Collector condition: Look for obvious damage, loose connections, or buildup on collector glass.
• Maintenance due: If it's been 3-5+ years since last service, the system may need fluid replacement and inspection.

Follow these 5 steps:

1. Locate the circuit breaker labeled "Water Heater" in your breaker panel
2. Turn the breaker OFF (flip to the off position)
3. Wait 30 seconds
4. Turn the breaker back ON
5. Wait 20-30 minutes for the water to heat up

If the breaker trips again, there may be an element or thermostat issue. Call us for service.