The short answer
Tesla’s troubleshooting guide separates two situations: the inverter shows an error or no production (the home is then running on utility power), or the inverter shows it is producing but the data is not updating in the Tesla app. Tesla also explains that with Powerwall, when the battery is full the system may only produce what the home is using, which it calls curtailment and which shows as an abrupt stop or start in the solar graph.
Safe checks you can do now
- Check the time, weather and season
Tesla notes that production follows a daily wave and varies with season and sunlight hours. A low reading at 8 a.m. or under heavy cloud is not a fault. Source: Tesla Support: Understanding system performance.
- Look at the Powerwall level
If your Powerwall is full, a sudden flat-top or drop in solar can be curtailment rather than a failure, according to Tesla. Check whether the drop lines up with the battery reaching 100%. Source: Tesla Support: Understanding system performance.
- Compare the app with the inverter
Tesla’s guide covers the case where the inverter shows production but the app does not update. If the inverter screen or lights show production, it is likely a connectivity issue, so check your Wi-Fi and router. Source: Tesla Support: Troubleshooting your system (solar panels).
- Check for a tripped breaker
Tesla’s troubleshooting guide includes breaker checks. Only look at breakers that are clearly labelled for solar and reachable without removing any cover. If one trips again after a reset, stop and call for service.
- Look for shade, snow and dirt from the ground
Tesla says shade from tree growth and long periods of dust, snow or debris can reduce production. Look from the ground only; do not climb onto the roof.
- Request service through Tesla if it persists
If preliminary steps do not fix it, Tesla’s support flow connects you with a technical support agent and lets you schedule service. Source: Tesla Support: Get help and schedule service.
Only do the checks on this page that need no tools: read the app, look at the inverter or gateway lights, reset a tripped breaker that is labelled for the solar system or gateway, and look at the array from the ground. Never open an electrical panel, inverter, combiner or junction box, never touch wiring or connectors, and never climb onto the roof. Solar equipment can stay energized while the sun is up even when the grid is off. If a breaker trips again, you smell burning, or you see scorch marks, water in equipment or damaged wiring, stop and call your installer or a licensed electrician.
Normal behaviour that looks like a fault
Two patterns cause most false alarms. First, curtailment: Tesla explains that once your Powerwall is full, the system may only produce enough to power what your home is using, so the solar graph can stop or start abruptly. Second, seasons: Tesla says winter production at noon is typically closer to 50% of the system’s potential, versus up to 100% in summer, because of shorter days, more cloud and snow, and a lower sun angle (Tesla Support: Understanding system performance). Compare with the same month last year before assuming a fault.
When to call your installer or an electrician
- The inverter shows an error or no production on a clear day.
- A solar breaker trips again after a reset.
- Production is low for weeks with no shade, snow or season explanation.
- You see damaged panels, wiring or equipment.
If you are not sure, treat it as a job for a professional. Our free remote review can help you decide what to ask for, but it does not replace a licensed electrician or your installer.
Get a free remote review of your system
Tell us which monitoring app your system uses (Tesla). We send you the steps to add our team as a viewer or installer from inside the provider’s own app. You never share your password with us. Once access is granted, our team connects your system and runs a free remote review of your production and alerts, then tells you what we found and the next step.
- 01Tell us your monitoring brand
- 02Grant viewer or installer access in your app
- 03Our team reviews it and reports back
Remote data can show when and where production changed, but it cannot always find the physical cause. Some issues need an on-site visit or your installer. We never ask for your monitoring password.
Prefer not to use the form? Start your free review here.
Questions homeowners ask
Why does my Tesla app show zero solar?
Tesla’s troubleshooting guide covers both cases: the inverter may show an error or no production, or the inverter may be producing while the app data is not updating. Checking the inverter itself tells you which case you have.
Why does my Tesla solar stop when the Powerwall is full?
Tesla explains that when Powerwall is full, the solar system may only produce enough to power what the home is using. This is called curtailment and appears as an abrupt stop or start in the solar graph.
How much less does Tesla solar produce in winter?
Tesla says it is typical for a system to produce closer to 50% of its power potential at noon in winter, versus up to 100% in summer. Your own numbers depend on location, tilt and shade.
Can Solar Survey AI review my Tesla system for free?
Yes. Tell us you use Tesla and we send the steps to grant our team access from your own account. We never ask for your password. Remote data cannot always find the physical cause, so some issues still need a site visit or Tesla service.
Related guides
Sources
- Tesla Support: Troubleshooting your system (solar panels)
- Tesla Support: Understanding system performance
- Tesla Support: Get help and schedule service
Brand-specific facts and error-code meanings come from the manufacturer’s own documentation, linked above, checked 2026-10-09. Manufacturers update their guidance; follow the current version for your equipment. Published by Solar Survey AI. Our safe-action advice is our own, not the manufacturer’s.