Solar panel hotspots: what they are and why they matter — Australia

Hotspots are localised areas of overheating on a solar panel, typically caused by cell damage, micro-cracks, or persistent shading. They are the leading cause of accelerated panel degradation and are best detected via thermal imaging. Here's what you need to know. This guide is tailored for Australian solar owners, where high UV exposure and extreme temperatures make these issues particularly relevant.

Symptoms to watch for

Signs that this issue may be affecting your system

Cell hotspots

Common

Localised overheating in individual cells caused by micro-cracks, shading, or manufacturing defects. Best detected via thermal imaging.

Loss: 520%Detection: thermal

When to get a professional inspection

Signs you need professional help

-Your system is over 7 years old and you've noticed a production decline
-Production has dropped more than 1% per year compared to year one
-Your system has experienced hail, storms, or physical damage
-You see visible damage: discolouration, bubbling, or cracked glass
-Your inverter shows frequent error codes or unexpected shutdowns

Expected inspection costs

Drone thermal audit

Most comprehensive option

Handheld thermal scan

Best for smaller systems

Electrical inspection

Inverter and wiring only

Find inspection providers

Is your system affected?

Use our free Solar Loss Checker to get a personalised diagnosis with an action plan.

Based on conservative solar performance modelling and published degradation data

NRELIEA-PVPSSunSpecPVsyst+ published research

Updated April 2026 · Structured performance modelling

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