According to the latest data from Raptor Maps, in 2024, underperforming assets will cost the global solar sector a record $10 billion in lost benefits.
Raptor Maps is an American solar plant management software and robotics company that collects a lot of data on industry’s efficiency . The latest edition of its global report shows a15% year-on-year increase in solar underperformance.
While the year-over-year growth rate in underperformance has slowed compared to 2023, losses over the past 5 years due to poorly performing facilities have increased with 214%. The average capacity loss between 2020 and 2024 increased from 1.84% of total project capacity to 5.77%.
The report notes that in 2024, the largest source of power loss at 37% is inverter failures. And failures of stringers and solar combiners account for 19% and 22% of power losses, respectively.
This is particularly significant in the commercial and industrial sectors, with Raptor Maps noting that for sites under 5MW, there are an average of 264 “identified DC cable issues” per megawatt per year. The report also notes that physical module failures are becoming an increasingly common anomaly, accounting for half of module-level losses in 2024, up from just 17% a year earlier.
Weather-related risks are also increasing. Raptor Maps also notes that the sector is unprepared for physical damage from extreme weather events, such as hail.
Source: Raptor Maps 2025 Global Solar Report
Raptor Maps: Around $10 billion lost by the global solar industry in 2024, due to inefficient assets