Signs Your Solar Panels Need Repairs

Eco-friendly solar panels are popular because they generate free electricity by extracting energy from the sun. While this sounds cool on paper, they do take quite a beating when exposed to the harsh environment. This can reduce the efficiency of solar panels and could mean that you’ll need to get back on the grid for a while!

You won’t know that your solar panel requires repairs until you carry out an inspection. Here are six easy signs it’s time to hire an expert.

There are several reasons for low power output – perhaps the sun hasn’t been as bright on that particular day, or the sky is completely covered with clouds. It could also mean that your solar panels need to be cleaned and replaced in worse-case scenarios in case of damage.

This can become a big problem if you use a string inverter setup because every panel on the string is only as good as the weakest panel. You will need to address the ‘weak’ solar panel and see if that improves the solar system’s performance.

How can you tell if your solar panels are working as they should? The overall efficiency should not fall below 80% for the first 20 years. Reputable manufacturers will provide warranties that last for up to 30 years.

Pro tip: Consider spraying your panels with a hose if it hasn’t rained in a while. This should improve the power output significantly. If the accumulated dirt isn’t budging, it’s time to hire a contractor to clean the panels.

Several problems with the installation, wiring and manufacturer defects can cause unplanned shutdowns of the solar power system. You may need to contact your contractor to check the system for issues such as a loose wire.

It is also possible for the inverter to shut down if it is receiving a higher voltage than recommended. You will have to adjust the inverter’s settings or upgrade the components to handle the higher voltage. Make sure your solar power system has circuit breakers for safety reasons. If the circuit breakers trip too often, it could indicate a problem with the system.

Experts suggest that inverters are responsible for 20% of the problems associated with solar power systems. If the inverter stops working, the rest of your solar power system won’t work either. You can perform simple diagnostics by looking for error messages or red lights. In some cases, fixing a faulty inverter can be as simple as restarting it or you may have to replace the unit entirely.

You can also visit the inverter’s user interface through a web portal for a possible error message. In most cases, inverters shut down due to voltage issues or a fault with the grid, or the system may have an earthing problem. Another possible reason is that the inverter’s circuit breaker tripped. Older inverters will not have this web interface, and you’ll have to find other ways of diagnosing the error.

It is extremely important to protect the inverter from the outside elements. And if the inverter has broken down, check the manufacturer’s warranty to see if you can find a replacement or get free repairs.

Solar panels are designed to work for 20 to 30 years. Beyond this time frame, their performance will deteriorate significantly because the silicon material will not convert the light to electricity as efficiently. If the electrical output of your solar panels is less than the specifications, it may need to be replaced or repaired.

If you see discolored or burnt marks on the solar panel, you should get in touch with a solar panel contractor as soon as possible. The discoloration indicates corrosion on the panel, which could result in uneven temperature distribution across the entire system and reduced energy output.

A dark or yellow discoloration indicates corrosion. In most cases, you may have to replace the damaged panel.

The weather and outside debris will break down the solar panels. Most solar panels are designed to survive the harsh outdoors, but accidents have been known to occur. For example, a big stone, tree limb, or tornado could crack the glass and damage the panels. Cracks on the panel are particularly bad because they allow moisture to seep into the cells and decrease efficiency.

In the case of physical damage, you’ll need to hire a contractor to inspect the panels. The contractor will let you know if the panels can be repaired or if they require replacement.

Published in: Home advice | Author: Lynn