Solar panels have become a viable source of alternative energy, because they offer a number of benefits to homeowners. They can go a long way toward making your property more energy-efficient, which will improve its value. They can also contribute to creating a more sustainable environment. But like any other system inside your home, solar panels require maintenance and even occasional repairs. Something is going to break at some point throughout its life, and knowing what could go wrong can be helpful in determining the source of a problem when it happens.
Common Issues Related to Solar Panels
Solar panels are usually considered “low maintenance,” but they can still experience certain recurring problems. Some of them include the following:
- Broken glass or solar cells — The glass surface and photovoltaic cells located under it are fragile, so they can become loose or corroded. This can lower the efficiency of your solar panels and can even allow moisture to damage the internal components
- Loose or corroded connections — The metal connectors inside solar panel systems can become loose or corroded over time, which can cause power loss or even complete system failure.
- Burnt-out inverter — The inverter plays an important role in the operation of your solar panels, because it converts the direct current (DC) from your panels to an alternating current (AC) for your home. But it can burn out over time, which will result in system failure.
- Declining performance caused by dirt buildup or shading — The accumulation of dirt or dust on the surface of a solar panel system and even shading from surrounding trees or nearby structures can have an adverse effect on its performance.
There are also times when solar panels will fail because of their age or a defect in the manufacturing.
Common Types of Solar System Repair
There are some types of solar panel repair that require the expertise of a professional. But if you’re willing to take a more hands-on approach, there are others that you can easily do yourself. Some of them include the following:
- Cleaning your solar panels — One way to keep your solar panels maintained is to keep them from dirt, debris, and bird droppings by cleaning them regularly. Use a soft brush, squeegee, or any other type of gentle cleaning equipment. Be sure to use mild soapy water or a special type of solar panel cleaner. You also want to avoid using any abrasive or harsh cleaning materials, because they can damage the surface.
- Tightening loose connections — Check all the junctions and connections at least once a year. You should also tighten up any loose parts. This will make sure there is optimal power transfer inside your solar panel system.
- Replacing inverters that have burnt out — If an inverter has burnt out, you can buy a new one that meets your system’s specifications. You can then replace the defective inverter by disconnecting and reconnecting wires according to the manufacturer’s instructions, but make sure to turn off the system during the process to prevent any electrical hazards.
- Resolving shading issues — Trim any tree branches or remove obstacles that can keep sunlight from getting to your solar panels. You should also adjust the angle of your solar panels to make sure you’re getting an optimal level of sun exposure. This is especially true during seasonal changes.
Be sure to speak to a professional for more information about how to keep your solar panel system at peak efficiency.
Solar Panel Maintenance Tips
Regular maintenance is an important part of maximizing the efficiency of your solar panel system, so here are tips on how you can keep them in good condition:
- Check your solar panels for any physical damage, debris, or shading at least once every three months.
- Clean the panels with a damp cloth or soft brush with mild soapy water if you see any significant accumulation of dirt. You can also use a specific solar panel cleaning solution.
- Monitor your system’s performance by checking the inverter display on a regular basis or by using a monitoring app (if it’s available).
There are some situations where you will need to call a professional (such as when you have to fix cracked panels or replace damaged solar cells). It can also be necessary if DIY attempts aren’t taking care of the problem (such as when there’s a decline in performance or when there are recurring inverter failures). If you’re facing any of these situations, it’s best to contact a professional for solar panel repair.
Solar System Repairs FAQ
Switching to solar is smart for anyone who wants to reduce their utility bills. But like any home system, your solar panels may eventually need repair. Staying on top of maintenance and repairs is important for protecting your investment. It can help your system run efficiently for decades, because common issues (such as cracked panels, loose wiring, and inverter problems) can reduce their energy output. Even weather-related damage can have an effect. If they’re not taken care of early enough, the entire system can shut down.
Here are some common questions people ask about solar system repair.
Solar panels are built to last, but they can still experience occasional problems. Here are some of the common reasons why homeowners need to repair their solar panels:
Severe weather damage.
Faulty installation.
Solar inverter failure.
Solar panel microcracks.
Electrical issues.
Animal damage.
Overvoltage or power surges.
Solar component degradation.
Water intrusion inside solar panels.
Manufacturing defects.
Be sure to speak to a professional for more information.
If you’re able to recognize the early warning signs of trouble, you can avoid costly solar panel repairs. Here are some of the indications that your solar system may need to be repaired by a professional:
Your electric bills are higher than usual — If your energy bills continue to go up even during sunny conditions, your system may not be producing as much power as it should. Hiring a solar panel repair company can get your system running as efficiently as it should.
You see a drop in solar energy production — If your monitoring system shows a noticeable decline in solar energy output, it could be because there’ s a problem with your solar panels. Addressing this issue by hiring a professional can restore your system’s efficiency.
You see visible damage to your panels or mounting hardware — If you see cracks, chips, or discoloration on your solar panels, they may not be performing at their best. Any kind of damage can reduce the efficiency of your system. If they’re left unaddressed, it could lead to bigger problems later on.
You get error codes or warning lights on the solar inverter —The inverter is the heart of your entire solar system. So if it starts to show error codes or flashes warning lights, it’s telling you that something’s wrong. These types of errors are usually indications of electrical or component failure, so they need to be taken care of as soon as possible.
You hear unusual noises from your system components — If you hear buzzing, humming, or other strange noises coming from your inverter or solar panels, it’s usually a sign of trouble. They can be caused by electrical issues, loose connections, or even faulty components. So, ignoring them can lead to more serious problems later on.
Hiring a professional solar panel repair company can help you isolate the cause of these issues, so it can get back to working at optimal efficiency.
Here are a few simple things you can do to keep your solar panel system maintained:
Safely clean dirty solar panels — Keeping your solar panels clean is an important part of keeping them running at an optimal level. Lightly clean any dust or debris with water and a soft cloth, but avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive tools that can damage the surface. You should also follow any safety precautions, especially if they’re on a steep or slippery roof.
Check for loose wiring or connections — Inspecting visible wiring for loose connections or signs of wear and tear can keep minor issues from getting worse. Tighten up any connections that look loose, but be careful. If you’re not sure, you should talk to a professional so you avoid damaging the system.
Be sure to speak to a professional for more specific information.
You may be tempted to take care of any solar panel repairs and maintenance yourself, but some jobs are better suited for a professional. You might be able to take care of their basic upkeep, but most solar repairs and involved maintenance require the expertise of a professional. More complex issues (such as electrical faults or structural concerns) need the skills of an experienced solar repair technician, because that person will be able to make sure your system runs safely and efficiently.
If you’re looking for one of best companies for repairing solar panels, be sure to get in touch with Solar Power Integrator.
If you notice a decrease in its energy production or if your monitoring system has alerted you about any issues, your solar system may need to be repaired. You also want to look for any other signs, including any of the following:
A sudden increase in the amount you owe on your electric bill.
Visible damage to your panels or wiring.
Error codes on the inverter.
Any of these signs could indicate the need for a solar system repair.
The exact cost to repair your solar system will depend on the extent of the damage. In most cases, any issues not related to the inverter will cost $1,000 or less. Otherwise, it can cost between $1,500 and $5,000. Be sure to contact a professional to get a more precise estimate of the cost of your solar system repair.
It’s a good idea to leave any solar panel repairs to a professional, because it will ensure your safety and the effectiveness of the repair. Your solar system is a miniature power plant that requires a lot of voltage to operate, which shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you don’t have the right understanding of how the system works, any kind of repairs that you attempt to do yourself could result in serious injury. It can also damage the system and even void the warranty.
Solar system repairs can involve a broad range of issues, so it can be hard to give an exact timeline for the job. But most repairs can be completed within a day, with some only taking a few hours. There are some situations where the repair process can take longer.
Your system may need a new inverter, and it’s still under warranty. You will most likely have to wait for the new part to arrive and for the old one to be returned. Depending on the availability and the speed of the return process, it could take a couple of weeks.
If you’re leasing the system, the technician will need permission before performing any work. Otherwise, it can void the warranty. Some solar panel companies may have a workmanship warranty, which they can void if someone else works on the system. The panel and inverter warranty shouldn’t be affected, but the technician has to be licensed in your area and follow all the terms specified in the warranty.
Taking care of any issues (such as faulty wiring or damaged panels) can improve your solar system’s efficiency and performance. If you take care of any issues or malfunctions quickly, you can keep your system running at its optimal capacity and as it was designed to do. This can help you save money on your energy costs and extend the lifespan of your system. So if there are any issues with your solar system, you should have it looked at by a professional as soon as possible.
If you want to keep your solar system running over the long term, it’s important to have a regular maintenance schedule. This includes cleaning the panels and checking the connections to keep minor issues from becoming major problems. Most solar installations come with a system monitoring feature, which you should check at least once a week to make sure everything is working properly. This will help you avoid any expensive repairs.
Maintaining your solar system can have a positive impact on your home’s resale value, because it makes the property more energy efficient. But if your solar system isn’t working and is in need of repair, it can have the opposite effect. Potential buyers don’t want to deal with another issue once they purchase a home, so you want to get them taken care of before you put it on the market.
Even if you’re not planning to sell it, you can enjoy the benefits that come with a functioning solar system. You also want to make sure the system is working for at least a few months before you sell your home, because prospective buyers may want information about its average energy production.
If you’re looking for one of the best places for repairing solar panels in Corpus Christi, be sure to get in touch with Solar Power Integrator.