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’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.