Solar Panel Repairs – How to Keep Your Solar Panels in Good Working Order

Solar systems are a great way to generate clean renewable energy and reduce electricity bills. But like all things they need to be cared for to keep them in good working order.

The most common problem is physical damage to the panels. This often occurs from birds or falling debris, but can also happen over time.

1. Damaged or Faulty Panels

While solar panels are designed to be durable and low-maintenance, they are not immune from wear and tear. Physical damage caused by severe weather conditions, falling debris or critters, power surges, or improper installation can reduce the amount of energy your solar panel system produces.

You may notice silvery lines on your panels that resemble snail trails, which are actually micro-cracks in the solar panel. These cracks can interfere with the connection points in the panel, causing a drop in energy production.

A failing inverter can also drastically reduce your solar panels’ output. Inverters are responsible for converting the DC electricity generated by your solar panels into usable AC electricity, so it’s important that they work correctly. You should inspect your inverter regularly and address any faults as soon as they occur.

2. Faulty Inverter

An inverter is the heart of your solar system, converting DC energy generated by the panels into AC power that’s used to run appliances and feed into the grid. As the most complex component of a solar system, inverters are prone to issues more than other parts of the system, making it important to monitor their performance and health with regular inspections and maintenance.

One of the most common solar inverter problems is an AC output voltage that’s too high. This can be caused by a number of things, including low battery level, burnt rectifiers or melted fuses. To check the output voltage, use a multimeter to measure the inverter input terminals and check for loose or corroded connections. If the problem persists, contact a professional.

3. Hot Spots

When a solar panel overheats it loses the ability to produce electricity. This can be caused by a manufacturing fault, but it’s also often due to dirt or debris (especially moss and bird droppings) that blocks sunlight. This causes the panels to overheat and robs you of valuable energy.

The Skylamp Solar team checks for hot spots as part of our comprehensive solar panel cleaning services. Our experts can quickly resolve this problem by clearing away any accumulated dirt, ensuring your solar panels capture the maximum amount of sunlight.

The team also looks for signs of rust or oxidation on the wiring, which can interfere with the electrical output of your panels. This is another reason why it’s important to get regular servicing from a qualified technician.

4. Electrical Issues

Solar systems rely on the sun to provide energy, but they need proper care and maintenance to function at their best. A solar panel repair technician can ensure that the panels are functioning correctly and help you avoid costly repairs down the road.

The first step to preventing electrical issues is to perform regular cleanings. This is especially important after a storm, as debris can damage the panels. A professional can clean the panels to prevent water intrusion, as well as repair any cracks.

Additionally, you should cover the panels with a protective shell before a storm. This will prevent water intrusion and protect the equipment from debris. You can also install a critter guard, which will stop animals from chewing on the wires and damaging the panels.

5. Faulty Wiring

While solar panels are designed to be long-lasting, wear and tear can occur over time. Certain issues can be repaired, while others may require replacement of parts or the entire system.

Faulty wiring can be a major problem for solar power systems. This is because the external electrical wiring on roofs is exposed to weather and pests. This can lead to issues such as loose connections, corrosion and oxidation, or even animals chewing on the wires.

The best way to prevent these problems is to periodically check the wires in your solar energy system. This can be done by examining the junction box and observing any signs of deterioration or damage. You can also look for faulty isolation switches, which are usually located on the side of your panels and can be a cause of loss of power output.



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