Solar panels have become a widely adopted and eco-friendly energy solution. However, like any technology, they are susceptible to issues affecting performance. In this blog, we’ll explore the most common solar panel problems and their solutions.
24 Most Common Solar Panel Problems With Solutions
Solar panels are generally low-maintenance, but occasional problems can arise. If you notice any issues with your system, take quick action to prevent them from getting worse. Here are a few common solar panel problems and solutions-
1. Solar Panels Efficiency Issues
Solar panels sometimes struggle to convert sunlight into usable energy efficiently due to various factors. These include improper installation, shading from objects, and dirt accumulation.
Fortunately, there are solutions to enhance efficiency. Optimal panel placement in sunny, areas and regular cleaning help. Additionally, investing in solar panel tracking systems ensures panels capture maximum sunlight by following the sun’s path throughout the day.
If your solar panel does have efficiency issues, you can use these 16 ways to increase your solar panel efficiency.
2. Solar Panels Demand Consistent Upkeep
To ensure optimal functionality, regular cleaning, and maintenance are essential. Exposure to the elements can lead to dirt and debris buildup on the panels’ surface, reducing sunlight absorption and efficiency.
To extend their lifespan, conduct routine cleaning and check connections. It’s crucial to have a professional inspection of your system annually for continued performance. This is among the five most common problems with solar panels.
3. Electrical Concerns
Solar panels connected to the grid may encounter issues with their electrical connections, often caused by loose connections or broken wiring. Left unaddressed, these problems can result in power loss or even pose a fire hazard.
To prevent electrical issues, professional installation is crucial as experts ensure product safety and proper wiring connections. Regular system inspections further ensure tight connections and identify and address any loose or damaged components in solar cables or wires, ensuring the long-term efficiency and safety of your solar energy system.
If interested, you can check out the solar cable size selection guide for PV plants.
4. Impact of Harsh Weather on Solar Panels
Solar panels are susceptible to severe weather impacts, such as high winds, hail, and lightning strikes. This damage can affect the panels and their electrical connections within the solar energy system.
To safeguard your solar panels from such environmental threats, it’s crucial to have a professional installer who can secure them effectively. Additionally, regular system inspections play a vital role in ensuring tight connections and identifying any loose or damaged components, further enhancing the protection of your solar panels against severe weather conditions.
5. Solar Panel Inverter Issues
The solar inverter plays a vital role in converting DC electricity generated by the panels into usable AC electricity for homes or businesses. A malfunctioning inverter can lead to power loss or pose a fire hazard.
To address this concern, professional installation is essential, ensuring proper functioning and safety. Regular system inspections help identify and rectify potential inverter problems. Reading the inverter’s display panel for error messages is crucial in detecting any issues promptly. Being proactive and vigilant ensures the reliable and safe operation of your solar energy system.
This explained what happens if one solar panel fails due to inverter issues and how to solve it.
Also See: 32 Troubleshooting Solar Inverter Problems and Solutions
6. Solar Energy System Battery Concerns
For off-grid solar systems, batteries play a vital role in storing electricity generated by the panels. Unfortunately, these batteries can encounter several issues, including sulfation, overcharging, and undercharging. If neglected, these problems can result in power loss or even fire hazards.
To mitigate battery problems, professional installation is imperative, ensuring proper setup and safety. Regular system inspections help identify and address potential battery issues. Additionally, frequent checks for signs of damage or deterioration in the batteries are essential to maintain the efficiency and safety of your solar energy system.
7. Solar Panels’ Aesthetics Can Be a Concern
Their large size and rooftop placement may not complement the overall look of a home or building. To address this, several solutions can be explored. Strategically installing panels in less visible areas helps maintain a clean appearance. Additionally, investing in solar panel covers or skins allows customization of color or pattern to better match the home’s exterior, blending sustainability and aesthetics seamlessly.
Also Read: All You Need to Know About 4 Types of Solar Panels
8. Solar Panel Theft
Especially in remote locations like rural properties or undeveloped areas, theft becomes a risk. To protect your investment, securing the panels is crucial.
To deter thieves, consider installing panels in less accessible locations. Implementing security measures like alarms or cameras can act as a strong deterrent. Safeguarding your solar panels ensures uninterrupted energy generation and peace of mind.
9. Damaged Solar Panels
Panels made of breakable materials like glass are vulnerable to breakage, often due to harsh weather like high winds or hail. Damaged solar panels can result in power loss or even pose a fire risk. To know more about damaged or degraded panels, you can take a look at why do solar panels degrade?
To prevent panel damage, opt for installation in a sheltered location away from severe weather conditions. Regular panel inspections are crucial to identifying any signs of damage early on and ensuring the continued efficiency and safety of your solar energy system.
10. Hot Spots
After learning how damaged solar panels can result in power loss, let’s explore another common issue: hotspots in solar panels. This problem arises due to electrical issues, often triggered by improper installation or broken wiring, which can lead to power loss or even fires.
To prevent hot spots, regular system inspections are vital to ensure tight connections and identify any loose or damaged components. Monitoring the panel’s display for error messages is essential for detecting issues promptly. By being proactive and vigilant, you can maintain the safety and efficiency of your solar energy system.
Also Read: 11 Major Factors Affecting Solar Panel Efficiency
11. Potential-Induced Degradation (PID)
Potential-Induced Degradation (PID) is a significant concern in solar panels. This phenomenon results from an electric potential buildup on the panel’s surface, leading to gradual performance degradation. Improper installation or exposure to extreme temperatures can trigger PID.
To prevent PID, enlist a professional installer to ensure proper protection against extreme temperatures. Regular system inspections are vital to detect any signs of degradation early on, ensuring the longevity and efficiency of your solar energy system. Being proactive and attentive safeguards your investment in renewable energy.
12. Solar Panels On Roofs Can Pose Concerns
One of the most common solar panel problems is that they exert stress on the roof. This can potentially lead to damage or leaks if not installed properly.
To safeguard against roof damage, conduct regular system inspections and ensure correct panel installation. Being proactive in maintenance and monitoring helps maintain the integrity of both your solar energy system and your roof.
Also Read: 13 Common Problems With Solar Panels On Roofs
13. Birds
Birds pose a threat to solar panels in two ways. Firstly, they can physically damage panels by building nests or pecking at them. Secondly, their droppings can impair panel efficiency.
To prevent bird-related issues, regular cleaning is crucial. Additionally, conduct frequent inspections to identify any signs of damage caused by birds. Being proactive in maintenance ensures the sustained performance and longevity of your solar energy system.
14. Snow
It hinders the panels’ absorption capacity, reducing electricity production. Accumulated snow can also physically damage the panel.
To prevent snow-related issues, regular cleaning of solar panels is essential. Additionally, frequent inspections help identify any signs of damage caused by snow. Being proactive in maintenance ensures the sustained efficiency and performance of your solar energy system, even in snowy conditions.
Also See: 8 Benefits of Cleaning Solar Panels
15. Insects
Similar to birds, insects can also pose a challenge to solar panels in two ways. They may physically damage the panel while attempting to build nests on the surface. Additionally, their droppings can impair the panel’s performance.
The solution lies in regular cleaning. Keeping the panels clean and free from insect debris ensures optimal efficiency and longevity of your solar energy system.
16. Snail Trails
They decrease the panel’s efficiency and, consequently, its electricity production. Moreover, large quantities of snail trails can cause physical damage to the panel.
To prevent issues with snail trails, regular panel inspections are essential to detect signs of damage. Additionally, keeping the panels clean and free from snail trails helps maintain the optimal performance and longevity of your solar energy system. Being proactive in maintenance ensures your system’s continued efficiency and effectiveness.
Also Read: Do Solar Lights Attract Bugs?
17. Cost Considerations With Solar Energy
Globally, there’s a misconception that installing solar panels is prohibitively expensive, with high maintenance costs. While the expense has decreased in recent years, the initial investment can still be substantial. Moreover, solar energy systems require ongoing maintenance, and there are some solar energy myths as well.
To address cost concerns, explore available options. Government incentives, such as tax credits or rebates, can significantly offset expenses. Financing through loan or lease programs offers a feasible approach to adopting solar energy without a large upfront investment. Being informed about available incentives and financing options helps make solar energy more accessible and affordable for individuals and businesses alike. This should have taught you about one of the most common solar panel problems and its solution.
18. Soiling
The accumulation of dust, pollen, bird droppings, and leaves on the panel’s surface reduces the amount of sunlight it receives, impacting electricity production.
To prevent soiling issues, regular cleaning of the solar system is crucial. Frequent inspections help identify any signs of dirt or debris buildup. Being proactive in maintenance ensures optimal performance and efficiency of your solar energy system.
Also See: Does Cleaning Solar Panels Make a Difference?
19. Micro-Cracks
Conventional solar panels are delicate and can develop tiny cracks called micro-cracks. These common solar panel defects are hard to see without special equipment but can get worse over time due to weather changes. When they grow larger, they can disrupt the energy flow in the panel, leading to reduced energy output.
These cracks can happen during the production of the solar panels or shipping and installation if not handled carefully. Unforeseen weather events like hail can also cause them. To avoid these issues, it’s crucial to buy solar panels from a company with high-quality standards and thorough testing when getting them installed on your roof.
Once this problem occurs, there are limited solutions, and you may have to replace your solar panels. To prevent such issues, the best approach is to buy panels that can withstand the elements.
20. Faulty Electrical Wiring
If your electrical wiring on the roof is faulty or old, it can disrupt the efficiency of your solar panels by affecting electricity production.
This happens because, over time, the wiring can develop problems like loose connections, corrosion, and oxidation. Even pests like rats can damage the wiring by chewing on it. If these electrical issues are not fixed, they can cause problems for your roof and, in severe cases, even lead to fires.
To avoid such risks, it’s essential to take measures to prevent and address these electrical problems on your roof. Regularly inspect your electricity. If you suspect a problem, call a licensed electrician—avoid DIY. Before installing solar panels, have an electrician check your wiring for safety and efficiency. Prevention is best!
This should have explained what happens if one solar panel fails due to faulty electrical wiring and how to solve it.
Cross-Reference: Challenge to stop solar panels becoming a ‘waste mountain’
21. Poor Connection in Solar Cell Strings
When solar cells are connected in strings and then soldered into interconnection wires inside a panel, poor connections can occur.
In some cases, these poorly soldered interconnections can cause around one-third of the solar cells to stop working, reducing the panel’s energy production by one-third or even more. This issue can be detected using an infrared (IR) camera, which shows a noticeable temperature difference between the solar cell strings.
To avoid this problem, using more advanced manufacturing techniques and conducting careful EL inspections before shipping can prevent such defects in solar panels.
22. Defective Junction Box
The junction box at the back of a solar panel is crucial for carrying electricity out of the panel. However, if water or dust gets inside the junction box, it can cause problems. The bypass diodes inside can get short-circuited and burnt out.
When a bypass diode or connector burns out, the solar panel goes into an open circuit state, meaning it stops sending energy outward completely. To prevent this, use IP67-rated junction boxes that keep dust and water out, protecting the circuits inside the panel. Now, let’s learn about cracked back sheets, one of the most common solar panel defects.
23. Cracked Backsheet
Solar panel components endure strong UV radiation and temperature changes daily. When the back sheet of a solar panel is cracked, it shows that the components were not well chosen. This can lead to water vapor entering the panel and causing damage to the solar cells.
To address this issue, it’s essential to select high-quality components for the solar panels, including a durable back sheet. A robust back sheet with good water insulation properties will protect the solar cells from damage caused by moisture, ensuring the longevity and efficiency of the solar panel. Regular inspections and maintenance can also help identify and replace cracked back sheets before they cause significant harm.
Now, let’s learn about solar panel discoloration, one of the five most common problems with solar panels.
Also See: What Happens if a Solar Panel is Not Connected?
24. Solar Panel Discoloration
Over time, solar panels may change color due to different factors such as sunlight exposure, variations in the antireflection coating, and exposure to UV rays. This discoloration can impact the panel’s performance, leading to decreased efficiency and reduced power output.
Solutions to solar panel discoloration include regular professional cleaning, proper installation, monitoring system performance, and contacting the installer for assessment and guidance. As there are various causes of discoloration, tailored advice from professionals is crucial. And with this, we have learned all about major solar panel problems and solutions.
In conclusion, being aware of common solar panel problems such as dust accumulation, shading, and microcracks can help system owners take timely action. Regular maintenance, professional inspections, and addressing potential defects will maximize solar panel efficiency. For more informative solar content, keep reading our blogs.
Source: Solar panel repair: Common problems and how repair services can help solve them
