Solar Panel Problems Solved

Solar panels are a unique source of renewable energy, which are mostly maintenance-free, with most problems avoidable if we use an experienced installer for this energy source.

Regardless, we must familiarize ourselves with the most common problems associated with owning a solar panel system and learn how to solve them or bring them to minimum levels.

Solar Panel Issues to Look Out For

This unique renewable energy source has its unique challenges associated with owning it. For those who already have solar power systems installed, the problems might be:

1. Defective Solar Inverter

With lifespans extending over 20 years, solar panels are a durable energy source. Unfortunately, solar inverters aren’t long-lasting.

Typically, a solar inverter can last between 5 and 15 years, depending on its manufacturer and many other aspects.

A solar inverter is that part of the solar panel responsible for converting solar energy from direct current into an alternating current, which is then used at home.

A solar inverter can be faulty due to any of the following reasons:

• Faulty solar PV system
• Loose connections
• Voltage fluctuation
• Short circuit

Routine check-ups from a qualified electrician can help extend your solar inverter life.

2. Common Problems that Necessitate Troubleshooting

Solar inverters and charge controllers cause the most common solar panel problems. According to the Managing Director of Bright Green Renewables, Mark Patridge, “half of the invert “problems are actually due to the solar array having a faulty panel or cable and the inverter detecting this.”

The solar panel system may experience two failures that usually call for troubleshooting. These two unpleasant conditions are:

• No Power
• Low Voltage Problems

No Power

No power is a common problem due to a fault in the charge controller or inverter.

It is also possible that any of the solar panels in the PV array might have failed. One failing PV module can shut down all the other panels and the entire solar system since all the PV modules are connected in a series.

Situations of Low-Power

If a solar system does not deliver its rated power sufficiently, it becomes a low-power situation.

This happens to be one of the most common solar panel problems. To find the source of the problem, a few easy troubleshooting measures help.

Factors that possibly contribute to this problem are:

Temperature

It is proven scientifically that voltage drop faces a sharp rise with a temperature rise. Adding extra modules in the series, which increases string voltage, can help eliminate this problem.

It is also essential to ensure that the air circulation is sufficient beneath all panels and that this open space is not blocked for any reason and is directly under the sun.

Shading

There must be no trees near the solar panels so they enjoy access to direct sunlight the entire day to avoid this common cause of low voltage.

Bad Connections

A multi-meter checks voltage levels at multiple points to track the point beyond which the low voltage problem begins. If the system was professionally installed and wired, the chances of encountering wiring problems may not be experienced.

Solar Panel Defects

Failure of a solar panel is generally not common. They’re designed to last for at least 25 years. However, product recalls have occurred over the years for most large PV manufacturers. The resistance of the solar cells in a panel can increase over time.

3. Low-Efficiency Rating

At first glance, the efficiency rating of a solar PV system might appear low, with a majority of domestic systems in the UK attaining efficiency levels between 10-20%.

A 4kW system is enough to reduce energy bills and lower your carbon footprint drastically. However, most of the time, you’ll likely be generating more energy than consumed around the house, which you can also store at night with solar batteries.

How Urgently Should It Be Fixed?

The position on the roof and the type of material used should all be considered to ensure the maximum efficiency of the solar panels. An experienced installer will assess and recommend the optimal position for the new solar system.

4. Birds Nesting Under Solar Panels

Birds or sometimes even squirrels make their home under solar panels, making for ideal nesting space on the roofs as they offer shelter and warmth. Ironically, they provide perfect protection from predators- the sun. They can scratch or damage the wiring or soil the solar panel.

If birds nest under the solar panels, the plate can be expected to be covered in poo, thus reducing the surface area for energy absorption.

How Urgently Should It Be Fixed?

To help prevent birds and animals from squeezing underneath the solar panel, you can buy plastic strips and attach them to the discussions.

While installing solar panels, you can consider roof-integrated panels. These can be complex to retrofit but convenient to be built into the roof, leaving no gaps for squirrels or birds to get underneath them.

Birds nesting under your panels is inconvenient annoying, and can result in damage. But it isn’t as urgent an issue to tackle as other problems. Solar panels need cleaning regularly as birds are known to cover the solar panels with droppings, leaving insufficient surface area for energy generation. Bird droppings should be cleaned regularly because green algae may form the longer it’s left, which then requires professional cleaning.

5. Panels Building up Dirt

One of the most common performance issues is caused by dirt. This dirt can be caused by droppings of birds, squirrels, small creatures, pollution (in an urban area), a salt build-up if close to the coast, dust, pollen or leaves, and other debris. Mother Nature has an easy way of reducing panel efficiency.

These problems may seem minor, but they can deter your system from generating as much electricity as it should.

How Urgently Should It Be Fixed?

A heavy rainstorm is usually enough to wash off most of this dirt. If a lot of dirt is building up, that could mean that the panel generates less electricity than its potential.

Cleaning is an easy fix and must be done regularly. Since shade from soiling can lower your output by about 5 per cent each year, it pays to hose off your panels twice or thrice a year. This is usually sufficient unless you live in a particularly dusty area. If certain dirt sections have hardened, use a soft push broom to remove it – or hire a cleaning crew. Working with experts also lowers your chances of injuring yourself on a ladder or wet roof.

It isn’t urgent, but it is worth fixing. Unless the bush is thick or a significant amount has accumulated, it will unlikely cause problems beyond a slight drop in generating electricity.

6. Damage to The Roof

Solar systems are directly installed onto the roof, and the damage caused to the roof can be concerning. Therefore, you should arrange for a licensed electrician to carry out the installation so you have nothing to worry about.

How urgently should it be fixed?

Solar panels can hide, more than cause, potential problems on the roof, such as rot, dampness, and deterioration. This can be avoided through regular maintenance and solar panel and roof monitoring.

A solar panel system can sustain cracks and still function normally for solar PV problems from cracked Solar PV cells or other physical damage. The glass is laminated and stronger than one may believe.

In most cases, however, the crack will grow larger over time and cause the performance to drop. In this situation, you would need an installer to replace the broken solar pane.

Solar panels have also been known to extend the life of a roof as they act as an extra layer of protection against the elements of nature.

7. Faulty Installation

Not hiring a licensed installer to install the panel is a huge reason for problems.

Some of the most common issues associated with faulty installation include:

• Disrupted water flow
• Damaged roof
• Inconsistent power supply
• Solar panels not aligned with other panels

How Urgently Should It Be Fixed?

Fortunately, plenty of expert and certified solar experts can help with installation, repair, routine maintenance, etc.

Most of the solar panel problems are avoidable.

You can help keep these issues at bay by tracking the performance of your solar systems and inspecting them routinely.

Alternatively, you can also hire a professional for that purpose.

8. Internal Corrosion/wiring Issues

Solar panel owners might experience problems with solar panels if moisture penetrates the solar panel film.

Besides that, creatures nesting under the solar panel can interfere with the wiring and cause faults in the connection.

Faulty materials, poor workmanship, other electrical works at home which might have an impact, and a variable voltage coming into your home from the grid can cause electrical problems. DC electrical cables that join the solar panels can often suffer from water getting into them or chafing on the roof tiles.

How Urgently Should It Be Fixed?

It should be fixed as soon as possible. If an experienced installer had been used, they most likely must have installed monitoring.

First, check the display on the inverter, as its error message (or code) could highlight the cause. Contact a solar panel maintenance professional instead of attempting to fix the electrical problem yourself.

To prevent animals, barricading the solar panel is the only way.

Alternatively, internal corrosion can be prevented by ensuring:

• No micro cracks are visible
• The solar vacuum is tight
• The lamination on the sheet is intact

9. Your System Is Overheating

One easy way to tell if the solar panels have temperature problems is by checking for heat fade. This occurs when excessively high temperatures (exceeding 90s) cause the solar system to underperform.

This is pretty common and not necessarily an indication of faulty panels, if any. If the underlying issue is heat fade, then it might be noticed that less electricity is received during the hottest times of the day.

The high temperatures could Often affect certain sections of your panel system instead of the whole solar system getting too warm. These specific areas might wear down faster than others.

Certain panel manufacturers surprisingly perform better in high heat than others.

How Urgently Should It Be Fixed?

One example is that of the Panasonic HIT panel. These panels have thin layers of material that compress the monocrystalline layer in between them, making them increasingly efficient in high temperatures. This should be kept in mind when selecting panels.

10. Your Solar System Still Isn’t Performing as Usual

What to do if you’ve tried everything but still experience solar panel issues? Low voltage or current can both have different causes. Since every system is designed differently, hiring an expert who knows the best way to perform the correct diagnostic steps to solve the issue is always best.

How Urgently Should It Be Fixed?

Unless you’re experienced, you mustn’t try to troubleshoot the problems. Working with direct current (DC) electricity is more dangerous than home AC power. However, it’s helpful to record information such as:

• Error messages
• The times when problems were noticed
• Any events noticed in case things went wrong, such as power losses

Sharing this information with the maintenance crew makes it much easier to identify the proper fix to the problem. It also ensures that warranty protection is not lost.

11. Isolator Problems

You should ideally have two isolators:

• At the inverter
• Close to the consumer unit

Loose internal connections can cause a problem. The inverter shows an error in this case, and the code it displays can help identify if the fault is on the AC or the DC side.

If an isolator problem is suspected, you should follow the shut-down procedure left with you by the installer. If you don’t have one, turn off the PV at the consumer unit.

How Urgently Should It Be Fixed?

Very urgently. It would help to get a qualified engineer to investigate the wiring and isolators. They will probably use your inverter’s fault codes to fix it.

Case Study: Resolving Common Solar Panel Problems for a Residential Client

Background

A client approached Solar Panels Network with concerns about their residential solar panel system’s underperformance. The system had been installed several years prior by another provider, and the homeowner noticed a gradual decline in energy output. The client was eager to understand the issues and restore the system to optimal performance.

Project Overview

Solar Panels Network was tasked with diagnosing and resolving the issues causing the system’s reduced efficiency. The main concerns included suspected inverter faults, potential shading, and possible wiring issues. The goal was to ensure the system operated at its peak capacity and provided the client with the expected energy savings.

Implementation

• System Diagnosis: We began with a comprehensive system check, including inspecting the solar inverter, panels, and wiring.
• Shade Analysis: Conducted an analysis to identify any shading from nearby trees or structures affecting the panels.
• Panel and Inverter Inspection: Examined the solar panels for any physical damage or debris and checked the inverter for faults or error codes.
• Wiring and Connection Check: Inspected all wiring and connections for any signs of wear, corrosion, or loose connections.
• Preventative Measures: Installed bird mesh barriers to prevent birds from nesting under the panels and causing further issues.

Results

• Restored System Efficiency: The diagnosis revealed shading from an overgrown tree and a faulty inverter. The tree was pruned, and the inverter was replaced, restoring the system to optimal performance.
• Increased Energy Output: Post-maintenance, the system’s energy output increased by 20%, aligning with the expected performance metrics.
• Preventative Measures Implemented: The installation of bird mesh and regular maintenance schedules prevented future issues, ensuring long-term efficiency.

Summary

The project successfully identified and resolved several common issues affecting the client’s solar panel system. By addressing shading, inverter faults, and potential wildlife interference, Solar Panels Network restored the system’s efficiency and ensured ongoing energy savings for the homeowner. This case highlights the importance of regular maintenance and professional oversight in maintaining solar panel systems. The client was satisfied with the enhanced performance and the proactive measures taken to prevent future problems.

Expert Insights From Our Solar Panel Installers About Solar Panel Problems Solved

One of the most common issues we encounter is shading from nearby trees or buildings. Even partial shading can significantly reduce the efficiency of a solar panel system. We always recommend positioning panels in areas with maximum sun exposure to avoid this problem.

Senior Solar Installer

Birds nesting under panels can be a real issue, not just for the cleanliness of the panels but also for the wiring. We use specialised mesh barriers to prevent this, ensuring the system remains efficient and undamaged.

Lead Installation Technician

Faulty inverters are a major cause of system underperformance. Regular maintenance and using high-quality components can prevent most issues. We advise our clients to schedule yearly check-ups to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Solar Maintenance Specialist

Discover the Power of Solar with Solar Panels Network

Are you navigating the world of solar installations? Look no further than Solar Panels Network, the UK’s trusted partner in harnessing the sun’s potential. Our dedication goes beyond just installations; we’re on a mission to transform how homeowners and businesses across the UK perceive and utilise energy. By choosing us, you’re reducing your carbon footprint and making a smart financial move that promises savings for years ahead. Contact us today and embark on your solar journey.

Final Words

Some other solar panel defects are Potential Induced Degradation (PID), micro-cracks, and UV discolouring.

Solving solar panel problems directly benefits their energy bills as they run more efficiently.

As the need to burn fossil fuels is not required for the panels to generate electricity, they don’t emit carbon into the atmosphere, and thus, the carbon footprint will be smaller than ever before.

Always call a professional to ensure they deliver high standards, and you can redress if something goes wrong.

Since solar panels are so low maintenance, you can enjoy the benefits without giving much thought to the panels.