Solar panels are among the best investments to create a sustainable environment and empower positive change. Solar panels require little maintenance and save money on energy bills.
But problems with any product can arise anytime. Thus, to make everyone aware, we’ve compiled this helpful guide that shows you common issues with solar panels in Australia and how to fix them.
Australia receives the most solar energy in the world. And it is an ideal location for developing solar energy infrastructure. As a result, more people are getting with the times and doing their part to save the world by installing solar panels in their homes.
As a result, more people are installing solar panels to participate in the renewable energy revolution. But like all technology, solar has some flaws too. While you can resolve some of those issues on your own, others may require the services of a solar repair company.
The key is identifying your issue and deciding how to fix it. Here is a guide to Australia’s most common solar panel problems. And don’t worry. We’ll definitely provide information to help you resolve the issues.
Grime And Dirt
A buildup of dirt or grime is one of the most common reasons your solar panels aren’t performing as well as they should. Solar panels are vulnerable to dust, dirt, and other debris like other products.
Mainly flat roof-mounted panels are more susceptible. Since they are flat, they naturally collect more grime, which can reduce system output. This can have an impact on the efficiency of your panels.
Dust, bird droppings, leaves, and ash from nearby fires are all common problems.
Birds
Potential Induced Degradation
If you’ve noticed a significant drop in the electricity produced by your solar panels, it could be due to the PID effect or Potential Induced Degradation.
This indicates a voltage difference between the solar panel and the earthing, which causes a partial voltage discharge. Essentially, you’re losing voltage and potentially jeopardising the long-term effectiveness of your panels.
Problems With Your Inverter
Solar inverters are critical in converting direct current (DC) energy from your solar panels to alternating current (AC) energy used by your home. As a crucial system component, you will undoubtedly detect any problems.
Although inverter technology has advanced, inverters typically only last for a short time as your panels. And if you don’t replace the inverter in 15 years and wait for 25 years, it will compromise the productivity of your solar panels.
Snail Trails
Another common issue with solar panels is called snail trail contamination. The name derived from the brown lines on your panels and gives the impression that snails have walked on the surface.
Snail trails usually appear after a few years and are caused by various factors, including faulty silver paste. Microscopic cracks in the PV system can also cause snail trail contamination. The issue reduces the solar system’s performance and causes it to fail prematurely.
Micro-cracks
Traditional solar cells are incredibly fragile. Micro-cracks are small cracks that can appear on panels and are challenging to see with the naked eye. However, these cracks can enlarge and become more visible with time and significant weather changes.
When these cracks grow larger, they can disrupt the flow of energy in your panel and reduce the energy output of your system.
They can occur during conventional PV module production but can also be caused by careless handling during shipping or installation. Sometimes weather conditions can cause micro-cracks too.
Solar Panel Electrical Wiring Issues
Faulty or even old electrical wiring on your roof will prevent your solar panels from performing efficiently because it will interfere with electricity production.
It’s natural for your roof’s electrical wiring to deteriorate over time due to loose connections, corrosion, and oxidation.
Furthermore, rats can cause damage by chewing on the wiring. If left unattended, these electrical issues can cause problems with your roof. In the worst-case scenario, they can even set fire to your roof.
Corrosion
Your panels are exposed to harsh Australian conditions. It includes heat and heavy rain. Moisture may leak into your panels over time. As a result, it will trigger a corrosion process.
If the panels corrode inside the bus bars, it’ll cause the system to shut down due to isolation. Unfortunately, the panels will be beyond repair.
Solar Panels With Hot Spots
When the panel’s energy cannot flow through to your inverter, it becomes overloaded and radiates excess heat, so they get hot. It is one of the most common issues with solar panels worldwide.
Hot spots can reduce the performance and lifespan of your solar panels. They are caused by various factors, such as dirt or bird-dropping accumulation, partial shading, and even structural defects.
Roof Defects
How to Know Your Solar Panels Aren't Functioning Properly?
- Is your electric bill higher than usual?
- Are your panels visibly dirty or in direct sunlight?
- Are there any error codes on your inverter?
- Is there any unusual data in your system’s analytical tools?
- Is your average daily kilowatt-hours metric on the decline?
Solar Panel Repair: Expert Advice From Solar Emporium
- Ensure that any professional you contact is registered on the Clean Energy Council’s installer list. It guarantees that they have agreed to uphold high standards. And they are obliged to serve you if something goes wrong.
- Clean your panels at least once every 12 months. Rain may do a lot of the work for you. But cleaning the panels will prevent dirt or grime from piling up.
- If the solar panels are accessible, simply clean them with warm, soapy water free of harsh chemicals.
- You can also take precautions by installing mesh wire or other bird deterrents during installation. There are ways to keep birds from nesting beneath our solar panels without harming them.
- Most modern inverters have displays that show any occurring errors. Always compare the error messages to your user manual. It should be pretty simple to figure out what’s wrong.
- Always check for any blackout, as it is one of the most common inverter problems. The breaker may have been automatically turned off.
- When installing solar panels on your roofs, you must always buy from a reputed company with the highest quality and testing standards.
- Checking on your roof occasionally can mitigate the risks of any wiring issue. Contacting your PV system installers is the best option if you find any problems.
- Maintain the perfect shading system.
- Some problems aren’t visible to the naked eye. So if you suspect any situation, you must contact your trusted solar professionals to inspect it.
- Contact a pest control professional if you notice nests or birds dropping on your panels.
