Solar panels usually require minimal maintenance, as rain generally washes away any debris due to their tilted design. However, there are situations when maintenance is necessary, and certain visible signs on the panels indicate this need.
The signs that your solar panel needs maintenance or some form of consultation
1. Less Power Generation.
Many Solar Systems come with a mobile application, these applications showcase the status of the solar panel, as well as the power it has generated. If the power generated decreases over time then it is either that the sky has been cloudy for a few days, a layer of debris on the solar panel such as dust or that the solar panel has an issue. These issues in the solar panel are rare but they do happen and the best thing to do is to call your solar panel contractor and ask them to send an expert to check the panels.
2. The Panel is tiled way too much.
Solar Panels are usually tilted at an angle of 30 to 45 degrees. This is done since it is the best angle for getting maximum sunlight. If your solar panel isn’t at that angle then it is advised to call an expert to see the panel since it might be difficult to adjust the panel on your own and if left unattended the amount of energy that you get from the solar panel will be lesser than before.
3. Cracks on the Solar Panels.
The Solar Panel is covered in glass and glass is easy to crack. Cracks can be caused either by hail, heavy rain or even an object being dropped on the solar panel. This doesn’t affect the solar panel since the cells are underneath the panel and the solar panel will still function. However when it rains the water might seep through and cause damage to the solar panel so it is better to change the glass once the problem is found.
4. Discoloured Solar Panels
If the solar panels are usually blue in colour and if the panels are coloured either Yellow or Brown then it can harm the efficiency of the solar panel. The cause of this discolouration is a chemical reaction in the ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) film which is what runs throughout the entire solar panel.
5. Solar Inverter not working
Solar Inverters are devices that Direct Current (DC) to Alternative Current (AC) which is then transferred through the electrical wires to whichever device is connected to the appliances that need it. This Inverter usually needs maintenance unlike solar panels. So if your solar panel isn’t working it is better to check the solar inverter for any issues and call your solar contractor accordingly and they will take care of the issue.
6. Electrical Problems
Solar Panels are connected to an electric grid and if the electric grid is damaged and unattended it can lead to the solar panel being permanently damaged. Fortunately, this only happens when the installation isn’t done by a professional and we make sure that the installation process is safe and secure so that this issue doesn’t occur.
7. Noises from the Solar Panel
If some strange noises are coming from the solar panel then it is highly likely that there is an electrical issue which needs to be resolved quickly. If that isn’t the case then it is likely that nuts and bolts might be loose and causing the panel to move around. Either way it is better to call your solar panel contractor to check this issue since they will have experts who can resolve the issues while also addressing any other issues.