As incredible a technology solar panels are, these are not without limitations. Over time, you may experience problems with solar panels that deter performance. Moreover, damaged solar panels can still function—but ignoring the issues and delaying the help of technicians from solar companies in Pakistan may result in the problem becoming more stressful and expensive. Let’s assess the most common problems with solar panels—and how to avoid/fix these!
Problems with Solar Panels: Diagnosis, Prevention, and Solution
At the forefront of renewable energy technology, solar panels offer utility savings, dependable energy, and a way to be environmentally friendly. Of course, optimal performance means you need to stay on top of solar panel issues. Here are the five issues more solar panel users encounter:
1. Various Kinds of Debris
Being outside all day surrounded by nature, it’s only a matter of time before your solar panels accumulate debris. Common solar panel problems include poor performance of the photovoltaic cells due to the buildup, as blockage means insufficient sunlight. Know the two common types of debris solar panels face—and how to get rid of them:
- Dust and Leaves: There’s not much you can do to keep the dust away, except clean your solar panels often. Use a soft cloth or brush to clear up the dust and dead leaves. You can also trim the trees nearby to minimize leaves landing on the panels.
- Bird Droppings: Solar panels are warm, thus attracting birds and other creatures. Avoid installing solar panels near things where birds can perch. You can also use a bird mesh or bird spikes to avoid droppings.
Make sure you use soft duster or water cleaning as much as possible, using certified cleaning products only when necessary. You can also invest in an automated cleaning system if you live in an area with higher air pollution and wildlife around.
2. Micro-Cracks and Delamination
One of the other common problems with solar panels is micro-cracks. Solar cells are thin—and constantly exposed to heat, harsh winds, and other environmental factors. As a result, your solar panels will obtain micro-cracks over time, and face some lamination degradation. This affects the efficiency of solar panels. Prevention and treatment are both equally important here.
Make sure that there are proper expansion joints during installation (specified by manufacturers) to minimize the risk of micro-cracks. Additionally, make sure you schedule regular panel inspections and upkeep. The earlier the micro-cracks or delamination are detected on the solar panels, the sooner you can get these treated to avoid severe and costly damage.
3. Loose Wiring and Connection
Your solar system features panels that are connected together and to the inverter via cables. Wiring faults can result from improper installation, environmental effects, or other causes (e.g. birds and animals).
If your solar panel wiring is damaged or loose, then the electrical problems can minimize the performance of panels—and even cause a total solar system breakdown. Here are some precautions and solutions you can opt for solar panel issues:
- If you detect deteriorating solar panel performance, check the wiring yourself to spot any issues.
- Go for regular cable inspection and maintenance by trained experts—and get prompt repairs.
- Invest in protective measures to keep your solar panel wiring safe from rain, wind, birds, etc.
4. Potential-Induced Degradation (PID)
Potential Induced Degradation (PID) is one of the problems with solar panels that involves damage to solar panel cells due to an excessive amount of charges accumulating on the surface of these cells. It is what is called the ‘passivation effect’.
As a result of PID, open circuit voltage, short circuit current, and the fill factor of the solar cells decrease. Subsequently, the overall power output decreases too—often down to 50% of the original power generation.
To reduce the effects of PID, consider investing in PID-resistant panels, which result from manufacturing processes designed to minimize degradation. Additionally, proper grounding of your solar setup also helps diminish voltage potential differences.
5. Loss of Efficiency from Aging
Probably one of the most unavoidable common solar panel problems is panel degradation via aging. Factors such as extended sunlight exposure, high temperatures, and gaps in maintenance speed up this deterioration.
The best you can do here is monitor your solar panels closely for performance, and book inspection, cleaning, and maintenance. Replace any faulty wiring, damaged panels, and other components that affect overall functionality.
Investing in top-rated solar panel technologies and taking proactive steps for maintenance can help you extend the life of solar panels as long as claimed by manufacturers—which is 30-40 (higher for monocrystalline panels, lower for polycrystalline).
Bottom Line: Taking the Proactive Approach to Solar Panel Care
Solar panels are an excellent way to reduce your energy costs—and these play a significant role in energy conservation and environmental protection. Make sure your solar panels have optimal performance and a longer lifespan by staying diligent about detecting problems with solar panels and fixing them.
