Solar panels have become a popular choice as an eco-friendly and cost-effective source of energy. Households, commercial buildings, and even industrial buildings are investing in solar panels to cut their electricity expenses and contribute to sustainable development. However, like any electrical system or technology, solar panels are often susceptible to several issues that may impact their performance. In this post, you’ll delve into how to troubleshoot rooftop solar systems problems that are commonly encountered by users.
Higher Electricity Bills
This is a common issue that solar panel users often encounter due to various causes. The reason might be inaccurate wiring, incorrect solar panel installation, and decreased power production. The solution to this issue is to ensure the proper solar system installation by professional installers.
Choose a reputable solar installation company offering professional installation by experienced and trained electricians for secure wiring and installation. Moreover, make sure that you regularly monitor the power production to confirm that it is enough to meet your building’s power needs.
Low Efficiency
Less power production is one of the most common rooftop solar panel issues that can be caused by several factors. Rooftop solar panels for home are not always highly efficient in transforming captured sunlight into usable electricity. Shading from nearby buildings or trees, accumulated dirt or debris, or improper installation or orientation can affect solar panel productivity.
Thankfully, getting rid of this problem is not challenging. To ensure the optimal efficiency of solar panels, get them installed in an area with complete sun exposure. Moreover, try to clean panels periodically to get rid of dust or dirt. If you can afford it, use solar panel tracking systems to let panels follow the movement of the sun throughout the day to enhance sunlight exposure.
Electrical Problems
Loose connections and faulty wiring affect the solar panel’s ability to operate efficiently. The reason is that solar panels are linked to the electrical grid. Therefore, any issue with the electrical connections can prevent panels from working well. Cuts in the wiring or loose connections can lead to power loss or a fire. Furthermore, oxidation and corrosion can also interfere with power generation.
To troubleshoot rooftop solar systems electrical issues, get a professional installation to ensure complete system safety and secure wiring. Moreover, get your installed solar panels inspected regularly to make sure that all connections are secured tightly. Additionally, professional inspection allows the identification of damaged or loose components.
Solar Panels Can Be Stolen
This is another common solar issue in India, especially for those whose solar panels are installed in far locations. For example, in an undeveloped region or a rural property. To resolve this problem, secure your solar systems to deter thieves and protect them from theft. If you wonder is solar power system a right choice for you, then simply choose an area that can’t be reached or accessed easily. In addition, you can use advanced security systems like a camera or an alarm to detect any suspicious activity.
Solar Inverter Issues
Solar panel users complain about an inverter that transforms direct current electricity generated by the panels into alternating current electricity. The final converted alternating current electricity is used for business and/or household purposes. Any issue with the solar inverter can affect its performance. Moreover, sometimes it can lead to a power loss or a fire.
To resolve this problem, consider a professional installation. Moreover, it is significant to have your solar panels assessed periodically. Try to check the display panel of the inverter daily to look for any possible error message that may reflect any issue.
PID Effect
PID or potential induced degradation is another issue that can only be resolved by solar panel repair experts. The reason may include the build-up of electric potential on the panel’s surface, which reduces the performance over time. It may also happen due to exposure to extremely high temperatures or incorrect installation.
The voltage difference between the solar panels and earthing can make the primary power circuit generate partial voltage discharge. PID effect can not only degrade the panel’s performance but also lower their lifetime. Therefore, get solar panel installation by a qualified and trusted installer. They will place your solar systems in an area protected from higher temperatures. Additionally, keep an eye on your panels for any potential signs of degradation.
Regular Maintenance
To ensure optimal working and efficient energy output of solar panels, their regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial. Exposure to unwanted elements like bird droppings, debris, dust, dirt, vegetation, etc. can affect the sunlight absorption on the surface of the panels.
The panels may not be able to capture a sufficient amount of sunlight, which consequently decreases their power production efficiency. The best way to keep your solar system for commercial buildings and homes working efficiently, clean them regularly. Additionally, check the connections from time to time or get their professional inspection yearly.
Solar Battery Problems
If you’re using solar batteries to store surplus power generated by solar panels, then take care of them. Just like other solar components, batteries are likely to encounter several issues like undercharging, overcharging, and sulfation. Over time, the capacity can further reduce, which can lead to a decrease in power production.
Lack of maintenance can sometimes result in a power loss or even a fire risk. Battery degradation or damage and improper wiring can also cause issues with solar batteries. Consider professional installation and regular inspection to solve battery problems. This helps in early identification of signs of battery deterioration or damage.
Soiling
As mentioned above, regular cleaning is essential to remove dust, dirt, and other elements. The accumulation of these elements over the panel’s surface can cause soiling, which reduces sunlight exposure and decreases power generation. To troubleshoot rooftop solar systems soiling issues, do regular cleaning.
Small Creatures
Tiny creatures like birds, insects, etc. can decrease the solar panel’s efficiency and reduce the electricity they generate. They can also cause several kinds of physical damage to the solar system. To avoid problems with snail trails, birds, and insects, keep solar panels clean and inspect them more often.
Micro-Cracks
This is also a common issue that can badly impact the system’s effectiveness. These small cracks are hard to notice with the naked eye, but they can grow over time due to weather changes. Micro-cracks generally happen due to seasonal and thermal situations and PV module generation. Poor handling during shipping can also become the reason. To prevent this issue, buy quality solar panels and get their thorough testing done by experts during installation.
Hotspots
Caused due to excessive temperature, badly soldered connections, dirt collection, and overload, hotspots can reduce solar panels’ functioning. This can also reduce the panel’s lifespan. Regular inspection and monitoring of the display can help troubleshoot rooftop solar systems hotspot issues.
Panel Discoloration
Solar panels tend to change their color over time due to several reasons. For example, UV rays exposure, changes in the antireflection coating, and sunlight exposure. This discoloration problem can affect the panel’s performance, efficiency, and energy output.
As its solution, go for professional installation and cleaning regularly. Moreover, keep monitoring the panel’s performance. You can ask your installer for inspection and guidance. Since there are numerous reasons for discoloration, ask for customized support from your installation company.
In conclusion, get professional installation of high-quality solar panels and get them cleaned and inspected regularly to keep these issues away.