BlogSolar PanelsWhat are the most common solar panel issues?

October 22, 2024
Solar Panel Services

Solar energy is gradually gaining acceptance by homeowners and various business organizations in Alaska. But like every other tool, they can also experience some challenges that affect their effectiveness out there. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, solar installations in the United States alone increased by more than 42% in the year 2020; this shows how crucially effective solar panel services are. 

In this blog, we will look at some of the usual issues associated with solar panels, including dirt accumulation, shading, faulty inverters, wiring problems, as well as physical damage. Knowing these concerns as well as overcoming them would help one get the most out of the solar investment and go for professional solar panel services.

Did you know?

Solar panels can still generate electricity even on cloudy days, producing about 10-25% of their typical output. This is because they utilize both direct and diffuse sunlight, making them an effective energy solution even in less sunny climates like Alaska!

Solar Panel Problems

It was noted that in 2020, solar power deployment in the United States exceeded 42 percent, and the figure indicates the increasing trend of solar power deployment. One must know that solar panels are not without problems that affect their performance, like any other technology implemented in the market. Here are some of the most common solar panel problems you might notice:

1. Dirt and Debris Accumulation

Problem: Dust and snow may collect on the panels, and leaves may fall directly over the solar cells and affect the amount of sunlight reaching them.

Solution: Cleaning should be done frequently; more so if the area experiences a lot of rainfall or snow as they melt. This requires the use of a soft brush or a hose pipe to clean, and you may involve professional solar panel services.

Statistic: Research reveals that the effect of dirt on performance is that it brought down the rating by 25 percent. In that regard, homeowners must clean panels to enhance energy output, save money, and achieve speedy returns on their investments.

2. Shading Issues

Problem: There are also barriers like trees or construction that may cover parts or all of the solar panels, thus affecting their performance.

Solution: Check your solar panel design and guarantee that the solar panels are not placed in an area where they may be shaded. In the case of shading, consider the microinverters or power optimizers that enable dc-to-ac power conversion and thus allow the product to deliver optimal amounts of power even when experiencing partial shading.

Fact: The shading impacts on performance were detailed by a study conducted by the Energy Laboratory showing that shading can affect the output of solar energy by 10–80% depending on the degree and timing of shading.

3. Faulty Inverters

Problem: The inverter is another vital asset that changes the sunlight into useful electricity. Similarly, an inverter that is faulty may result in system failure or lower electrical energy production.

Solution: Monitor the performance of your inverter by running a check through its monitoring system. On a regular basis, in case of any complications, consult the solar panel services to rectify and replace the defective parts.

Figure: According to research from PV Magazine, inverters are one of the most common failure points in solar systems, with around 80% of solar array failures occurring at the inverter level.

4. Wiring Issues

Problem: Damaged wiring or connections make the system produce poor results or even break down.

Solution: Certified technicians can inspect the wiring systems often and correct the arising problems before they cause complications. Specifically to the security of the system, it is always recommended to check that all connections are tight and safe.

Statistics: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, improper wiring can reduce the efficiency of a solar panel by up to 15%.

5. Panel Damage

Problem:  Physical damage from weather events, falling debris, or improper installation can affect the integrity and efficiency of solar panels.

Solution: A number of problems can be easily identified during an inspection and addressed accordingly. In case you spot any crack or any other damage, seek professional help for repair or change.

Fact: An estimated 5% of all installed solar panels may become physically damaged over their lifetime, meaning they do require care and maintenance.

Regularity Maintenance

To ensure your solar panels operate at their best, consider these maintenance tips:

Schedule Regular Inspections: Hire solar panel services for maintenance checks to know the problems early before advancing.

Monitor System Performance: Use energy monitoring tools to monitor the system and detect performance deficiencies so that you can correct the problem as soon as it occurs.

Clean the Panels: As we already indicated, the cleanliness of the panels greatly determines their effectiveness.

Alaska’s and it’s Affordable Solar Solutions

Alaskans especially need to find cheap solar solutions in order to meet its growing demand. Alaska has interesting opportunities for solar power generation, primarily during the summer. Implementing the use of solar energy is good for the pocket, as adopting the use of solar power is estimated to bring savings of over $1,000 a year for homeowners.

Conclusion

In this guide, you’ll learn about various problems with solar panels and their possible solutions to get the most out of your solar investment. That is why hiring good solar panel services like GOGETFIX will guarantee the efficiency of the system’s work and save on costs. By adopting affordable solar solutions in Alaska, you can contribute to a sustainable future while enjoying the benefits of renewable energy.

If you are experiencing problems with your solar panels or have any questions about how to improve your solar power system, contact GOGETFIX for Solar Panel Services now. As you know, every machine needs proper care and maintenance to refresh and work effectively. The same thing happens with the solar panel, and you can get maximum benefits out of it by following some essential care.