After investing a good deal of money to install quality and reliable solar panels, you should only trust professionals for your solar panel maintenance and solar panel repair. Although the best quality of solar panels will give you optimum service for more than 40 years, you’ll occasionally need solar panel repair services to keep your solar panels in pristine conditions. How can you tell that you need solar panel repair? Here’s how.
1. Low and Irregular Power Production
On a rainy or cloudy day, it’s normal for your solar system to record a slight decrease in the total units of power produced. However, on sunny days, your solar panels should work perfectly and produce the maximum amount of energy as estimated by the manufacturer. When you realize that your solar panels are producing fewer kilowatts every day even when the sun is shining bright, that should signal you to contact a solar panel repair company. A professional will diagnose your solar system and detect where and why your solar panels are losing energy.
2. Cracks and Broken Glasses on the Solar Panels
The glass on the solar panels is strong and durable and will withstand extreme weather conditions. Nonetheless, some objects like falling trees or big stones may crack the glass on your solar panels. For instance, flying objects from a tornado may fall on the roof and damage your solar panels. Cracks on the glass are dangerous because they’ll allow water to leak into the cells of the solar panel and cause further damage. That’s why it’s recommended that you hire a solar panel maintenance company to check on your solar panels during and after adverse weather conditions. The maintenance crew will be able to detect any cracks on the solar panels and conduct the appropriate solar panel repairs.
3. Check Your Inverter for a Green or Red Light
The good thing with solar systems is that they are not complicated. Basically, the solar panels are equipped with photovoltaic cells that convert the energy from the sun into electricity. The inverter is responsible for converting the direct current on the solar panels photovoltaic cells, into usable alternating current. You then utilize the energy for all your domestic power needs. When the inverter is working optimally, it will produce a green light. A problematic inverter will display a red or orange light. You should check for these lights during the day when the inverter is supposed to be working perfectly. When your inverter displays a red light, you should seek solar panel repair services to get to the bottom of the problem. It might be an issue with your inverter or the solar panels.
4. Lose Wire Connections
If you notice an inconsistency in power output, it may mean that some wires are loosely connected. Loose connections can occur, especially, if you don’t conduct frequent maintenance on solar panels. After you remodel your roof, your solar system can have loose connections. If you plan on remodeling your roof, you should contract solar panel installation services to uninstall the solar panels and install them back when the roof works are complete.
5. Debris on the Solar Panels
If you find that some debris has accumulated on the surface of the solar panels, you should seek solar panel repair professionals to clean out the dirt. The professionals will also check if the debris has caused further damage to the solar panels. Debris may come from the deciduous trees near your house, or from bird droppings. Although the dirt cleans out when it rains, you may not wait for the rain, especially if it’s a dry season. You don’t want to take any chances with solar panels as they’re a long-term investment for you and your family.
The last thing you want to attempt is to DIY your solar panels when they need repair. In the U.S., more people are now relying on solar energy, with more than 2 million solar systems having been installed by Americans alone.
