What should I do if my solar panel breaks?
A solar panel has a useful life of more than 25 years. However, it is likely to experience minor problems at times during its life cycle. Switching to solar energy has many benefits, but it can also open the door to many unknowns. Can the panels break? What do I do if a panel breaks? Will I have to change the entire installation? Is there any danger to my house? Do not worry, from the team of Blue Solar Panel, we present the answers to all your questions on how to repair a solar panel.
The most effective way to keep solar panels in optimal condition is through proper maintenance. Here are some tips on how to maintain solar panels:
- It will be necessary to make sure that the solar panel glass is free of debris that can damage the system.
- While cleaning the panels, always use lukewarm water as the solar panel is already hot due to exposure to sunlight. The use of warm water will also be more effective in removing dirt and dust. Solar panels are more prone to breakage if rinsed with cold water due to the sharp temperature contrast between the water and the panel.
We explain more about solar panel maintenance in this post and how to clean your panels in this post.
There are a wide variety of factors that can damage your solar panels. Situations such as hurricanes, high winds and large hail storms can cause damage to your solar panel. Fortunately, in some cases solar panels can be repaired and you may avoid having to buy new ones.
What to do if the panels are broken?
The first thing to do is to examine the extent of the damage to the affected solar system. Absolutely check the entire installation, including the wiring, glass components and mounting frame. Be sure to inspect every inch so that you don’t miss any damaged parts.
The first repair that can be made is to repair the mounting frame if it is damaged in any way. Make sure that the bolts and wires holding the frame are in the right place and are not damaged because if there have been strong winds, they could have damaged the mounting frame. Therefore, the solar panels will be tightened to confirm that the mounting frame is secure. On the other hand, we will have to make sure that the damaged cables are replaced with new ones.
Before repairing broken solar panel glass, we have to make sure that the photovoltaic panel is working. To do this, we will have to make the solar panel work for 24 hours in a row and check if it generates energy. Broken panels do not generate as much power, but as long as they produce some power they do not break down. If the panels still generate power despite their condition, the damaged glass should be repaired and in the case of minor glass breakage, the glass does not need to be replaced.
To proceed with the glass repair, first, we must make sure to trim the tape so that it only covers a small portion of the glass. If the glass has cracks on the surface, it will need to be replaced by removing the glass from the support and replacing it.
On the other hand, if loose connections are found during the initial inspection, they will need to be repaired immediately by cutting into the silicone that is embedded in the solar cells. Once you have exposed the cells, you will want to reach behind the cells to resolve the loose connections. Another way to solve the problem is by impregnating silver to reattach the loose wires or by using wire bonding elements.
Another reason why solar panels would have to be repaired is because of burnt terminals. Therefore, the terminals of the solar system should be tested to make sure that they are working and if we find one that is not working, it should be replaced immediately. This action is simple and will only take a few minutes (remember to work without power).
Another factor that can cause damage is lightning strikes on the solar panels. To prevent this from happening, install the panels away from tall trees if the installation area is prone to this type of weather phenomena. If the solar panel is damaged by lightning, the solar energy supplier and installer should be called because it is difficult to repair a solar panel damaged by lightning. It is advisable to require a complete replacement of the panel or system.
The repair of solar panels can cost between 100 $ – 1500 $. The most common repair problems are cracked panels, broken glass and loose connections due to poor installation. It should be noted that the solar installation provider should be responsible for the repair and replacement of a broken solar panel. Therefore, it is advisable to choose the right solar panel installation company.
How to repair a solar panel?
A solar panel has a useful life of about 25 years or more, but over that time it can be affected by external factors that affect its performance.
If you think your panel is broken, the first thing you should do is to examine the type of damage that is affecting your solar installation:
- Check the wiring.
- Check the glass components.
- Inspect the mounting frame.
It is important to look at all the small parts of the solar panel so as not to overlook any element that may be damaged, no matter how small.
How do I know if my solar panel is broken?
If you think your solar panel is broken, you can check it in the following way:
1. Read the manufacturer’s specifications and take note: output power, single voltage and optimum current.
2. Use a multimeter to take measurements: these are devices used to measure voltage and current values. The figures of our installation should be very similar to the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Connect the tips of the multimeter to the terminals of the solar panel and make sure that the sun is shining on it. The positive (+) terminal will have the red tip and the negative (-) terminal will have the black tip.
- Connect the wires to the multimeter. The red wire should be connected to the terminal with the VΩ symbol, and the black wire to the COM symbol. This way we can measure the voltage. You should also measure the DC current.
What to do if a solar panel needs to be repaired?
When we want to repair a solar panel we need to inspect well the whole installation in order not to skip any damaged part. It is important to perform all the checks without power.
- Mounting frame: make sure that the ports and wires that hold the frame are in the right place and are not damaged.
- Solar panel performance: to know if the glass is broken, we must check that the solar panel is capable of operating for 24 hours. A broken panel does not generate as much energy, so this way we will see if they all perform equally.
- If you find loose connections or burned terminals you will have to repair them urgently.
To fix a solar panel you must consider if the repair can be done on site or if it must be done in a repair center.
Solar panel repair centers will know how to fix your solar panel faster and will replace damaged photovoltaic modules without any problem. However, the replacement of bypass diodes found in junction boxes, plugs, damaged solar cables, among others, can be repaired at the installation site.
In the end, in order not to lose neither the warranty nor the functionality of the solar panel, it is best to hire professional solar energy services, thus improving production efficiency and avoiding a possible long-term failure.
The most common problems with solar panels repairs
Like any other device, solar panels can suffer inconveniences that end up causing a decrease in performance in the medium to long term, making a repair more than necessary.
Here are the most common problems that a solar panel can have.
Solar panel with broken or cracked glass
It is one of the most common and very easy to notice. It may be due to a bad transport, the impact of a hard object with the solar panel itself, or any other similar option that causes a crack in the plate is getting bigger and bigger.
Solar panel with defect in the cables
This failure can occur as a result of bad connections between some cables and others, which produce overvoltages or overcurrents. Or it can also be due to a bad assembly of ground wires, that is to say, to the system that protects us against any defect in the insulation.
My solar panel gets too hot
Hotspots or hot spots cause too much heat to be generated inside the photovoltaic module, which can cause a fire or destruction of the panel. This problem is caused by:
- Inadequate soldering.
- A break in the photovoltaic cells.
- Prolonged shading in a certain area.
- Dirt on the solar panel.
What do I do if I see a failure in the solar panel?
The best thing to do if you see any of these faults is to call the company that has provided you with the solar panels to send a technician to make an assessment and define the damage.
How to take care of a solar panel?
If you want to keep your solar panel in optimal conditions, the best thing to do is to use water and a little soap for a simple rinse.
To clean a panel, it is best to use a soft sponge soaked in a small amount of dishwashing liquid and remove the dirt. As always, you have to rinse it very well so that no soap residue remains.
In any case, it is always advisable to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and repeat this cleaning 3 or 4 times a year, depending on whether the area where your solar panels are located tends to accumulate more or less dust and dirt.
Tips for the maintenance of the solar panel
- If you clean it with soap and water, make sure that no residue remains.
- Do not use pressurized water as this may damage the panel.
- Avoid cleaning on windy days.
- If the solar panels are located at high altitude, it is better to call a professional to avoid possible occupational hazards.
FAQS
How long does a solar panel last?
A solar panel has a lifetime of more than 25 years. To achieve optimal durability conditions, it is necessary to follow and respect the maintenance instructions.
What do I do if I break a solar panel by accident?
Solar panels are strong and built to last, however, in case of an accident the solar panel can continue to generate energy. If you notice any problems, contact the company that provided you with the solar panels and have them send a technician to evaluate the situation.
Do I have to clean my solar panels?
Solar panels should be cleaned 3 or 4 times a year. They do not need to be cleaned daily as they are designed to withstand all types of weather. You can find more information on how to clean solar panels in this post.
What happens if the solar panel gets wet?
Solar panels are built so that you don’t have to worry about this, as the panel technology itself has been assembled with a strong frame and tempered glass that can be exposed to weather and rain.