Solar power is gradually replacing the energy consumption pattern worldwide. More people across the world are becoming more aware of their surrounding environment. With global temperatures soaring alarmingly, solar panels have become an investment source as well.
Solar power is renewable, the panels last for more than 20 years, and the process does not add to the carbon emission problem.
Once you install the solar panel spending a substantial amount, you can be sure of reaping at least 15-20% ROI in terms of lower electricity bills, fewer power supply disruptions, and lighter carbon footprints.
Despite all the major benefits of solar panels which are very well-known by all of us, some loopholes are a concern point from a consumer perspective. Now the motive is to identify these common problems with panels firsthand and determine the solutions of how to fix them before they can get irreplaceable.
1. Inverter Troubles
The solar panels trap the solar energy to generate DC electricity. But, to run appliances like fans, lights, refrigerators, etc., AC electricity is necessary. Here comes the role of the inverter that converts the DC electricity into an AC electric to keep the appliances solar-run.
Read More: Is Solar Panel DC or AC: Know How It Functions
So, technically, without an optimally working inverter, solar panels alone do not mean anything. Since inverters are indispensable for solar panels to work usefully, a malfunctioning inverter can be a threat to the entire solar power arrangement.
While solar panels remain perfectly efficient for almost two decades, the lifetime of the inverters remains only 10 years. Moreover, malfunctioning inverters can be a source of multiple electric hazards. Therefore, inverter troubles can be threatening to the safety of the premises using solar energy.
However, handling this issue is not a difficult task. You just have to be watchful if the inverter is working fine. If you find any problems in it, call the technicians to get it fixed or replaced.
2. Roof Damage
In places where open areas are hard to find, installing solar panels can be challenging. It is always best to install these heavy setups on the ground. But, if your house does not have such an elaborate space, installing the panels on the rooftop remains the only choice.
Read More: Safety Measures to Take While Installing Solar Panels
Undoubtedly, rooftops receive unhindered sunlight for a major period every day. Therefore the amount of electricity generated by the panel should be higher on rooftops. But, at the same time, this installation can be threatening to the roof itself.
Expert technicians install the panels carefully but firmly on the roof’s flooring. If the underlying materials are resilient enough, they withstand the hazard. But, in many cases, the roof floor undergoes wear and tear and severe damage due to such installations.
The easiest way to keep the chances of any accidents due to fragile rooftops would be to check the roof surface regularly. If you notice any crack or damaged shingle or tile, call the expert to get them repaired or replaced.
3. PID Effect
PID refers to Potential Induced Degradation. This condition is quite common for solar panels. Ideally, the surface level of the solar panels should remain passive or uncharged. Under PID, the solar panel surface gradually begins to gather electric charges.
Consequently, the battery surface’s passivation effect aggravates and the fill factor goes down. Following this process, the open circuit voltage also reduces. Finally, the panel runs the risk of a short circuit that often leads to fire and severe damage.
PID is a technical fault that only expert technicians can remedy. The primary reason for solar panels to experience PID effects remains faulty installation. This is why hiring professionals for the solar panel installation task in the first place is necessary.
4. Battery Issues
Solar panels often generate a substantial amount of energy. Especially when the days are clear and sunny, the amount of power generated by these panels can exceed your daily requirement significantly.
This is when storing the extra energy becomes necessary. Keeping this requirement in mind, the panels either remain connected with grids or batteries. Both grids and batteries act as the storage house of additional electricity generated by the panels.
If any solar panel is off-grid, batteries store the extra power. Now, the batteries might undergo numerous problems such as undercharging, overcharging, sulfation, etc. In the case of such issues, the batteries malfunction and cause problems like fire, power loss, etc.
This is a common problem for solar panels attached to batteries for power conservation. To avoid such circumstances, you can get the batteries checked regularly. This will ensure the safety of your solar panels and the appliances that run on solar energy.
Apart from this solar battery depreciation is a major issue when it comes to its usage patterns. Charging cycles, depth of battery discharge, and maintenance are some factors that are directly related to battery life.
A lead acid battery given its highest depreciation rate needs to change within every 3 to 5 years. Similarly, lithium ion batteries do not require replacement for 10 to 15 years.
Read More: A Comprehensive Guide to Solar Battery Maintenance
5. Snail Trail
It is a well-known fact that solar energy enters the panels’ cells through the solar panel’s surface. This is why experts always recommend installing the panels in a place where there would be no shade or barrier between the sun and the panel.
Since the solar panels stand on open areas like gardens, backyards, or rooftops, snails often walk across the panel’s surface. This leaves a thin layer of muddy trail on it.
One or two such trails do not impede the power generation capacity of the panels significantly. But, when multiple snail trails crisscross each across the panel’s surface, it gets coated with a thin layer of mud. Consequently, the power generation efficiency of the panel goes down. A clear surface is essential for optimal sunlight absorption.
With muddy layers covering the surface, the panel’s solar power absorption capacity reduces and it generates less power.
6. Hot Spots
Solar panel installation involves intense wiring arrangements. If the panel installation work is done flawlessly, half of the common solar panel problems will never appear. However, hot spot remains an issue that emerges due to faulty wiring systems.
In the case of crippled wires, the problems of overloading, inefficient soldering, and distorted cell structures may arise. All these conditions may lead to the generation of excessive heat. As a result, there can be fire and electricity outages.
This can be a risky situation for any premise using solar power. However, avoiding this problem is not difficult. You just have to be sure of hiring experienced and professional solar panel installation experts. If the installation is flawless, hot spot problems generally do not arise.
Read More: Key Components of Solar Panel
7. Panel’s Efficiency Issues
There can be several reasons for the solar panel to work inefficiently. One of the causes can be a faulty installation. If the solar panel sits under a tree or in a shady area, the sunlight exposure would be less. Solar panels work at their best capacity only when the sunlight exposure is optimum. Hence inefficiency creeps in. .
Overcoming these problems is simple. You just have to make sure to install the panels properly engaging experts. The professionals would know the best place where the panels can get the maximum sunlight exposure.
8. Cost Issues
Inarguably, solar power is one of the best alternatives for power generation without damaging the environment severely. But, the initial cost of installing the setup can be substantial.
This is one of the reasons many people hesitate to use solar power even though they understand the perils of exhausting non-renewable resources.
Plus, regular maintenance is also necessary to keep the power generation capacity of the panels intact. This adds to the overall cost.
However, with research and development, in the future, the cost of solar panels might go down. But, if you calculate the long-run cost of the panels, the prices would appear to be reasonable rather than excessive. Solar-powered appliances do not add to the electricity consumption bills.
Therefore, solar power users pay less for electricity consumption than those who rely only on non-solar energy.
9. Solar Panel Cleaning
The major requirement of solar panels is timely cleaning when it comes to using them more efficiently. The buildup of dust, soil, bird waste, foliage, and other particles may collect on the panels, obstructing sunlight and decreasing their energy production.
If the panels are not monitored, dirt buildup can lower their sunlight absorption capacity, subsequently decreasing their effectiveness. For example, bird droppings can be acidic and may cause corrosion or permanent staining if left untreated.
You can easily avoid these situations just by a manual inspection. Whenever you see the dirt accumulated on the panels you can simply wipe the panels by yourself or seek professional help.
Read More: How To Clean Solar Panels Without Water
10. Electrical issues
Poor connections or faulty wiring can cause inefficiency, potential safety hazards, or even fire. If the panels are not installed correctly can be prone to damage, reduced efficiency, and may void warranties.
Faulty wiring can lead to damage to the panels, batteries as well as the grid system. Every time you see any cracked wire or sparking happening around the system you must look for professional help who can identify the issue before it could be irreplaceable.
Final Words
Unquestionably, solar panels come with multiple common problems. But, most of these issues can be resolved without much ado. To begin with, installing the panels carefully and flawlessly solves more than half of the problems.
In case of more complex problems, you can always seek the help of professionals and experts. Since solar panels reduce the carbon footprints of this plant substantially; giving it a shot would be the right thing to do. Also, by using solar-powered appliances, you can significantly reduce your electricity bills.
