Solar panels are fantastic investments for the home as they make energy efficiency a breeze, but they can save you money. While a solar panel system is excellent, you still have regular maintenance to ensure that your home’s energy system works at peak efficiency. Sometimes it can be tricky to know when exactly you need solar panel repair, so we will break down some of the common signs that you should keep an eye out for.
Power Output
Starting with the most common sign of solar panel damage, we have low power output. A damaged solar panel will not collect as much energy as a fully functioning panel, but you’d be surprised how easy this can be to miss for many homes. Sometimes homeowners may think that their appliances are malfunctioning or wires need to be repaired when their solar panels are at the root of the issue.
Typically, homeowners should replace their solar panels roughly every twenty-five years, but you need repairs if you notice low power output before that twenty-year mark. Luckily, the issue can be related to something as simple as dirty panels, which are fixed with a cleaning. However, panels can sometimes malfunction due to poor installation or wires being broken over time due to the elements and outside interference.
Blackouts
Like low power output, if you suddenly are in your home and the power from your solar panels shuts off completely, you need repairs immediately. We know this may sound obvious, but some homeowners may think that the issue can sort itself out after some time. Random shutdowns are the symptom of more significant underlying problems with solar panels that need a thorough inspection.
Cracks
If you do not have any issues with your power output, you should be good to go, right? You can do yourself the favor of occasionally taking a look at your panels and inspecting them for any cracks in the glass casing. If you notice damages on your panels, you should schedule a repair as these cracks can reduce panel efficiency and grow, becoming a much larger issue. Cracks can be caused by improper installation or changes in the weather, but luckily we are here to help.
Keep in mind that the same care should be taken with any physical damage spotted on your panels. Whether a rock blew past your panels or an unexpected accident occurred with a guest leading to some damaged panels, do not wait to get repairs. The key to avoiding a more extensive scale issue is proactive measures by hiring a professional to take a look.
Burn Marks
This is a fun example that can shock some homeowners, but you need repairs fast if you notice burn marks around your panels or discoloration. Discoloration and burn marks result from corrosion and uneven temperature control across your panels that can quickly damage your system without proper repair. If you let these burn marks go untreated, you will have lower energy output and eventually shutoffs due to necessary wiring and panel components corroding to a point where they need replacement.
If you have had trouble with your solar panels recently, at Smart Solar LLC we have years of experience repairing and installing solar panels and are happy to help. So call us today at (818) 918-3037, and we will work with you to find the best solution for your solar panel system.