Are you one of those who recently switched to a solar power system to cut down your monthly electricity bill and save money for long term? Or do you own a set of solar panels and are experiencing a few issues with their performance? Whichever one you are, we have a handy guide for you in case you need a quick fix for your solar panels to ensure maximum efficiency.
Solar panel installations and usage can be tricky, especially if it's your first time. Below are some of the most common solar panel problems you may encounter and how to troubleshoot them. While there are professionals for this, knowing how to handle usual issues can go a long way and save you a couple of bucks. Read on and be the ultimate solar power user!
Troubleshooting Common Solar Panel Problems
Check out this list of solar panel problems and solutions to guide you the next time you experience solar array issues.
No Voltage/Low Voltage
Favourable weather should give you optimal solar output. If not, that's a clear indication that something is wrong. The same goes for a low-voltage output. Provided that you have a proper solar panel installation with ample sunlight exposure, there should be no reason for your panels not to generate enough energy to help power your home essentials.
Troubleshooting Tips:
Hold that "solar panel no voltage" search on your mobile and check your solar panels for damages first. It's either that or a faulty inverter causing the issue of zero voltage in the first place.
Dirty solar panels, shading, extremely high temperatures, or solar charge controller issues may cause low voltage output. Once you identify the culprit behind your solar panel problems, you can determine if it's something you can fix on your own or if you need to seek help from a professional.
If you want to try your hand at troubleshooting the issue yourself, here are a few steps you can do:
- Ensure the circuit breaker is set to the 'on' (up) position.
- Review your solar meter to examine the history of power readings.
- Check your inverter's display - a red indicator or error code signals a potential issue with your array.
- Restart the charge controller by disconnecting it from the battery and the solar panel.
- Use a multimeter to measure your solar system's voltage, performing both open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current tests.
Prevention is still the best option here, as with most things. Equip yourself with knowledge on solar panel maintenance and have them inspected regularly to save yourself from future hassle.
Snail Trail
Snail trails are discolouration on your solar panels after some use, which the naked eye can easily see. These will eventually lead to micro-cracks and affect up to 30% of power generation. Snail trails cause frequent solar panel problems in areas with moderate climates and have also affected a wide range of PV module manufacturers worldwide.
Troubleshooting Tips:
Unfortunately, snail trails are irreversible and can only be monitored for their effect on your solar panel performance. There are no DIY solar panel fixes for this, so you had better ensure you go for high-quality encapsulation materials to keep moisture from entering your panes' laminate.
Ensuring proper sealing against moisture ingress within your solar panels is also beneficial. Avoid high pressure when cleaning your solar panels and regularly inspect for any underlying sealing issues.
If snail trails are present and impacting performance, consult a professional solar technician for further assessment and possible panel replacement.
PID Effect
PID, or Potential Induced Degradation, refers to a phenomenon where solar energy efficiency significantly drops over time due to high voltage differences between your photovoltaic (PV) cells and the ground. Systems where the negative terminal of the solar array is grounded typically experience PID, which can cause unwanted electrical leakage currents.
Troubleshooting Tips:
Part of your solar system diagnostics knowledge should include spotting symptoms of PID, such as mismatched power production and discolouration of solar cells.
After this, you can try these troubleshooting tips yourself:
- Use an insulation resistance tester to check the panel and ground resistance. Low insulation resistance could be a sign of PID.
- Inspect the grounding of your solar system. Ensure all components are properly grounded according to manufacturer specifications to prevent exacerbating PID.
- Install a PID recovery device, which applies a reverse voltage to the panels during non-operational hours (like at night) to counteract the effects of PID. This can help restore lost performance and improve your solar panel performance optimization.
Hot Spots
Hot spots are one of the most common solar panel problems. When disruptions occur in a panel's energy production pathways, it becomes overloaded and radiates excessive heat. Partial shading and accumulation of dirt often cause reduced performance or permanent damage.
Troubleshooting Tips:
Hot spots are better prevented than repaired. You can do this by going for high-quality solar panels with high conversion efficiency to reduce energy loss and mitigate the severity of the hot spot effect. You can also choose panels with integrated bypass diodes to help prevent the formation of hot spots in the first place.
If your solar panel is already showing signs of the hot spot effect, here are a few photovoltaic troubleshooting tips you can try:
Adjust your solar panels to get the most sunlight and avoid shadows that can cause overheating.
Heat build-up forms hot spots, so try to allow ventilation and circulation within your panels or install power optimisers, as they automatically reduce power generation as needed for stable production levels.
Solar Inverter Issues
A broken inverter can prevent your solar power system from functioning correctly. This is because it is unable to convert solar energy into usable energy. Faulty installation, capacity mismatch, power surges, short circuits, or overheating usually cause inverter issues. These devices are also more prone to damage, as they are not built with the same lifespan expectancy as solar panels.
Troubleshooting Tips:
If yours happens to be malfunctioning, here are some solar inverter troubleshooting tips you can try:
- Turn off the AC isolators located near the generation meter and inverter.
- Turn off the DC isolators near the inverter and leave them off for about 5 minutes before switching them back on.
- Switch on the AC isolators to restart the inverter.
- Check the inverter's display for any error messages or colour changes.
- Test the inverter's input (DC) and output (AC) voltage and current to ensure proper operation.
If no issues are detected:
- Ensure the circuit breaker is on.
- Retrieve system data from the inverter's digital screen or online account, especially for modern solar systems.
- Inspect for loose connections.
- Cycle and inspect the battery.
- Check the switch cabinet for signs of overheating.
Solar power system problems are inevitable, but having a handy home solar troubleshooting guide can help you fix those little mishaps like a pro. However, as with many things, prevention is always better than cure.
Make sure to invest in high-quality solar panels, preferably those with monocrystalline solar cells. These offer maximum panel efficiency even in low-light settings and are designed with durability in mind. Choosing reputable solar installers is also just as crucial since several common solar panel problems stem from faulty installation.
Of course, make sure to inspect your solar components once in a while. Solar battery maintenance is just as important as solar panel maintenance and even smaller devices like your inverters and solar controllers could use a monthly check-up!
Safety Precautions When Troubleshooting Solar Panels
DIY PV system repairs are possible but involve risks, especially for those with no prior experience. You'll be dealing with electrical components here, so safety should always be a priority.
First, turn off power sources before you start troubleshooting to avoid electrical shocks. It's also advisable to wear protective gear like gloves and glasses for an extra layer of safety and stick to proper grounding procedures to prevent electrical accidents.
Important: Avoid touching live wires with exposed connectors. Remember, the key here is not just to get your solar panels working but also to ensure a safe, accident-free experience for you.
Monitoring Your Solar Panels
Monitoring systems play a huge role in the early prevention and detection of solar array issues. Currently, many homeowners use a solar monitor that connects to the internet or an app to easily track the performance of their solar panels.
This provides information about the peak energy production times for solar panels. It also highlights any potential equipment problems. Additionally, it explains the amount of solar power that gets stored in your battery if you have one. You can even use this data to estimate your system's financial performance!
Installing monitoring systems helps take some of the guesswork out of solar power workings and helps you manage your energy usage better. This way, you get to maximise the benefits of going solar and maintain your system at the same time minus the sweat!
Troubleshooting Solar Panels: Off-grid Vs. Grid-Tied
If your solar panels are tied to the grid, troubleshooting can require a few extra steps. Since you're still partly reliant on the grid, you need to check with your utility provider first, as the problem could be on their end (ex: power interruptions).
Ensure that the system is properly connected to the grid. If the grid is down, your solar system may shut off automatically for safety reasons. You must also verify that your net metering system is correctly tracking energy fed back to the grid. Incorrect readings can affect billing and performance monitoring.
With off-grid solar systems, you can troubleshoot immediately. But with grid-tied systems, be cautious and follow specific steps before troubleshooting.
When to Call a Professional
The process of renewable energy troubleshooting can be tricky, so knowing when to ask for help from the experts can save you time, energy, and money. If you're unsure about your solar panel issue, consider reaching out for help. Here are some reasons to contact a trusted solar company or technician.
- The heavy damage has affected the solar panels.
- The issue involves an electrical problem.
- You can't locate the exact problem even after troubleshooting.
- Your warranty policy does not allow DIY.
While it's great to take care of your own green energy system repairs, there are specific concerns better handled by those with more experience and knowledge to ensure 100% safety and a fruitful outcome.
FAQs Section
How do I get an optimum charge for my solar panel?
Place your solar panel in the sunlight perpendicular to the direction of the sun's rays. If you can't move your panels during the day, the best choice is to position them facing north at a 45° angle.
Why is my solar panel's voltage too high?
Among the usual solar power system problems is overly high voltage. If this happens to your panels, test your output without the regulator. When using a voltmeter, the regulator will display a higher voltage. This is because it is determining the type of battery and the optimal charging stages based on its charge level. Adding a voltmeter for testing confuses the regulator function.
A better option would be to test your output with a voltmeter DIRECTLY from the panel to determine any issues quickly.
Do solar panels work in cloudy weather or in shade?
Yes, although the solar energy efficiency is significantly reduced. Here at VoltX, all our solar panels are shade-tolerant for maximum output. Bypass diodes offer an alternate path for the current to take if a portion of solar cells are shaded, ensuring that your panels will still deliver ample output if obstructed or during unfavorable weather conditions.
How do I check if my regulator is working?
Here are a few things you can try to check for solar charge controller issues:
- See to it that your battery voltage is at least 10V. Anything lower than 10V can hinder your regulator's function.
- Ensure that you connect the positive and negative poles correctly.
- Check for loose screws on the controller or broken cables between the battery and the controller.
- Check the voltage directly from the solar panel and not from the controller.
My solar panel has a lower output than advertised.
Geographical location is a big factor here since the UV index varies throughout the year. The method to test the full capacity of the panel is under lab conditions, and full sun exposure does not mean full solar capacity.
You can find the UV index for different times of the year. Visit the ARPANSA government agency website. Here is the link: https://www.arpansa.gov.au/our-services/monitoring/ultraviolet-radiation-monitoring/uv-index-model.
Ready to Be a Pro Solar Power User?
Once you can answer the basics of "how to check if my solar panels are working properly?" you're fully ready for that solar array!
Head straight to Outbax now and choose from our collection of premium-quality solar panels. We have them all here—from fixed solar panels to ultra-portable solar mats.
Aside from quality panels, we also have a team of experts ready to assist you in choosing the right solar panels for you or helping you figure out why that 12v solar panel is not working. It's top-tier solar components plus top-tier service, so make sure to shop now!
