How to repair solar panels?
Repairing your solar panels is not something you should do often, after all, solar panels have a very long service life (more than 20 years in many cases) and a good installation is designed to be durable.
However, there are always unforeseen events that can cause problems with your PV system, so for cases like these, it is good to have an idea of how to repair solar panels.
At ICIDE we help you with the repair of your solar panels in MurciaIf you suspect that something is wrong with them, leave it to us to keep your photovoltaic system in top condition.
How long does a solar panel last?
A standard solar panel has an average lifetime of 25 to 30 years.. But that does not mean that they will automatically break down after that time. In many cases, a solar panel that is more than 25 or 30 years old can still work.
So, in general, it is very unlikely that your solar panels will give you problems in a good installation.
What are the most common problems with solar panels?
Although they are extremely durable, solar panels can present certain problems, some of the most common of which are listed below:
- Cracks or breakages in the glass of solar panelsThe crystals of the solar panels are one of the most susceptible points of the device itself. In this case, cracks or breakages can be caused by knocks or scratches, which can occur both when transporting the solar panels and when installing them. It is also something that could happen in the cleaning your solar panels if you don't do it correctly.
- Device overheatingerrors in the photovoltaic installation, dirt or knocks on the solar panels can lead to overheating of your photovoltaic modules, which can damage the panels and even cause fires.
- Bad wiringWiring problems can occur due to errors during the installation of the PV system, but can also be due to factory defects or other issues. In general, this is a very critical problem, as it can lead to power surges and other problems that can partially or completely damage your solar panels.
How do you know if there is a problem with your solar panels?
To find out if there is a problem with your solar panels you should pay attention to their physical condition, their voltage and their energy production.
Scratches and dents, for example, are clear signs that your solar panels have problems.
On the other hand, if your photovoltaic installation is producing less energy than it should or the voltages it generates are different from those indicated by the manufacturer of the panels, it is very likely that your panels are having problems.
How to fix solar panels?
With certain relatively simple problems, you can try to fix the solar panels yourself (consider that if you have a warranty on them, it is better to use it before trying to repair them yourself or you risk losing the benefits of the warranty):
- First, check the entire PV installation. Make sure that the wiring is correctly laid.
- Assess the condition of the solar panels, they should not have dents, cracks or fissures of any kind.
- Check for burnt, broken or loose terminals or wires.
- If you suspect that your solar panels are damaged but have no visible problems, monitor the amount of energy it generates in 24 hours and check if it is producing the amount it should. If the plate is damaged, it will not produce adequate electricity.
- Once you have reviewed the situation and identified the problems, get to work. Correct any misplaced wiring, replace burnt terminals (if any), tighten connections and ensure that the solar panels are in good condition.
As almost any solar panel you buy will have warranties, as will PV installations, it is best to choose to use that warranty coverage to repair your system.
Ideally, you should only choose to have your solar panels repaired if they have minor problems, as these can be corrected personally without the need to be a specialist.
How much does it cost to repair a solar panel?
The cost of repairing solar panels ranges from 100 € to 500 €.. However, bear in mind that this may vary depending on the installation itself, the specialists you hire, the type of solar panels you have and the problems they present.
Is it better to hire a solar panel repair service?
In general, repairing a solar panel or a complete photovoltaic installation is a complex process in which you can make costly mistakes if you are not a specialist, so it is more advisable to delegate the repair of your solar panels to professionals who have the necessary tools and who know how to locate the problems and how to correct them.
If something is not quite right with your solar panels, please contact us, we are specialists in the repair of solar panels in Murcia and we will make sure that your installation works perfectly again.