Troubleshooting Solar Panels
This is a writing sample from Scripted writer Melanie Dawn
You finally took the big step towards reducing your carbon footprint and your monthly electricity bill by installing solar panels on your home. Solar power creates no carbon emissions or greenhouse gases making it an excellent clean energy choice – until something goes wrong. While most of the time solar power provides reliable service, occasionally your solar panels will experience issues which cause system performance to plummet. Before you panic and schedule an appointment with a professional, you should read through our solar panel troubleshooting guide to locate potential reasons your solar panels are not producing power.
Check Your Software
Most solar panels and solar panel power systems connect to an app on your phone allowing you to monitor alerts and power consumption. Check the app for any potential error messages that indicate whether your solar panels are connecting and working as they should. You can also track the performance of your panels through the app to determine exactly when the panel stopped generating power to see if it coincides with a storm or other event that recently happened.
Look for Inverter Errors
Locate your solar power system inverter, which should be located inside your garage or installed near the main switch board for your system. This device converts the direct current (DC) generated by your panels and converts it into a usable alternating current (AC). Most inverters have a digital display or LED indicator light that will display a system status code. A green code means everything should be operating correctly while a red or orange light lets you know there’s a problem.
If you note an error code, check your owners’ manual for instructions on what the code means and what to do about it. In some cases, you may need to reset your inverter. Your manual will provide directions on how to do this, but it typically means turning everything off, waiting a minute and powering everything back up in a specific order.
Inspect for Physical Damage
Whether your panels are on your roof or on the ground, these devices are exposed to the elements year-round. Falling limbs, hail, rodent damage and other issues can affect performance or even cause solar panel problems.
Walk around each panel and visually inspect for damage such as chips, cracks and breaks in the glass surface. Remove any debris and dirt using water and a soft cloth, which can block sunlight from reaching the solar cells. For physical damage to your panels, you’ll need to contact a professional.
Check the System’s Output
Your solar panel power system includes a solar meter that measures how much electricity your solar panels generate and how much gets sent to the grid. This meter should be located close to your home’s electricity meter. Checking the readings on your solar meter might produce some clues as to why your panels aren’t working. If your meter has a very low reading or there’s isn’t a reading at all, it means you’re not receiving power, and the issue could be within the wiring in your home. Start by turning the meter off and back on again. If this doesn’t fix the problem or you suspect a wiring issues, you may need to contact a professional to replace the meter.
Examine Your Solar Array Connection
Because your solar panels are exposed to the elements, sometimes connections can become loose or corroded. A poor connection can affect your panel’s ability to generate power and can cause a sudden decrease in energy production. Examine the wires that run from the solar array to the inverter. If you notice any signs of breakage or corrosion, you may need to contact an electrician for repairs. In some cases, you may be able to brush off some of the corrosion using a stiff metal brush. Be sure the power isn’t on to the system to prevent dangerous electrical issues.
Inspect for Faulty Solar Panel Cells
Solar panels last around 25 to 30 years but like any other system in your home, these devices degrade slowly over time. Check the trends in your system’s power production. If you notice your output has been slowly declining it could mean some of the cells aren’t as efficient as they once were. When solar panels go out, you’ll have to replace them if you want to continue using solar power.
Inspect the Mounting Hardware
For solar panels to work efficiently, they need to be installed properly and in the right position. If the orientation of your panels are off just by the slightest amount or if the mounting hardware isn’t secure, it can cause vibrations and movement with wind that can cause the panels to work inefficiently.
Check Your Batteries
Some solar power systems include battery storage. If so, this requires regular maintenance to keep your panels working. Connect your battery to a charge controller.
Following the Solar Panel Troubleshooting Guide
Solar panels provide an energy-efficient way to power your home and to help you save money, but they do require regular maintenance to keep them operating as they should. If you’ve followed the guide and your solar panels are still not working or there’s an issue with the electrical wiring, it might be time to contact a professional for advice.
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