5 Signs Your Solar Panels Are Not Working
Switching to solar energy is a decision that can save you money and reduce your carbon footprint, but it’s important to keep your solar panels in good working order. Unfortunately, your solar panels can malfunction at any time and it can be difficult to know what’s causing the problem. Don’t worry though, diagnosing solar panel problems can be simple and straightforward with the right approach.
In this blog, we will uncover 5 easy steps to detect and fix any issues with your solar panels, so you can enjoy the benefits of renewable energy to the fullest. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just starting out, these hacks will help you quickly identify and solve any problems with your solar panels.
Examine Your Solar Inverter and Meter
Sometimes, a solar system’s underperformance can be traced back to a faulty inverter. It is basically the brain of your solar PV system which monitors the electricity consumption and ensures that your solar panels are working efficiently. On sunny days, excess energy production will be sold back to the grid, resulting in extra credits on your electricity bill.
Two things that can come off as fishy:
- Your meter shows the total kilowatt-hours generated by your panels. Logically, this number should always be increasing during daylight hours, signaling that your panels are functioning. If the kWh aren’t rising, it’s a red flag that something is wrong with your solar PV system.
- Your inverter should come with indicator lights to help you identify any issues. If the lights are flashing red or orange, it’s a sign that your solar system is experiencing problems.
Check Your Energy Bills
Checking your electricity bills is one of the most obvious ways to tell if your solar panels are functioning correctly. If you are generating sufficient energy from your solar panels, you should see a decrease in your electricity bills. If your energy bills are still high or higher than your pre-solar bills, it may indicate that your solar PV system is not working at full capacity.
Remove Any Shadings or Dirt
Take a step back and examine your solar panels. Do they sparkle or are they covered in grime and debris? Do you see signs of tree sap, bird droppings, or peeling plastic? While dirt is not a huge concern with regular rainfall, a buildup of tree sap, dust, and bird droppings during a prolonged dry spell can decrease their output. If it hasn’t rained lately, try washing your panels from the ground.
Surely, we do recommend cleaning your panels from normal water at least once every month to maximize your solar output. If the dirt persists, you can hire a professional contractor equipped with the proper safety gear to give them a thorough cleaning.
Look for Any Visible Damage
Visible damage to your solar panels can also indicate that they are not working properly. Any sort of micro-cracks, chips, or other damage can directly impact the efficiency of your solar panels and reduce the amount of energy they are able to generate. While a slightly compromised panel is not a huge loss, it can still produce voltage, however slightly lesser than it should. In that case, you can repair the panel by waterproofing it.
Check Your App to Monitor Data
You can stay informed about your solar generation data by downloading your installer’s app. The user-friendly dashboards or displays make it simple to keep eyes on your energy production without manually checking the meter. Simply, compare your readings with the estimate provided by your solar installer and look for any major changes. Keep in mind that the estimate is just that, an estimate of your system’s potential and not a guarantee.
Contact a Professional
If you are still unsure if your solar panels are working properly, it may be a good idea to call a professional. If you are looking for a solar installer in Pakistan, then look no further!
We have a team of skilled engineers and technicians who can inspect your system and diagnose any issues that may be affecting its performance. Putting a cherry on top, we will also recommend any necessary repairs or upgrades to improve the efficiency of your solar panels.