Solar energy is a clean, renewable energy source, and many people are choosing to install solar panels in their homes. But what happens if the solar panel in your Grapevine, TX home suddenly stops working? There could be several different causes. Here are some of the most common reasons your solar panel may stop working suddenly, as outlined by a professional electrician.
Poor Installation
Poor installation can be one of the largest contributing factors to an improperly working solar panel system. If you’ve recently had your solar power system installed and it’s not producing electricity as it should, you may want to investigate further to determine whether poor installation is the culprit. Each system component must be connected correctly and securely for optimal performance. Consulting with a professional electrician can help identify any errors made during installation and ensure your solar panel will start performing as expected.
Faulty Components
Your solar panel system will have several components, such as inverters, charge controllers, batteries, and more. When one small part of a system is compromised, it can lead to major setbacks in the overall operation of your device. Common issues include degraded wiring, rusting frames, failing batteries, and faulty inverters. To remedy this, you need to hire an electrician in Grapevine, TX to regularly maintain and inspect your system to ensure all parts are working correctly. Additionally, ensure you purchase quality components and materials to reduce the chance of your system failing due to faulty parts.
Debris and Obstructions
One of the most common and annoying issues those with solar panel installations may encounter is the presence of debris or obstructions. These items can physically block sunlight from reaching your solar panels, thus reducing the amount of energy captured and rendered unusable. This tends to occur more often with ground-mounted systems, as these systems are exposed to natural elements that can easily accumulate around the panels in the form of leaves, branches, snow, and other small objects.
The issue becomes even more pronounced in highly shaded areas. To prevent situations like this, it’s important to regularly check on your solar installation and remove any potential obstructive items that may have accumulated over time. If your solar panels are installed on the roof, you should hire an electrician to inspect them periodically and clean any dirt or debris that may have accumulated.
Weather Conditions
Have you noticed your home’s solar panel system not working as efficiently recently? Depending on the type of weather where you live, your solar system’s output and overall performance can be impacted. Inclement weather can wreak havoc on a properly installed and maintained solar panel. For example, storms, strong winds, and hail can damage solar system parts or degrade their effectiveness. Furthermore, cloudy or overcast days can also decrease the amount of energy collected by your solar system. To protect against these issues, it’s important to install weather-protected and reinforced panels designed to withstand extreme temperatures and weather elements. While you can do little about cloud cover, you buy solar panels designed to work more efficiently in less-than-ideal conditions. A professional electrician can help you select the best model for your needs.
Age-Related Issues
Like most things, solar panels are not designed to last forever. The successive exposure to harsh weather conditions and physical damage inflicted on them over the years can cause the panels to degrade or malfunction, reducing their performance and reliability. Unseen issues with electrical connections may occur recently due to long-term corrosion or other environmental stresses.
For example, watertight seals may become partially compromised, allowing ingress of moisture which can lead to shorts in the electrical wiring over time. When such things happen, hire a qualified electrician to inspect and repair the solar system or replace damaged components beyond repair to restore their original functionality.
Animal Damage
One of the most common reasons for solar panel malfunction is animal damage. From birds building their nests to raccoons and other animals seeking shelter, pesky wildlife can easily take residence in solar panels, leading to electrical problems and potential injury. Keeping animals away from your panels is key to preserving their performance – invest in roof barriers, external lights, or motion sensors that will help keep critters out of your business! Protecting your panels from animal interference can ensure you are harnessing the full power of the sun’s energy and avoiding expensive repairs in the future.
Insufficient Wiring
Wiring can be a silent enemy when it comes to solar panels. Everything appears to be functioning properly, but without adequate wiring, the energy produced by the system is not enough to keep it running efficiently. Inadequate wiring can cause solar panels to run at lower than optimal levels, which leads to decreased energy production or even failure. You should inspect your system’s wiring regularly and ensure it is properly insulated from the elements and up to code with local regulations. If you notice any problems or suspect issues, contact a qualified electrician for an inspection and repair.
Solar panels are incredibly reliable energy sources. However, their performance can be hindered by several factors, ranging from weather conditions to animal damage and wiring problems. Regular inspections and preventative maintenance can help ensure your solar panel system is running optimally so you can maximize its energy output. If any issues arise, contact a professional electrician in Grapevine, TX to inspect and repair the system or replace damaged components before it’s too late.
Have an Issue with Your Solar Panels? Contact Us Today!
If you’re experiencing issues with your solar panel system, let Tioga Plumbing & Electric help. We have years of experience installing, inspecting, and repairing solar systems in the area, so you can rest assured that your system is safe. Our team of fully certified electricians will inspect your system thoroughly and provide a comprehensive assessment of any repairs needed to bring your system back up to peak performance. Contact Tioga Plumbing & Electric today for more information or to schedule an appointment!
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