Over the last decade or so, solar power has become increasingly popular as more and more homeowners become aware of its ability to provide clean, sustainable energy for powering home systems. As with any kind of power source, certain issues can crop up occasionally that require some kind of intervention. Since it’s not always easy to find solar power repair service, this can cause a problem for some homeowners who are not knowledgeable about solar panel issues and solar power. This article will discuss some simple troubleshooting techniques and things to look for when you have trouble with your solar-powered system.
Interference from Trees or Buildings
At some point, you may notice a reduction in the power output of your solar system, and you may find it’s because the solar panels are not receiving as much sunlight as they should. This will often be because buildings or trees block the sunlight at various points during the day. You can’t move either of these obstacles, so a different approach must be taken. There is only so much you can do about a building blocking the sunlight except re-positioning your solar panels to a more advantageous position. Trees can be trimmed so that more sunlight reaches the panels, assuming the trees are on your property. Before installing your panels, you should observe shifting sunlight patterns throughout the day. This way, you’ll know if there are times when there will be excessive shade blocking the receptors on your solar panels.
Degradation or Damage to Solar Panels
Solar panels are constructed to withstand a good amount of abuse from Mother Nature, and in most cases, you can count on them lasting between 25 and 30 years. However, they will not last indefinitely and probably begin to lose their effectiveness over time. You can do some things to prolong their working life and maximize your original investment. The most important thing a Homeowner can do is periodic visual inspections of the array. Check above and look underneath the array to ensure there is no debris collecting on or underneath. Check for hanging wires that may have come loose and will need to be re-secured underneath the array. Also inspect the area directly around or above the array for trees or other vegetation growth that may fall onto the array causing damage. This makes it imperative that you regularly inspect your solar panels for any signs of wear or damage or things that can cause such damage.
Dirt or Debris on the Solar Panels
All kinds of debris can accumulate on your solar panels since they are usually situated on the rooftop and exposed to the elements. During the winter, snow or ice can wreak havoc with solar reception, and during other seasons, dirt, dust, bird droppings, and tree branches can obscure the panels. If you’re a do-it-yourself type of person, you can just pull out your ladder and climb up to remove any of those blocking substances, including snow. If you’d prefer to leave the cleaning to a professional, your best bet would be to contact the solar panel maintenance experts at Simple Solar. Then, you can have peace of mind, knowing that the job has been done thoroughly and correctly.
Zero Power Output
In some cases, a solar panel system may develop a situation with no power output. Typically, this will be due to a faulty solar inverter, and you’ll need to have that repaired before power output is restored. It’s also possible that there’s a problem with the wiring, and a skilled technician can fix that. To avoid a scenario where you have to pay for an alternate source of electricity, contact your Simple Solar specialists for fast troubleshooting and repairs.
Inverter Issues
Speaking of the inverter, several issues are commonly associated with this crucial piece of equipment. The inverter is responsible for converting the raw DC into AC that’s usable by all household appliances. There could be a power surge that damages the inverter, or it could have a blown fuse or faulty wiring. Malfunctioning software might interrupt power transmission to the grid. Inadequate grounding might cause the inverter to perform poorly or not at all. Fortunately, the system will detect most of these issues, and error codes will be displayed to let you know what’s wrong. It will be simple for your Simple Solar specialist to troubleshoot the issue and make any necessary repairs. If you’re not a do-it-yourselfer, leaving this maintenance to the professionals is best.
Contact Simple Solar
Working with a solar company that performs the entire solar installation process for you is always best. This would include the system design, obtaining of permits, the actual installation, and any ongoing maintenance and solar panel repair. The reason for this is that there’s much greater accountability when you have a single vendor performing all tasks related to the installation. Simple Solar is precisely that kind of accountable company, and you can be sure that we will handle all service requests promptly and efficiently. In addition, all solar systems we install are regularly monitored for efficiency and overall production. Whether you’re just beginning your solar power journey or already have an installed system – contact Simple Solar for all your solar-powered system needs.
