If you’ve invested into solar panel systems for your home or your business, it’s important to note that regular solar panel maintenance and solar system repair services is an important undertaking to ensure your solar panel system is operating safely, correctly and efficiently.
This is because over time, dust and debris will build up on your solar panels, which may compromise the performance of your solar panel system. In addition, water and moisture, seepage, pests, wind and sunlight can all cause damage or deterioration to your system.
By ensuring regular maintenance is undertaken, you can ensure your solar panel system is safe for everyone nearby the premises. Routine maintenance will also ensure system performance is maintained, allowing you to maximise savings on your power bills for many years.
Just like running a car, regular servicing is the best way to ensure your solar panel system keeps operating safely, correctly and efficiently.
What do solar panel maintenance and solar system repair services involve?
Maintaining your solar panel system involves much more than simply cleaning your solar panels. Regular maintenance of your solar panel system should ensure:
- solar panels are clean, secure and free of defects
- no parts have deteriorated/corroded
- vents are free of debris
- switches do not have any defects
- wiring has not been damaged/has not deteriorated
- electrical checks to ensure all components are operating as intended
- confirming fittings and cables are securely attached
- reviewing the inverter display panel for recorded faults
- checking that access to the isolator switches has not been impeded, and/or
- making sure the emergency procedures for shutdown and isolation are clearly displayed.
What are the common problems that solar panel systems face?
1. Hot spots on the panels
Hot spots are places on the panels which are overloaded and therefore become warm. They are mainly caused by badly-soldered connections, or are a result of a structural defect in the solar cells.
This phenomenon can lead to a short-circuit, and reduces the performance and lifespan of the PV panel.
2. Micro-cracks
Micro-cracks can occur during PV modules production, but also during shipping or due to careless handling practice during installation.
While micro-cracks do not necessarily result in immediate production loss, it can grow over time into larger cracks that will damage the solar cells and this will lead to production loss.
3. Snail trail contamination
Snail trail is a discolouration of the panel which usually only manifests itself after a couple of years of production.
One cause can be the use of defective front metallization silver paste in the solar cell manufacturing process.
These visible snail trails can result in a reduction in the panel’s performance.
4. Internal corrosion, delamination
Internal corrosion (rusting) occurs when moisture penetrates into the panel. Panels must be air- and water-tight. In order to achieve this, the components of panels (the glass layer, the solar cells and the back sheet) are laminated under vacuum.
However, if the lamination process has been not done properly or was too short, this can lead to delamination during operation. Delamination causes moisture and corrosion to the panel itself.
The Importance of Solar Operations and Maintenance
Solar operations and maintenance (O&M) is a crucial aspect of ensuring the long-term performance and efficiency of solar energy systems. O&M activities involve monitoring, inspecting, and maintaining various components of a solar installation, such as solar panels, inverters, and electrical connections.
Regular operations and maintenance (O&M) practices are essential for maximizing energy output, minimizing downtime, and extending the lifespan of solar systems. These activities include cleaning solar panels to remove dirt and debris, checking for any signs of wear or damage, and optimizing system performance through software updates and adjustments.
By implementing a comprehensive O&M plan, solar operators can proactively address issues that may arise, such as equipment malfunctions, shading, or wiring problems. This proactive approach helps to ensure that solar systems operate at their highest capacity, thereby maximizing the return on investment and the overall benefits of solar energy.
Moreover, proper O&M practices contribute to the overall reliability and safety of solar installations. Regular inspections and maintenance activities help identify potential hazards and mitigate risks, ensuring the safe operation of the system and reducing the likelihood of accidents or failures.
Next Energy provides winning technical expertise for solar panel maintenance
With our extensive years of expertise in both residential, commercial and large scale solar programmes, Next Energy is a trusted authority in solar panel maintenance and is Malaysia’s preferred solar installer.
Drop us a message if you would like a consultation on how to install and maintain your solar panels and how to receive benefits in terms of warranties, permits or even apply for tax incentives for your solar panel installation at home.
