The use of clean energy has been touted as one of the best ways to conserve the environment. That’s probably why the use of solar panels has gained popularity among many homeowners and businesses in the United States and worldwide.
What are solar panels?
In 1954, scientists discovered (an element found in sand) generates an electric charge when it was exposed to sunlight. The discovery resulted in the development of solar cells that can trap the sun’s energy and convert it into electricity.
Since then, technology has evolved, and solar panels are now used as an alternative source of energy across the world.
How to diagnose solar panel problems
The need to have alternative sources of energy has driven many people to learn how to maintain their solar panels. This is because sometimes, the cost of maintaining solar panels is beyond reach for many individuals. Although DIY solar helps you save on maintenance costs, it comes with its own share of challenges.
It is always important to understand the most common problems affecting solar panels and how to diagnose them. Here are some of the ways on how to diagnose:
Step one: check your breaker switches
Breaker switches are the tiny fuse boxes that manage the electricity flow in your home. When there’s an overload, surge, or glitch, the flow of electricity is interrupted, making it difficult to charge your appliances and light bulbs. But switching them back on will restore the normal energy flow.
Step two: Check for obstructions
Because solar panels get energy directly from the sun, you should ensure that nothing prevents sunlight from reaching the panels.
Step 3: Check your solar inverter
Almost every PV installation is accompanied by an inverter whose purpose is to convert the direct current (DC) electricity to an alternative current (AC). If the light of the inverter is steady, there’s nothing to worry about, but it’s a sign of a problem when it is flashing yellow or red light.
Step 4: Inspect your solar meter
Solar meters are the ones that log in to the energy generation system of your PV. It allows you to draw a comparison of current and historical data to identify any issues.
Common solar problems:
1. Loose wiring
Loose wires can easily cause unexpected electrical faults. It is good to check and ensure all wires are tightly connected in their respective areas.
2. Your system is overheating
One of the best ways to check if there’s a temperature problem with your solar panel is to watch out for the heat fade. This is where extreme temperatures make your panel underperform.
3. Your solar panel is damaged or dirty
In most cases, performance issues are caused by a dirty or damaged panel. Pollen and dust often obstruct light from reaching the panel.
Bottom line
Solar panels have proved to be a great alternative source of energy. Many homeowners prefer it because of its convenience and to be able to save on monthly energy bills. It is good to learn how your solar panel works and be able to detect and fix issues promptly.
