Most solar panels come with a lifespan of around 25 years+, with PV panels lasting for 40 years in some cases when properly cared for. How is that possible? Because your solar PV system is built to last. They are specifically designed to withstand 25 years outside, and aren't vulnerable to damage or wear and tear. In theory.
The problem is, sometimes a solar panel system throws out an unexpected problem, and when that happens, PV solar panel repairs may be in order. Yes, solar PV systems shouldn't get damaged easily, but that doesn't mean they won't.
If the damage occurs under warranty (even though your solar PV system has an expected lifespan of 25 years, some warranties might only cover the first 5-10 years), then you can have them repaired or replaced for free.
If you need to repair your solar panels outside of a warranty, then you'll need to call in the experts. Enter: Panelit Solar in Alperton. Below we'll talk you through some possible solar PV panel problems, help you know how to spot when repairs might be necessary, and give you more details about our Alperton solar panel repair service!
Before we talk to you about potential problems and how our Alperton solar PV repair service can help you, let's just quickly run through some of the most common signs that there's a problem with your PV solar panels. Now, don't worry, you won't need to run out and order a new system - PV systems are built to last and a catastrophic fault resulting in a brand new solar panel installation is unlikely. In the first instance, if you notice any of the signs below with your own solar panel set up, call Panelit Solar so we can come and carry out a thorough investigation.
There are several ways you can monitor your solar panel power generation to see if you are getting enough power from your solar panels.
The first thing you can do is look for your MCS certificate that came with your solar panels, because an estimated annual generation figure will be provided here, and it will tell you how much energy your solar panels ought to be producing. If there's a huge discrepancy, then there might be a problem.
Another good way to measure the power supply provided by your solar panels is simply looking at how much electricity your solar panels are generating at the same time each day. Solar energy won't change drastically from one day to the next, but if your generation meter is claiming wildly different numbers per day, then you know something is up. You'll have to ask yourself: Are my solar panels generating as much energy as they usually do? If not, there might be a problem.
Solar inverters are where the DC voltage from solar energy is turned into AC voltage for your home to use (houses in the UK use AC electricity in their electrical system to power your appliances).
If there's a problem with your inverter, it will helpfully tell you so. Look for fault or error codes on your inverter (usually located in your garage, utility room, or similar if it's a string inverter, or behind your solar panels themselves if it's a micro inverter), if there are any present, then you know to contact Panelit Solar - we can troubleshoot the codes and fix the issue for you.
Another thing to look out for is dirt buildup on the solar panels themselves. Whilst PV panels are self cleaning for the most part, an obvious discolouration or buildup could be a sign that solar maintenance is in order.
We offer solar PV maintenance services in Alperton too, which help deal with problems cost effectively, BEFORE repairs are necessary. You can read more on our solar PV maintenance service page.
But dirt buildup and debris is more than just a sign you need to maintain solar panels with a regular maintenance service. It could also be a sign that repairs are necessary. Pests can cause dirt and debris buildup, and pests can also damage a solar panel quickly. So, if there are obvious signs of low maintenance on your solar panel, call us today.
If you have a flat roof or a roof that doesn't quite reach the optimal pitch for solar panels of between 30 and 40 degrees, then the chances are you have some mounting hardware as part of the initial installation to help achieve that pitch.
Sometimes, it's much easier to notice a problem with mounting hardware than a problem with solar panels or inverters. Simply look from the ground with a pair of binoculars to see if the mounting hardware looks as it did when it was first installed. If there are any obvious loose parts or faults, you'll want to call out the pros to take a closer look. It may be that the mounting hardware has failed due to poor installation or moving parts, and you'll need to secure your panels in place again and repair any damage caused as quickly as possible.
This is one of the biggest things you'll notice if you still sometimes rely on power from the National Grid as well as your solar panels. If you notice a huge increase in energy bills, then it's a sign you have a problem.
You most likely installed solar panels to help save money, so you should be used to your new energy bills now and how much more cost effective solar panels are. And, of course, they may vary depending on the time of year, etc, but if you notice a massive spike in your energy bills all of a sudden, then your solar panel system has a problem.
Your energy bills will increase because you're relying on more power from the National Grid, so you have to pay your energy supplier more for the privilege. If your solar panels aren't showing the same level of efficiency for generating power and saving you money, call Panelit Solar.
Related post: How much electricity do solar panels produce?
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Now you know what to look out for, let's talk briefly about some common problems that might be behind the problems you've noticed above.
Solar PV panels can corrode internally if there is a loose connection somewhere along the way. If the connection at the back of a solar panel comes loose, then moisture and humidity can make its way inside the panel, causing it to corrode internally.
When this happens, if it's a severe case, there may be no other option than replacement, as repair here is unlikely and you'll never get the same level of efficiency from the panel again.
Micro cracks are much more common than people realise. No, solar PV systems don't have moving parts and they are pretty hardy devices, but that doesn't mean there isn't a chink to be found in their armour.
Micro cracks can occur for a variety of reasons:
They might not be visible to the naked eye, but if they're there, they will affect the performance of your solar panel system.
During our fault finding segment of our repair service, we'll be able to find faults like this with ease because we know what we're looking for.
As part of a regular annual service solar panel maintenance, pest proofing should be carried out to ensure no pests can get access to your panels to destroy them. But with the best will in the world, sometimes those pests live up to their name, and pester your panels anyway.
Pigeons, rats, snails, birds - you name it - they can all cause damage to your solar panels and leave you in need of a repair.
When we're on site, we'll clean up your solar panels, repair any damage, fix any faults, and then work to ensure your PV system is safe from pests again (as best we can) to prevent further damage.
We've already talked about inverter faults today and how error and fault codes on your inverters are a sure sign that there's a problem that needs fixing.
Unfortunately for you, these inverter faults never say clearly what the issue is - so the professionals have to work that out for themselves when they arrive. But don't worry, problems with inverters rarely ever mean a new inverter is necessary - with a thorough investigation, your inverter can usually be repaired on site.
When we first arrive on site, we will always carry out a thorough investigation to find what the faults may be as part of our repair service. We'll look at everything from inverters to panels, wiring to meters - inspecting your whole system, so we catch every fault whilst we're on hand to help.
Although each job varies widely based on the faults we find, here are just some of the ways we can help:
Sometimes basic solar panel maintenance is all that's necessary. Regular servicing will keep your system in tip-top condition, but we know that maintenance isn't always at the top of our clients' lists (although it should be, and we explain more on our solar PV maintenance and servicing page). Maintenance will vary depending on your time, budget, and how regularly you think about your solar panels - and that's OK.
But sometimes our repair work turns out to be general maintenance and servicing because that's what your system needs. This can include:
Sometimes your panels just need a thorough maintenance and servicing to get them working right again.
Your generation meter is usually found near your consumer unit or fuse box, and its job is to count the solar power that is being generated by your solar power system. Essentially, it tells you how effective your solar PV system is at doing its job.
Now, your solar panels might actually be working just fine in your solar systems - that is to say, they are (your solar panels) generating as much energy as they should. But if the generation meter is broken, it won't be counting the electricity generation properly, so it will make it seem like there's an overarching fault with your solar panel system, when in fact, this tiny piece of equipment is causing you the problem.
Thankfully, a generation meter is quick to repair or replace as necessary, so you'll have your solar system up and running in no time.
A solar inverter has AC and DC isolators, and sometimes the DC isolator (which deals with DC voltage direct solar power before it is converted to AC voltage for your home to use) can simply switch it off. Switching it back on again is one thing, but if it continues to do this, then it can be a sign that there are problems with your solar panels, cables, or connections somewhere in the solar panel system.
If, after a thorough investigation by our team, there appears to be no faults, then your PV system might just need a new DC or AC isolator in the inverter - again, another quick fix. But this requires the trained eye of professionals like our team at Panelit Solar, because otherwise you might miss a fault and replace the isolators unnecessarily, whilst overlooking the real problem.
As we mentioned above, inverter faults are notoriously complex if you don't know what you're looking for. But as a team of experts with plenty of experience dealing with all types of inverters from many manufacturers, we promise we'll get to the bottom of it.
In most cases, fault codes on your inverter are usually indicative of problems with:
There are plenty of other error codes telling us plenty of other things, but these are usually the main culprits. Either way, we can deal with whatever the issue is on site when we come to carry out repair work.
New inverters aren't always necessary, but an inverter has a natural lifespan too, and sometimes your inverter just 'conks out' before your panels do. That doesn't mean you need a whole new system, but new inverters will usually do the trick. We always carry spare parts with us to any job, so if a new inverter is necessary, we might be able to supply one on the spot. If not, we can return at a later date to fix the issue and get your new inverter installed.
You can read more about how we can help on our solar PV inverter replacement page.
Related post: What size solar inverter do I need?
After repairing or replacing damage caused by pests, we can also help protect the panels in your system for the future by pest-proofing them as necessary.
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The cost to have your PV solar panels repaired in Alperton will vary depending on the problem that we're faced with.
For example, new inverters might cost between £500 and £1500. A new solar battery could cost between £1200 and £6000. But a simple service and maintenance on your solar panel might only cost £100.
As such, we can't know how much your repairs will cost until we see what the problem is. As soon as we know, we'll give you a detailed breakdown of what needs fixing and why, and you don't need to go ahead with the work immediately if you don't wish. Our fault finding is completely free - you only pay when you agree to the repair work we suggest needs carrying out.
If you've noticed problems with your solar panels, then the best thing you can do is call Panelit Solar today. As soon as we can, we'll come to your home, identify the problems, and then carry out any work you green light off the back of our recommendations.
As an expert team of solar panel specialists, we're confident we can fix any problem you're facing, and get your solar panel system back to full functionality again in no time at all!
We can undertake a full examination and performance analysis of your solar PV system to evaluate the efficiency of your solar panels. Our experts will evaluate the power output and compare it to the projected performance based on the age and specs of the system.
Cracked or broken solar panels may be repairable depending on the amount of the damage. In many circumstances, however, replacement is the safer and more cost-effective option. Based on the individual conditions, our professionals will assess the damage and make a competent recommendation.
A decline in power production, weird noises, error messages, or warning lights on the display are all symptoms that your solar inverter needs to be repaired or replaced. Our experts can analyse and address these issues to restore the performance of your solar PV system.
During routine maintenance visits or system inspections, our skilled technicians can evaluate the wiring and electrical connections on your solar PV system. We will inspect the system for signs of wear, corrosion, or loose connections and make any necessary repairs to maintain optimal performance and safety.
