Solar panels are designed to last 25 – 30 years, yet some systems fail earlier. When this happens, it’s often a result of preventable issues like poor installation practices, environmental factors, or improper maintenance.
At Penrith Solar Centre, we understand the most common causes of solar panel failure and will help homeowners identify problems early and take steps to avoid them. After all, installing solar is what we do.
In this article, you’ll learn about the following:
- Microcracks: The Silent Killer of Solar Panels
- Solar Panel Installation Errors and Their Impact
- Environmental Factors That Cause Solar Panel Failure
- Solar Panel Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid
By the end of this article, you’ll know the ins and outs of what might cause your panels to fail and how you can avoid it.
Microcracks: The Silent Killer of Solar Panels
One of the most common and damaging issues affecting solar panels is the development of microcracks. Microcracks are tiny fractures in the silicon cells of a solar panel. These cracks may not be visible to the naked eye, but they can severely impact a panel’s performance over time.
What Causes Microcracks?
Microcracks often form during the installation process. Improper handling can lead to tiny fractures in the cells. For example:
- Transportation Damage: Panels that are dropped, banged, or dinged during transit may develop cracks before they’re even installed.
- Installer Mistakes: Some untrained or careless installers lean or walk on the panels during installation. Solar panels are not designed to bear such weight. Walking on panels can crush the silicon cells, even if the damage isn’t immediately apparent.
How Do Microcracks Affect Performance?
Initially, microcracks may not cause noticeable problems. The panels will continue to function normally for the first few years. However, by year three or four, the damage begins to affect performance.
- Snail Trails: Microcracks lead to visual defects called snail trails: greyish streaks that appear on the panel’s surface. These streaks indicate where the cracks have disrupted the silicon cells.
- Decreased Efficiency: Cracks reduce the panel’s ability to generate electricity. Over time, this can lead to significant performance drops, making it harder for the system to meet your energy needs.
How to Avoid Microcracks
- Work with reputable solar installers who follow proper handling and installation protocols.
- Avoid walking on or applying pressure to solar panels.
- Use trusted brands known for durable panel designs.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about solar panel efficiencies, you might want to check out the following article titled, How Efficient Are Solar Panels? Shade, Heat, and Seasonal Considerations in NSW, Australia.
Solar Panel Installation Errors and Their Impact
The quality of the installation is critical to the long-term success of a solar system. Poor installation practices can lead to a range of issues, including structural problems and early panel failure.
Importance of Proper Rail and Clamping Placement
Solar panels are mounted on mounting systems, which are attached to your roof. Each panel must be clamped within specific zones, called clamping zones, to distribute weight and stress evenly along the mounting system.
Imagine a diving board with most of its length hanging off the edge of the pool. If you jump on the end, the board will bend and flex. Solar panels behave similarly.
If clamping zones are ignored, the unsupported parts of the panel can bend under pressure, leading to microcracks. No one wants this.
Wind Damage from Poor Installation
Incorrectly mounted solar panels can be a hidden disaster waiting to happen. When panels aren’t secured correctly, they can become vulnerable to wind damage. Instead of sitting firmly on the mounting system, loosely mounted panels may begin to flap or vibrate in the wind.
This constant movement might seem minor at first, but over time, it places undue stress on the frame of the panels. The vibrations can cause microcracks to develop in the solar cells, reducing their efficiency.
The frame itself might weaken or warp, compromising the panel’s ability to stay in place. In extreme cases, this can even lead to structural failure, where the panel detaches from its mounting entirely.
Beyond the risk of performance loss, improperly mounted panels can also pose a safety hazard. A dislodged panel during a storm can cause damage to your property or neighbouring structures. Proper installation is critical to ensure your panels remain firmly secured and can withstand high winds without issue.
How to Ensure Proper Installation
Getting your solar panels installed correctly is one of the most important steps in ensuring their long-term performance and durability. Follow these steps to make sure your system is set up for success:
Verify Installer Experience: Always hire a professional installer with a proven track record. Ask about their experience. A knowledgeable installer will make sure each panel is properly secured and positioned for the best energy production.
Inspect the System Post-Installation: Once your system is installed, take a moment to inspect the work. Check to see that all panels are evenly supported by the mounting system and properly aligned. Look for any obvious issues, like gaps between the panels and the mounting system or loose connections, which could lead to problems down the line.
Invest in Quality Mounting Systems: Don’t cut corners on the mounting system. Choose a high-quality mounting system that has been tested for durability and rated for the wind region in your area. This ensures that your panels stay secure, even in high winds or extreme weather conditions. A solid mounting system reduces the risk of movement or stress that could lead to microcracks or other damage.
Taking these steps gives you peace of mind that your solar panels are installed properly and built to last, helping you make the most of your investment.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about the importance of a good installer for your solar (the most important component of any system, seriously), you might want to check out the following article titled, In-house Installers vs. Subcontractors: Which is Better?
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Environmental Factors That Cause Solar Panel Failure
Solar panels are built to take on sun, wind, rain, and snow, but sometimes Mother Nature throws a little extra at them. Extreme weather conditions like hailstorms, heavy winds, or impacts from flying objects can still cause damage. Here’s what to watch out for and how you can keep your panels safe.
Hailstorms
Solar panels are tested to resist hailstones up to 25mm in diameter. That’s roughly the size of a golf ball. If hailstones get much larger or if there’s a prolonged hailstorm, those tough glass surfaces could crack, or the internal silicon cells might suffer damage.
- What to do if you live in a hail-prone area: If hailstorms are a regular event where you live, it’s worth considering panels with thicker glass or ones that have hail-resistant certifications. These panels are designed to handle a bit more punishment and give you some extra peace of mind during a storm.
Wind
Wind alone doesn’t usually damage your panels directly. However, (as we mentioned earlier) if the racking system (the frame that holds your panels in place) isn’t installed correctly, high winds can make panels wobble or flex. Over time, this stress causes microcracks or even loosens the panels from their mounts.
- Pro tip: Always make sure your racking system is solid. A professional installer who follows proper guidelines, like adhering to clamping zones, will keep your panels in place on the windiest of days.
Impact from Objects
Whether it’s a wayward basketball, a tree branch during a storm, or some debris blowing around, heavy impacts can do real damage to your solar panels. A single hit might not look too bad at first, but cracks can spread over time, reducing the panel’s efficiency and lifespan.
Simple ways to protect your panels:
- Trim nearby trees regularly to keep branches from falling onto your panels during storms.
- Keep basketballs, soccer balls, and other projectiles away from your panels.
- In areas prone to severe storms, consider hail guards or protective coverings for extra reinforcement.
Your solar panels are built to be resilient, but a little preparation goes a long way. A good installation will help your solar setup stay strong and efficient—no matter what the weather throws at it.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about how weather affects your solar panels, you might want to check out the following article titled, How Does The Weather Affect Your Solar Panels?
Get Your Sunny’s Worth and Take Care of Your Solar Panels
Solar panels are a reliable source of energy, but they require proper care to perform at their best. Common causes of failure include microcracks, installation errors, environmental damage, and improper maintenance.
By working with a reputable installer like Penrith Solar Centre and choosing quality components that are installed properly, you can maximise the lifespan of your solar system and avoid costly repairs.
If you’re interested in learning more about solar systems, you might want to check out our introductory article titled, New to Solar: Start Here.
