Solar panels have helped many Aussies save money on their electricity bills. But, what happens when your method of keeping your electricity bill down gets damaged? If you’ve noticed that your solar system isn’t generating as much energy as it used to, or you notice a scratch or crack in one of your panels, don’t panic – in this blog, we’ll fill you in on what causes a solar panel to break, how to avoid some common issues and the options that are available to you.
The effect of the elements
Hailstorm, debris from strong winds or trees falling onto it after a storm are examples of how the elements can affect your solar panels.
The damage from the elements isn’t always visible at the beginning. Your solar panel could develop tiny scratches that reduce its efficiency, resulting in less energy absorption. Overtime, they can gradually get worse which may lead to bigger problems.
The consequences of a dodgy installation
Apart from bad weather, a bad installation can also cause significant damage to develop over time. Solar Installers taking shortcuts and being careless can actually result in minor damage that only increases over time. Everything from transport, installation, and maintenance pose a risk for damage, as a panel’s frame can be bent and scratched. If you’re a victim of bad solar panel installations, you’re not alone. There has been a rise in complaints for poor installations in Australia as reported by the ABC, with various complaints regarding defective panels and poor workmanship.
You should always make sure that your chosen solar panel installers are properly qualified prior to installation.
Rodents, birds and cockroaches – oh my!
Rodents, birds and other pests are another cause of broken solar panels. Rodents and cockroaches can chew through wires and reduce your panel’s efficiency. Now this may seem surprising, but bird droppings can also have an impact on your solar system’s output. If enough droppings accumulate on the panels, it is possible for the panels and wiring to corrode. As you know, it also smells bad and isn’t easy on the eyes.
If the idea of pest droppings on your panel and ruined wires doesn’t sit well with you, VEXO solar mesh is the solution. They can easily deter birds and other pests from ruining your precious panels, and potentially save you quite a bit in the long run.
Inspections & maintenance
If your panel isn’t generating electricity like it once used to, an inspection and maintenance service may be long overdue. As mentioned above, damage growing gradually can eventually lead to your panel not working to its full potential. While there are various solar repair services, a qualified and reputable installer can let you know the true extent of any damage and determine whether it is worth repairing or replacing. They can also check whether a solar inverter repair is required and if a faulty meter, dirt, or dust is contributing to your system not being as bright as it used to be.
Giving your broken panels a new life
Upon inspection, if the installer determines that your panels aren’t able to be salvaged, there is also the option to recycle them. Check with your provider if they provide this as a solution. There are also various other companies in Australia that can help with disposing of your broken panels in a sustainable manner.
The demand and opportunities for recycling solar panels have grown over the years. Waste from broken solar panels could rise to 27 million tonnes per year by 2040, with materials extracted from destroyed panels also contributing to six percent of solar investments for that same year. Recycling solar panels may also become much more viable in the near future, as recyclers are expected to mine billions of dollars of materials from broken solar panels. In other words, your panel that couldn’t be saved might be worth quite a bit!
A good quality solar panel installation should provide your house-hold with solar energy for 25 years. However, poor installations, the elements and gradual damage can dramatically reduce that figure. To book a solar panel repair service or to discuss our process for solar panel installations, contact us at 0485 800 043 or fill out our contact form.
