The three most common solar panel problems (and what to do about them)

While solar panels are notoriously reliable (in a recent Which? survey, nearly seven in 10 owners had had no problems with them), they aren’t completely infallible. Like any technology, solar PV systems can encounter issues. Here, we demystify three of the most common problems and provide practical advice on how to handle them, making sure your system operates efficiently throughout its lifecycle.

The three Ds – dirt, debris and damage

That’s right, our first problem encompasses three issues! Let’s start with the first two. Dirt and debris can reduce the amount of sunlight that is able to reach the surface of your solar panels, which may impact their efficiency via decreased energy production. Heavy rainfall washes most of this away, so it’s unlikely to cause many issues, but in areas with high air pollution, or in situations where solar panels are underneath trees (and therefore birds), soiling could become a problem.

To keep your panels clean from dirt, leaves and other debris, we suggest you conduct an annual check and clean. A simple wash with water can do wonders. If it snows during the winter, this may not be necessary, as sliding snow is great at removing debris. To prevent the likelihood of a build-up, make sure to regularly trim nearby trees. There’s an additional benefit to this, as unkempt branches may grow to cast shadows on your panels, which can lower their efficiency.

As for damage, aside from apocalyptic hail storms, one of the main threats to solar PV systems is wildlife. By nesting underneath your panels (with combustible materials… you see where we’re going with this) birds can create a fire risk, while rodents’ proclivity for gnawing anything that looks edible puts connectors and wiring in peril. In this case, prevention is better than cure. It is cost-effective to have wildlife protection installed while your solar panels are being fitted. At Thrift, we offer ‘Bird Guard’, a mesh wire system that is both effective and simple to install.

Malfunctioning inverters

The inverter is the heart of your solar PV system, converting the direct current (DC) generated by your panels into alternating current (AC), which is what our homes’ electrical systems are wired to run. So, if your inverter fails, your system’s ability to generate power will be compromised.

Problems with inverters can be caused by a number of things, including power cuts, which can trip the solar circuit trip switch. The good news is that this can often be resolved by flicking the switch on your consumer unit back up. If you’ve noticed a drop in energy production and you suspect it’s related to your invertor, check for warning lights on your invertor’s display panel, as these can help you diagnose the problem. Simply look up the error message in your manual (or online) to find out what it means. If your inverter is still within its warranty, you can get in touch with the company to resolve this issue.

In some instances, the cause of the invertor problem may be a consequence of the third and final problem in our list…

Faulty wiring or electrical connections

Your solar panels, inverter, and electrical system are connected by wiring and connectors. If these are loose or become damaged, the performance of your solar panels could be compromised. As we mentioned earlier, animals can sometimes be responsible for damage to wiring, but loose or faulty connections can also be a result of poor installation, which is why you should always choose your installer carefully, paying close attention to accreditations and customer reviews to guide you. If it turns out that careless work has caused the fault, your installation warrantee should cover the cost of fixing it, so make sure you keep your warranty documents safe and take time to understand what is covered. But please don’t try to fix electrical issues yourself – electric shocks are no joke. Instead, call your installer (or a qualified electrician).

Solar PV systems are widely regarded as paragons of reliability. But, as this blog post demonstrates, they are still susceptible to issues – from the accumulation of dirt and debris that may hamper their efficiency, to the risks posed by wildlife or technical malfunctions with inverters or wiring. We hope that the insights we have shared can help you navigate these common pitfalls with ease.

At Thrift, we offer a 25-year manufacturer warranty on panels and a two-year insurance backed labour guarantee to give you peace of mind. We are an MCS-certified and NICEIS approved contractor, so you can be assured that, when it comes to solar PV system installation, we will always meet the industry-expected level of quality.

For more information on our solar packages, visit our website or give us a call on 0800 689 3415.

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