Imagine investing in a sleek, high-tech solar panel system only to see its efficiency decline due to hidden cracks or other damage. Solar panel failure is extremely rare – less than 0.1% of all usage cases — but they are still happening.
These and other threats compromise clean energy savings, safety, and finances by lowering output and aging panels faster. Yet, this is fixable. All you need is external knowledge and proactive action. Once you find out what caused a cracked solar panel, you are one step closer to bringing back the full power of your clean energy system.
In this article, we share comprehensive solar panel insights. Discover causes, types of solar panel cracks, and cost-effective fixes. Learn to combat these hidden threats to your clean energy goals.
Solar panels are durable as they are designed to withstand the harsh weather conditions. However, even the most robust panels are not invincible. They still can get damaged due to one of these reasons:
Each solar panel has its temperature limits, even the best ones. Usually, working temperature ranges from -10 °C to 50 °C. Once the heat surpasses this target, it may lead to the inevitable consequences.
Extra temperature conditions may cause solar panel cracks, compromising the device’s efficiency. Overheating can even cause panel distortion, hotspots, and further damage.
Another reason for the broken panel is the mechanical mayhem. Solar panels are resilient but not entirely immune to physical impact. Hailstorms and falling debris can damage the panel. Once a tiny particle falling at full speed reaches the panel, it can slightly shutter the glass.
In most cases, solar panel hail damage is not severe, so you don’t need to rush to the local technician. However, cracked panels become extremely vulnerable to water ingress and electrical failure. You should book the restoration so the technician can replace a broken panel with a completely new one.
Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, but sometimes, that electricity can fight back. If a lightning strike hits the panel, it can fry the panel’s internal circuitry, making it useless. Also, you should check the correct wiring. It is vital for power generation systems. Improper wiring can cause the current to flow backward, overheating the panel and potentially causing a fire.
Lightning strikes can fry internal circuitry, rendering solar panels useless. In this case, correct wiring is crucial; errors can overheat panels, leading to fire hazards.
Over time, all solar panels will degrade to some extent. It can be caused by many factors, including:
A study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that the average degradation rate of solar panels is approximately 0.50%. Even after 20 years, you can still expect your solar output to be 80%+ of its original output.
No machine is perfect; unfortunately, some panels leave the factory with hidden flaws. Damaged solar panels often have defective cells in the silicon cells. They can disrupt power generation and lead to premature failure.
A couple of faulty cells may not impact much, but crossing 2-3% becomes noticeable. Faulty connections due to poor soldering or weak materials pose risks of overheating or breaking.
Yes, a broken solar panel can still produce power. However, its efficiency would be lower than usual. The reduction amount depends on the crack severity. A small fissure may only reduce efficiency by 1-2%, while a large crack can reduce efficiency by 50% or more.
Cracked solar panels are also more likely to fail. Even a tiny fracture can weaken the panel’s structure, making it more susceptible to further damage. Here are some of the things you may face once a solar panel breaks:
Once you spot the damage, contact your local technician and specify the solar panel crack. Providing these details saves time and helps technicians address your case more effectively.
There are seven most common types of solar panel damage:
Broken glass | Commonly caused by hail, debris, or vandalism, it’s the most frequent panel damage. |
Hotspots | Hot spots, localized overheating on panels, stem from shading, cracks, or defects, compromising efficiency and, in severe cases, leading to panel failure. |
Snail trails | They are dark lines appearing on solar panels typically caused by the corrosion of the metal ribbons that connect the solar cells. Snail trails can reduce panel efficiency and can eventually lead to panel failure. |
Micro-cracks | These are tiny cracks placed on the silicon cells. They can be caused by falling debris, hail, or temperature fluctuations. |
Delamination | Panel layers can separate due to moisture, heat, or manufacturing defects. |
Electrical damage | Lightning strikes, reverse polarity, or faulty wiring can cause this damage. It can hurt the internal components of a solar panel and can render the panel unusable. |
PID (Potential-Introduced Degradation) | It happens with panels that work under the permanent impact of high voltages. |
Some people can say that they don’t need to fix a panel if it’s working. However, they forget that damage grows over time. It may cost $200-300 for the minor problem at the beginning, but once time passes and it becomes more severe, you may end up paying $1,000+. It’s unpleasant, but it’s the harsh consequences of neglect.
The cracked panel may work for weeks without losing performance in warm, windless, and rainless weather. However, the first rain or cold may lead to permanent damage, forcing you to replace a whole panel.
While a cracked solar panel may still function to some extent, we recommend you have it repaired for several reasons:
In summary, a cracked solar power system breaks slowly. However, it is crucial to address the damage promptly to prevent further deterioration. It will safeguard your solar investments and ensure you continue to enjoy the benefits of clean, renewable energy.
Many users have asked our technicians, “Will a solar panel work if the glass is cracked?” We understand your concerns. In most cases, it will still work. However, we recommend you call a technician to fix the issue immediately without replacing the panel if it is not severe.
We don’t recommend you fix it on your own. In most situations, minor harm or deterioration falls under the warranty. It means that a specialized technician can fix it for free. However, attempting to fix it yourself will void the warranty.
You should disregard guides that recommend you use epoxy seal kits to fill in the damaged area. While numerous self-help guides exist, following them can increase the damage, ultimately leading to the termination of your warranty.
Solar panel maintenance is crucial to maximize energy generation and savings. You can use automatic monitoring systems or measure everything manually.
Here are some solar panel care techniques:
A solar panel system is valuable, providing clean energy and generating significant savings. If you don’t want to turn them into liabilities that sunk money from you, prevent the potential damage.
You should keep an eye on the solar system’s performance for atypical voltage drops or imbalances. Investing in surge protectors can shield your system from lightning strikes and other dangers of solar panels, offering long-term benefits. Plus, scheduling technician inspections once a year is a must — it ensures early detection of potential issues.
By implementing the discussed strategies, you can effectively prevent and mitigate potential damage to your solar panels. You will ensure they remain operational and continue to generate clean energy for your home or business for years.
Maintaining and preventing solar panels cracking is key to maximizing the lifespan and performance of your solar investment, safeguarding energy savings, and contributing to a sustainable future.
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