The most common problems with solar panels

Solar panels are really useful devices which help convert the sun’s energy and heat into usable electric and heat energy. Installing them can be great for residential as well as commercial buildings but there are many problems that can come up with them. These problems need to be resolved properly so that benefits of the devices can be availed completely.  But for this, you must first be aware of the various problems that can come up. The following are the most common problems with solar panels:

1. Hot spots

One of the most common problems with solar panels is hot spots.  Given below is their description:

• Hot spots are basically those places on the panels which are overloaded and hence tend to become warm.
• These are a result of badly soldered connections or a structural defect in solar cells.
• Badly soldered connections can lead to low resistance in that part of the solar panel which gets the power generated by the cell.
• The problem of hot spots can cause short circuits and may also lead to lowering of the lifespan and performance of the solar panels.

Image Credits: europe-solar.de

2. Micro cracks

Another common issue with solar panels is micro cracks. Given below is its description:

• These cracks are microscopic tears in the solar cells which occur as a result of PV modules production.
• They can also be caused during the shipping process due to careless handling.
• These cracks can grow with passage of time and may damage the solar cells.
• They can grow due to thermal and seasonal conditions.

Image Credits: europe-solar.de

3. Snail trail contamination

Another one of the common problems with solar panels is snail trail contamination. Read on to find out more information about this problem:

• Snail trial is basically a contamination occurred in the panel which comes up only after a few years of production.
• There can be many reasons for this problem and some include defective front metallization silver paste in the solar cell manufacturing procedure and others.

Image Credits: data-solar.de

4. PID effect

• PID basically stands for Potential induced degradation and is a problem which can arise due to a voltage difference which occurs between the earthing and the panel.
• What happens is that usually the solar panel is earthed which leads to a difference in the earthing and voltage produced by the panel.
•  This produces a partially discharged voltage in the primary power circuit.
• This can further lead to a reduction in performance and quicker ageing of the PV panel.

Image Credits: phys.org

5. Internal corrosion and delamination

When moisture seeps in the panel, it can lead to internal corrosion and this is one of the most common problems with solar panels.  Given below is its description:

• For this reason, the solar panels must be water and air tight and the components of the panels must be laminated under vacuum.
• In case the lamination is not done correctly then it can lead to delamination. 
• Delamination is basically the detachment of the laminated components.

Image Credits: drviragopete.com

If you are someone who is facing any of these common problems with solar panels or any others, then it is best to reach out to a professional for general home appliances repair through Mr Right.