Solar panels typically last between 25 to 30 years if they are not damaged. Proper care and periodic inspections help keep solar panels in good working order. Inspections are critical for finding damage and taking steps to repair or replace a panel as soon as possible. But what to do when solar panels are nearing the end of their service? The San Luis Obispo solar power team from Electricraft, Inc., has some recommendations about how to tell it’s time to replace panels.
Some may choose to just replace old panels and avoid the performance issues associated with aging. Not everyone can, or wants, to replace panels if there’s still life left. How do we know when it’s time to start replacing panels? Signs to watch for include:
Aside from damage, which is also described in this article, the signs that it’s time to replace solar panels include:
- Approaching the expiration date may not be exactly the time to replace one or all of the panels, but it is certainly time to start paying attention to any decreased performance.
- An unexpected increase in electricity bills. Decreased solar panel performance can cause more reliance on the grid. Solar panels degrade naturally over time. By the time the expiration date approaches, the panels may only be operating at 80% of their capacity.
- Upgrading, adding new solar panels to an existing system, can degrade performance. The new panels may not be compatible with the older panels due to advances in technology.
- Environmental influences can damage solar panels over time. Natural disasters can cause immediate damage.
Identifying damage before it’s a problem
Solar panels are constructed to withstand environmental exposure. Over time, some damage might occur. Wind, storms, debris, Cracks, dents, or other visible damage can degrade performance. The potential damage from natural events such as storms, earthquakes, and floods makes regular inspections critical to preserving solar panels.
In addition to regularly cleaning the panels, inspect for the following:
- Cracks, dents, discoloration, or burn marks. Cracks and dents compromise the surface of the panels. Discoloration or burn marks indicate corrosion or deteriorating lamination.
- Loose or damaged fasteners and mounting systems. A loss of stability provided by fasteners and the mounting apparatus can lead to damaged panels.
- Any build-up of debris or debris residue, known as soiling loss, interferes with sunlight reaching the photovoltaic cells, and the panels produce less energy.
The San Luis Obispo solar power team recommends consulting with a solar panel professional and repairing damage as soon as possible.
Weather and natural disaster damage
On California’s Central Coast, long-term exposure to salt air, inland temperature fluctuations, and exposure to UV rays are leading causes of damage to solar panels. Most problems resulting from these issues can be prevented by regular cleaning, inspections, and maintenance.
Other natural events that can damage solar panels include:
- High winds over 50 to 56 miles per hour can cause mechanical stress to both the panels and the mounting systems. Inspections after high winds are very important.
- Lightning strikes can damage panels and associated electrical components, though panels are generally designed to withstand typical outdoor exposure.
- Rainstorms, lightning strikes, and flooding can damage solar panels and the associated electrical systems. Flooding and mudslides caused by excessive rain runoff can destabilize the mountings, which can also cause damage to the panels.
- Earthquakes can damage solar panel mountings and the panels.
- Exposure to wildfires can degrade the materials that make up panels and wiring. Smoke and ash can build up on the panels, degrade performance, and potentially damage the surface of the panels if not cleaned away.
- Solar panels are typically manufactured to withstand temperatures up to 200°F, however, prolonged heat and exposure to intense UV rays can cause some damage. The solar power team from San Luis Obispo’s Electricraft recommends inspecting your solar panels and system as soon as possible after a prolonged heat wave.
- Snow and hailstorms are rare on the Central Coast, but they do happen. Hail larger than an inch in diameter can crack solar panels. Snow, over three feet deep, places undue stress on solar panels and can damage them. Although snow that deep probably won’t happen on the Central Coast, it’s still good information to have.
Protect your solar equipment with a solid start
Starting with top-quality equipment, installation, and electrical services is the first step towards protecting your panels and entire installation from damage.
The Electricraft team has the experience, training, and certification to design and install the latest solar power technology for home, business, commercial/industrial, and public works in San Luis Obispo County.
Electricraft, Inc. is a local, family-owned company serving the Central Coast since it was founded in 1984. The experienced and friendly staff provides exceptional installation, maintenance, and repair services for all electrical and solar power needs. Fully insured and licensed by the state with a large bonding capacity, the Electricraft field foremen, office staff, and state-certified electricians have a combined 300+ years of general electrical construction, service, project management, and turnkey design / build experience.
The Electricraft mission. is to provide superior quality service, repair, and construction, ensuring complete satisfaction to our customers. Through continued education, hands-on experience, and staying abreast with ever-changing electrical and solar technologies, we continue to excel in the electrical energy industry.
Trust the experienced team of qualified Electricraft installers to thoroughly answer all of your questions about the design, installation, and operation of your new or existing solar panels and solar system.
