Skip to main content

Solar Panel Faults - Common Types and Causes

Solar Panel Faults - Common Types and Causes


Solar panels are a popular and efficient source of renewable energy that can last for decades. However, like any other technology, they are not immune to faults. Identifying and fixing faults in solar panels is essential to ensure their long-term functionality. In this article, we will explore the common types of solar panel faults, their causes, and how to prevent them.

Solar Panel Faults: Common Types

Hot Spots
A hot spot is a concentrated area of high temperature on a solar panel, usually across a single cell. It occurs when a section of the panel fails to convert solar energy into electricity and instead absorbs it, causing heating. Hot spots can lead to panel damage, reduce efficiency, and in extreme cases, potentially start a fire.

PID (Potential Induced Degradation)
PID is an electrical phenomenon that causes a significant drop in the output power of a solar module panel. It occurs when a voltage difference develops between the solar cells and the grounded frame, leading to a leakage current. PID can be caused by environmental factors such as high humidity, temperature, and voltage. It can also be as a result of poor manufacturing quality control.

Broken or Damaged Cells
Broken or damaged solar cells can significantly reduce the efficiency of a solar panel. External factors such as hailstorms, debris, and excessive wind can lead to cracks or breaks in the cell covering. Broken cells can also cause hot spots, leading to further damage and may spred to neighbouring cells.

Causes Explained
The common causes of solar panel faults are from environmental factors, manufacturing defects, and poor installation. Environmental factors such as extreme temperatures, humidity, and voltage can cause PID and hot spots. Manufacturing defects such as faulty cells, inadequate and faulty soldering, and poor connections can lead to broken or damaged cells. Poor installation, including improper wiring, incorrect spacing, and insufficient support, can lead to panel damage and reduced efficiency.

Preventing solar panel faults involves regular maintenance and thermal inspection, proper installation, and the use of high-quality components is paramount. Regular cleaning, monitoring, and timely repairs can help prevent hot spots and the development of module failure, PID, and broken cells. Proper installation by qualified professionals can ensure the optimal performance and longevity of solar panels systems. Choosing high-quality components such as cells, wiring, and inverters can also prevent faults developing.

Aerial inspections by drones equipped with thermal cameras and in the hands of certified thermographers, finding and reporting these common faults is striaghtforward and cost effective.

Identifying and fixing solar panel faults is crucial to ensuring their long-term functionality and efficiency. Hot spots, PID, and broken or damaged cells are common types of solar panel faults caused by environmental factors, manufacturing defects, and poor installation. By following simple guidelines, and ensuring regular thermal inspections, solar panel owners can enjoy clean and sustainable energy for years to come.

#CommonSolarModulefaults #detectingsolarpanelfaultswiththermalcamera #dronethermalinspections #SolarpanelFaults


https://www.dronemediaimaging.co.uk/solar-panel-faults-common-types-and-causes/

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Why Should Solar Panels be Professionally Maintained?

Why Should Solar Panels be Professionally Maintained? Over the years, panels can suffer faults that remain invisible to the naked eye but which impact their efficiency in terms of generating power. In serious situations these faults can even lead to a fire hazard. So it’s really important to keep up with the maintenance on your panels to keep your installation safe and also to make sure you are making the most of your investment. Obviously, the problem with regular and specialist inspection of your panels is that they are most likely to be in inaccessible areas of your home such as your roof. Having an actual human being up there to manually test each panel can be costly due to the health and safety precautions they have to take and potentially equipment they have to hire in order to gain access, plus you run the risk of damage to your roof structure during the inspection process. However, there is a simple and non-invasive solution that reduces inspection costs and means that if you d...
Post a Comment
Read more

Mitigating Fire Hazards and the Importance of Solar Panel Maintenance

Mitigating Fire Hazards – Solar Panel Maintenance Solar panels have gained significant popularity as a renewable energy solution in recent years. With their ability to harness the sun’s energy and convert it into electricity, solar panels contribute to a greener and more sustainable future. However, it is crucial to understand that like any other technology, solar panels require proper maintenance to ensure optimal performance and, most importantly, to minimize the risk of fire hazards. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons why solar panels can catch fire if not adequately maintained. We will delve into the various factors that can contribute to fire incidents, emphasizing the significance of proactive maintenance and regular inspections to mitigate these risks effectively. Electrical Overload and Faulty Wiring One of the primary causes of solar panel fires is electrical overload resulting from faulty wiring. Over time, exposure to environmental factors such as heat, moisture,...
Post a Comment
Read more