Why Is My Solar Kit Not Generating Power Anymore?
Did you know that the United States is responsible for more than 97 gigawatts of solar-generated electricity? Many homes have a solar kit, but what do you do if you're having issues with your house solar battery? Unfortunately, solar panels stop working at times, but there's no need to panic! If you're curious about how to address solar panel problems, we're here to help. Read on for some common reasons your power station may fail. We'll also discuss why you can't use the generator, as well as look at some great maintenance tips!
Reasons for Failure
Sadly, there are many reasons for the failure of your solar kit. Whether you're having issues with your generator inverter or the panels, failure stops electricity completely. Here are some of the most common reasons for the failure of your solar power system.
Age
As your solar panels age, they become more likely to fail. Most electronics suffer from similar issues, but solar panels take a lot of abuse! The most likely location for your solar panels is the roof of your home. Here, they'll withstand the elements, falling debris, wildlife, and other such issues. Your panels will slowly wear over time. Whether the solar cells are failing or the wiring is having issues, something is sure to claim them. Have your solar panels inspected regularly to make sure that they're still functional and not aging poorly!
Damage
Speaking of weathering the elements, your solar panels can suffer more than just wear and tear. Falling debris is an especially common cause of damage to solar panels. Branches falling from trees overhead can damage or destroy one or multiple panels. Wildlife may chew through exposed wires or climb across the panels. While most solar panels are tough enough to withstand animals, some can still suffer scratches or abrasions.
In storms, debris such as pebbles, sticks, and bark can slam into your solar panels. Do your best to regularly inspect the panels for damage, particularly after stormy weather!
Obstruction
Another common reason for your solar kit is that the solar panels have become obstructed. Frequent obstructions include overhanging branches blocking the sun and fallen branches blocking the panels. If your solar panels aren't working, the first thing you should check for is an obstruction. Sometimes it's as simple as dirty panels not gathering sunlight well enough! You may also find windblown debris like tarps or bags over the panels that you can easily remove.
Weather
Finally, one likely cause of solar kit issues is the weather! On stormy or cloudy days, you may find your solar panels generating less energy or none at all. If this is the case, your solar kit likely doesn't have issues. Instead, they should begin working again once the weather passes. Should the clouds clear and direct sunlight hit the panels again, check your solar panel meter. If they're still not generating the expected output, you can safely assume the weather wasn't the issue.
Dangers of Faulty Solar Kits
If your solar kit isn't working, what's the issue beyond a lack of power? Some believe that a faulty kit still putting out energy is worth using. If your solar kit isn't working, you should power it off immediately. Malfunctioning electronics can cause severe damage and other issues that aren't worth the risk.
One likely issue is a solar fire. Sparking electronics can cause a fire to start in your home. Some reports show that nearly half of fires that a solar kit was involved in were started by the kit itself! That doesn't mean that solar panels are dangerous! It means that you shouldn't use malfunctioning or faulty solar kits. Instead, have professionals come out to investigate and remedy any issues as soon as possible.
Proper Solar Panel Maintenance
Now that we know some common problems and the risks associated with a lack of maintenance, how do we address these problems? With proper solar panel maintenance, you can avoid many of the worst issues. Here are some of the vital steps toward maintaining your solar power system.
Keep Panels Clean
As obstructions can cause a lack of power, keeping them clean is your best recourse. Solar panels should be cleaned at least annually. If you'd like to keep them especially clean, aim to clean them every few months. Solar panels can gather dirt and debris faster than you think! A quick, easy cleaning can stop this obstruction from building up.
Inspect for Damage
Damage is alarmingly common on solar panels. You should inspect your solar grid frequently to ensure they haven't taken a hit from something. If a storm has recently gone through, you should inspect your panels again. Storms carry dangerous debris that can easily puncture, dent, scratch, or otherwise ruin your panels.
Replace Broken Parts
It may become necessary to replace some parts of your solar panels. Solar cells wear out over time, for example, which could force you to replace them. Sometimes, the entire panel may need replacing! It's a rarer situation to have to deal with this, but something that may come up from time to time. If you aren't sure how to replace parts, call the professionals! A professional company can help you get your solar power system working again.
Using a House Solar Battery
Working to keep a functional house solar battery isn't as difficult as you may believe! Inspect solar panels frequently to ensure that your solar power system isn't suffering from faulty or damaged panels. Keep an eye on your solar panel meter to know if your solar panels stop working during poor weather or other factors. For more information on using clean energy to power your home, be sure to contact us! You can also browse the rest of our site to learn more!
