What are the major problems in solar panels? Read in this article what it is and how we experience it.
Key Points of the Article:
– Microcracks in photovoltaic panels
– The phenomenon PID and how do I avoid it
– Problems on the roof
– How the hot spots are putting at risk your photovoltaic system
– Problems of the birds and ways repulsion
The photovoltaic panels are the most expensive components of a photovoltaic system. Most of the times, and the interested parties express their concerns about their resilience. Mainly wondering about potential problems that may arise.
My biggest fear stems from the high cost and the fact that it is the most massive and as a result the worry of causing damage.
If and as it progresses, the technology, the panels become more and more durable and the case of problems is no longer a minimum, in this article we will present you the most important problems of solar panels and how to troubleshoot them.
1. Microcracks in photovoltaic panels
Conventional photovoltaic panels are quite sensitive. There is the possibility that there are micro-cracks in the panels that are difficult to detect with the naked eye. With time and due to the adverse weather conditions, these cracks become bigger. The bigger they get, the more they interrupt the flow of the energy from the panels, so reducing the performance.
Usually this problem is construction. Micro-cracks can arise also from carelessness during transport, installation or even the weather in case of hail.
We have mentioned many times that we need to consider first and foremost the quality of the panels and not the cost, even if it cost you something extra. It is very important to choose the most resistant to a panel of the most reliable companies with large guarantees, as well as the right installers.
In case of flaw, the only thing you can do is to replace all of them, so you need to make the right choices from the beginning.
2. The phenomenon PID in photovoltaic panels
The phenomenon of potential induced degradation (PID: Potential Induced Degradation), it is quite complicated to explain so as to be understandable to the average member because of the required technical knowledge, however, plays a very important role the performance of a photovoltaic system. This happens in the cases of PID is the creation of leakage currents from the hive of a panel due to the high voltage. The cells that are closer to the aluminium frame is affected more strongly.
The PID as a... virus
To understand this as best as possible, we will transfer it with a simile. Consider the phenomenon PID as a virus that affects the "cells" of a photovoltaic system, that is, the hives, and the "sick", so it decreases the performance of the system.
If not treated immediately, it spreads like a virus and the other cells and can lead to a loss of efficiency of photovoltaic to 80%.
This phenomenon can occur in the first years of establishment of your photovoltaic system and should be diagnosed in a timely manner before you insult the most of your photovoltaic system.
To avoid this phenomenon, you should choose high-quality and reliable photovoltaic panels. At ΙΩΝΙΚΗ Renewables, we offer the Luxor panels in our photovoltaic packages, which provide 100% protection against the PID phenomenon.
Consider what will be the real cost if you choose cheap and unreliable panels through the phenomenon PID will lead to a decrease in performance of your photovoltaic system, and therefore to a reduction of the profit.
3. Problems on the roof of photovoltaic panels
Photovoltaic panel can be placed on many types of roofs. Some have greater challenges and some smaller.
Many stakeholders are concerned about the problems that can be created on their roofs.
In the tiled roofs, the more potential problems
The biggest challenge of installation comes on the roofs with tile and any problems that arise, mainly relate to this kind of roofs.
A tiled roof, to be placed panels, you will need to go out and cut on the edge of tiles in order to lay the foundations. On the bases will be placed in the rails and over the panels. For this whole process, it needs special attention from the crew on how you cut the tiles. In case you don't properly cut a tile, there is the risk of the roof to "take" waters.
In a facility in terrace, you need to pierce the roof in order to place the trapezoidal bases. The risk in these cases, is to pierce the insulation. So it also takes a very careful job, and chemical dowels high waterproofing.
The panel, in fact, not create problems. On the contrary, they protect the roof mainly by extreme weather phenomena. If you also select the appropriate installers, then you have nothing to fear.
Before installing, however, panels, make sure that you have done all the necessary maintenance procedures of the tiled roof of your. If you place a plant that has a life span of 25 years in a roof that will need maintenance over the next 5 years, then there will be a problem. The lifespan of the panels and of the tiled roof must be consistent.
4. The phenomenon of hot spots (Hot spots)
The phenomenon of hot spots (Hot spots) reduces the performance of a photovoltaic system, as it produces lower current. The problem occurs in the cells of the panel either by a hardware failure of a photovoltaic element, either by shading or by incorrect connection of the polarity of the data.
In case you receive the phenomenon of hot spots on your panels, you will not be able to do a lot of things as it will need replacement.
I will mention once again that in order to avoid this phenomenon, you will have the choice of a suitable panel from a reliable company.
The Luxor panels included in our packages at ΙΩΝΙΚΗ Renewables also provide protection against the phenomenon of hot spots.
5. Wiring problems
Defective, and sometimes even old electrical wiring in your ceiling, it would prevent the effective performance of the panels as it can affect the production of electricity.
Over time it is natural for the electrical wiring in your roof to be sensitive to things such as loose connections, corrosion, and oxidation. In addition, the parasites on the roofs can cause damage chewing on the wiring. These electrical issues if left unattended can cause problems on your roof.
It is always a good idea to check the wiring on a regular basis to ensure that all is well. Remember that to prevent is always better from the experience. As soon as you suspect that something is not right with your electrical wiring contact an electrician. Don't attempt on your own, as it is dangerous and often leads to incorrect work. We recommend that prior to the installation of photovoltaic, the installers to inspect your electrical wiring to make sure that your roof is ready for panels.
6. Birds
In some areas, birds can become a headache for an owner of a photovoltaic. It's not just the dirt you leave on the panel, as this is easily cleaned with common cleaners of the trade. The washing of the impurity recommend be performed in hours without high temperatures, but not early in the morning. It is preferable for the panel to dry in the evening with warm air.
The nests of birds can also create problems in the system causing damage of the panels up to the wiring. The way to deal with the placement of the metal mesh peripherals of the panels, or wherever there are gaps. In this way, prevent the entry of birds down from the panels.
These were the major problems that can occur in photovoltaic panels. As you can see, the issues that have the greatest cost on those who are least likely to happen if you make the right and qualitative selection of your pv system.
At ΙΩΝΙΚΗ Renewables, we have experience in the study and installation of photovoltaic systems. We have installed photovoltaic parks, as well as photovoltaic systems for homes and businesses throughout Greece, including islands. We handle all the processes, from potential financing, the study, submitting the file, installation, and we deliver your photovoltaic system ready to go... with the key in hand. At the same time, our photovoltaic packages come at highly competitive prices.
Are you interested in photovoltaic; Click on the button “I Want a phone appointment” below, fill out the form and a competent engineer will contact with you to solve all your questions and to guide you to the right decision.
Photovoltaic panels: Possible problems and solutions
George Kotakis
Electrical Engineer |
ΙΩΝΙΚΗ Autonomous
What are the major problems in solar panels? Read in this article what it is and how we experience it.
Key Points of the Article:
– Microcracks in photovoltaic panels
– The phenomenon PID and how do I avoid it
– Problems on the roof
– How the hot spots are putting at risk your photovoltaic system
– Problems of the birds and ways repulsion
The photovoltaic panels are the most expensive components of a photovoltaic system. Most of the times, and the interested parties express their concerns about their resilience. Mainly wondering about potential problems that may arise.
My biggest fear stems from the high cost and the fact that it is the most massive and as a result the worry of causing damage.
If and as it progresses, the technology, the panels become more and more durable and the case of problems is no longer a minimum, in this article we will present you the most important problems of solar panels and how to troubleshoot them.
1. Microcracks in photovoltaic panels
Conventional photovoltaic panels are quite sensitive. There is the possibility that there are micro-cracks in the panels that are difficult to detect with the naked eye. With time and due to the adverse weather conditions, these cracks become bigger. The bigger they get, the more they interrupt the flow of the energy from the panels, so reducing the performance.
Usually this problem is construction. Micro-cracks can arise also from carelessness during transport, installation or even the weather in case of hail.
We have mentioned many times that we need to consider first and foremost the quality of the panels and not the cost, even if it cost you something extra. It is very important to choose the most resistant to a panel of the most reliable companies with large guarantees, as well as the right installers.
In case of flaw, the only thing you can do is to replace all of them, so you need to make the right choices from the beginning.
2. The phenomenon PID in photovoltaic panels
The phenomenon of potential induced degradation (PID: Potential Induced Degradation), it is quite complicated to explain so as to be understandable to the average member because of the required technical knowledge, however, plays a very important role the performance of a photovoltaic system. This happens in the cases of PID is the creation of leakage currents from the hive of a panel due to the high voltage. The cells that are closer to the aluminium frame is affected more strongly.
The PID as a... virus
To understand this as best as possible, we will transfer it with a simile. Consider the phenomenon PID as a virus that affects the "cells" of a photovoltaic system, that is, the hives, and the "sick", so it decreases the performance of the system.
If not treated immediately, it spreads like a virus and the other cells and can lead to a loss of efficiency of photovoltaic to 80%.
This phenomenon can occur in the first years of establishment of your photovoltaic system and should be diagnosed in a timely manner before you insult the most of your photovoltaic system.
To avoid this phenomenon, you should choose high-quality and reliable photovoltaic panels. At ΙΩΝΙΚΗ Renewables, we offer the Luxor panels in our photovoltaic packages, which provide 100% protection against the PID phenomenon.
Consider what will be the real cost if you choose cheap and unreliable panels through the phenomenon PID will lead to a decrease in performance of your photovoltaic system, and therefore to a reduction of the profit.
3. Problems on the roof of photovoltaic panels
Photovoltaic panel can be placed on many types of roofs. Some have greater challenges and some smaller.
Many stakeholders are concerned about the problems that can be created on their roofs.
In the tiled roofs, the more potential problems
The biggest challenge of installation comes on the roofs with tile and any problems that arise, mainly relate to this kind of roofs.
A tiled roof, to be placed panels, you will need to go out and cut on the edge of tiles in order to lay the foundations. On the bases will be placed in the rails and over the panels. For this whole process, it needs special attention from the crew on how you cut the tiles. In case you don't properly cut a tile, there is the risk of the roof to "take" waters.
In a facility in terrace, you need to pierce the roof in order to place the trapezoidal bases. The risk in these cases, is to pierce the insulation. So it also takes a very careful job, and chemical dowels high waterproofing.
The panel, in fact, not create problems. On the contrary, they protect the roof mainly by extreme weather phenomena. If you also select the appropriate installers, then you have nothing to fear.
Before installing, however, panels, make sure that you have done all the necessary maintenance procedures of the tiled roof of your. If you place a plant that has a life span of 25 years in a roof that will need maintenance over the next 5 years, then there will be a problem. The lifespan of the panels and of the tiled roof must be consistent.
4. The phenomenon of hot spots (Hot spots)
The phenomenon of hot spots (Hot spots) reduces the performance of a photovoltaic system, as it produces lower current. The problem occurs in the cells of the panel either by a hardware failure of a photovoltaic element, either by shading or by incorrect connection of the polarity of the data.
In case you receive the phenomenon of hot spots on your panels, you will not be able to do a lot of things as it will need replacement.
I will mention once again that in order to avoid this phenomenon, you will have the choice of a suitable panel from a reliable company.
The Luxor panels included in our packages at ΙΩΝΙΚΗ Renewables also provide protection against the phenomenon of hot spots.
5. Wiring problems
Defective, and sometimes even old electrical wiring in your ceiling, it would prevent the effective performance of the panels as it can affect the production of electricity.
Over time it is natural for the electrical wiring in your roof to be sensitive to things such as loose connections, corrosion, and oxidation. In addition, the parasites on the roofs can cause damage chewing on the wiring. These electrical issues if left unattended can cause problems on your roof.
It is always a good idea to check the wiring on a regular basis to ensure that all is well. Remember that to prevent is always better from the experience. As soon as you suspect that something is not right with your electrical wiring contact an electrician. Don't attempt on your own, as it is dangerous and often leads to incorrect work. We recommend that prior to the installation of photovoltaic, the installers to inspect your electrical wiring to make sure that your roof is ready for panels.
6. Birds
In some areas, birds can become a headache for an owner of a photovoltaic. It's not just the dirt you leave on the panel, as this is easily cleaned with common cleaners of the trade. The washing of the impurity recommend be performed in hours without high temperatures, but not early in the morning. It is preferable for the panel to dry in the evening with warm air.
The nests of birds can also create problems in the system causing damage of the panels up to the wiring. The way to deal with the placement of the metal mesh peripherals of the panels, or wherever there are gaps. In this way, prevent the entry of birds down from the panels.
These were the major problems that can occur in photovoltaic panels. As you can see, the issues that have the greatest cost on those who are least likely to happen if you make the right and qualitative selection of your pv system.
At ΙΩΝΙΚΗ Renewables, we have experience in the study and installation of photovoltaic systems. We have installed photovoltaic parks, as well as photovoltaic systems for homes and businesses throughout Greece, including islands. We handle all the processes, from potential financing, the study, submitting the file, installation, and we deliver your photovoltaic system ready to go... with the key in hand. At the same time, our photovoltaic packages come at highly competitive prices.
Are you interested in photovoltaic; Click on the button “I Want a phone appointment” below, fill out the form and a competent engineer will contact with you to solve all your questions and to guide you to the right decision.
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