How to know when to replace your solar panels

Solar panels are oftentimes portrayed as being pretty much indestructible, what with their life being more than three decades and them being able to withstand pretty much anything that nature throws at them. However, we would like to reiterate that it isn’t the case usually; solar panels can get damaged, some of them may have some manufacturing defects that could render them unusable or unsuitable for use in an active solar energy grid. In this blog post, we will look at how you can know when it might be time to replace your solar panels and what signs should you look for if you suspect one of your solar panels in the system might have gone bust.

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Replacing your solar panels: the right time

While solar panels are very resilient, especially solar panels from ZNC Solar in Pakistan, there might be times when you feel the need to replace one of the solar panels in the grid. However, while problems with solar panels aren’t unheard of, it is possible that it might just be a simple wiring problem, so you shouldn’t make haste and assume that a solar panel needs replacing. However, should you notice any of these signs, it might be time to replace those panels.

i. Considerable surface cracking

While microcracks are common on solar panels and do not affect its efficiency or functioning, it's some of the bigger surface cracks that may be problematic. Especially if you’ve recently had some extreme weather like hailing, it is possible that a solar cell may develop some problems after a direct impact with a large-sized hail. If you see such surface damage, usually, the solar panel can be written off and you will need to replace the damaged PV module.

ii. Manufacturing defects

Sometimes, manufacturing defects can also occur in solar panels, even in panels from reputed manufacturers. These may range from damaged solar cells to the main frame of the solar panel being damaged, which merits the replacement of said solar panel. In such cases, manufacturers usually provide an excellent and very comprehensive warranty that covers such defects, and you may be able to get your solar panel replaced without any cost at all.

iii. Electrical issues

Since solar panels generate electricity, therefore, within the roster of possible issues that could beset a solar panel, electrical issues are also part of the list. For instance, hotspots on solar panels where the operating temperature may be too high or other issues with the wiring, or the electrical discharge and generation system of the cells may beset your solar panel. In this case, since solar panels cannot be repaired per se, you will need to replace the damaged solar panel with a new one and make it so that the new one is guaranteed not to have any such electrical issues at all.

Detecting problems with the solar panels

To ensure that you actually have a troublesome solar panel and aren’t dealing with something that may just be temporary, it’s important to detect any issues that you might have with your solar panels. For example, as stated beforehand, you might just have a simple wiring issue and could misconstrue it as something that might merit a solar panel replacement. That shouldn’t be the case, so here is how you can detect if anything might be wrong with your solar panels.

1. Physical inspection

You can physically inspect your solar panels every now and then, especially after extreme weather, to ensure no physical damage is there on the solar panels. If there is considerable physical damage to the solar panels, it might be time for a replacement, but since solar panels are usually quite resilient, the small microcracks don’t do much.

2. Monitor the generation

Your solar energy system comes with panels that correspond to the overall generation potential of the system. For instance, for a 5kW system, you will have solar panels that will correspond to that number. If you see a consistent decrease in the output of the solar panel but no physical damage, it might point to an internal problem with the solar cells.

The best solar panels in Lahore from ZNC Solar

Choosing the best solar panels in Pakistan need not be a contentious issue that has you viewing everything with an air of suspicion. With ZNC Solar, Pakistan’s top solar energy equipment distributor, you can get original and an extensive range of solar panels from top-rated manufacturers including Jinko, JA Solar, CanadianSolar and Astronergy to help make the most out of your solar energy investment.