If you think your solar panels are not working, you’re not alone. The latest data from Australia’s Clean Energy Regulator shows that 24.42% 1 of all solar installations audited in 2023 were substandard. Worse still, 0.45% were deemed to be unsafe.
Poor installation may not be the only reason why your solar panels are not performing as expected and, it could be something as innocent as a change in season. So, how can you check if your solar panels are working? And if you find that they aren’t working, what’s the likely cause?
In this article, we explain how you can take preventative steps to mitigate against underperforming panels and, help you identify why your solar panels aren’t working.
Source:
1 Clean Energy Regulator Inspections update No. 23
1. Solar panel monitoring: Check if your panels are working
There are several ways you can check to see if your solar panels are working, though some methods are preferred over others. The best way to check to see if your solar panels are working is to look at the data from the Wi-fi monitor connected to your inverter. The monitor will display the output of the system, so you can tell if it is not working properly.
If your inverter was installed before 2017, you may not have a Wi-fi monitor.
Third-party monitoring
If you don’t have a Wi-fi monitor, you may have installed a third-party monitor. It’s worth checking this data regularly to look for any issues.
Some really thorough installers will monitor your system from afar and can alert you to any issues.
Monitoring is preferred over checking your electricity bill
It’s best not to rely on your electricity bill to see if your system is working properly because you are viewing historical data. A solar monitoring system is preferred because you can view live data and pick up on any issues as soon as they arise.
2. Check the inverter
Another way to see if your solar panels are working is to check your solar inverter for any flashing lights. Each inverter is different, so you need to refer to your owner’s manual to understand what each light means and what “normal operation” looks like.
If you notice a red light or a flashing orange light, there’s a chance your inverter isn’t functioning properly. Depending on your model, you may see an error code on the inverter display or in your connected monitoring app. From there, you can diagnose the issue and call in a solar technician if needed to fix it.
The inverter is one of the hardest working components of your solar system, so it’s often one of the first to fail. Checking your inverter is important if you’re experiencing changes to your solar energy production.
If after checking, you find that your solar panels are not working properly, or not working at all, there are a number of checks you can perform to identify the issue.
3. Check the breaker switch
Before climbing onto the roof or calling a solar technician, start by checking your breaker switch.
A tripped breaker switch is one of the most common reasons solar panels stop operating. Your solar circuit breaker switch may trip when there is a voltage fluctuation, the electrical system overloads, or short circuits.
If your solar breaker keeps tripping, there might be a problem. Some of the most common reasons a solar breaker will trip include:
- The breaker is improperly installed or configured
- The quality of the breaker is poor
- The temperature is too high and is causing the breaker to trip
- The cable is too thin and doesn’t meet AS3008 standards
It’s not uncommon for a breaker switch to trip; however, if it trips frequently, you should get a solar technician to identify the cause.
4. Check for obstructions
If your solar panels are obstructed from sunlight, they will not achieve their maximum output. Obstacles like tree branches, debris, bird nests, dust, or any other impediments can considerably impact the performance of solar panels.
To ensure solar panels receive full sunlight, you can:
- Trim branches and trees that may be obstructing your panels
- Remove dirt, debris, bird droppings, and other obstructions from your panels
- Clean your panels and remove any dust or debris that may have built up on the surface
- Check for nearby vegetation or buildings that may be creating shade issues
Regularly inspecting and maintaining your solar panels is the easiest way to avoid these issues and ensure your panels operate at peak efficiency.
5. Consider the temperature of the panels
It may be that your panels are underperforming due to high temperatures. Solar panel temperature plays an important role in determining efficiency and output. There is a common misconception that solar panels are most efficient on hot days when the sun is beaming down. However, the truth is that solar panels become less efficient and generate less electricity the hotter they get.
Most solar panels have a temperature coefficient of between -0.2% /°C to -0.5%/°C. In extreme heat, a solar panel may reach 65°C, which would cause an efficiency loss of 16% on a solar panel with a temperature coefficient of -0.4%/°C.
Managing solar panel temperature comes back to your initial installation and ensuring there is good airflow around your panels.
6. Check panels for damage
Wild weather, animals, or falling debris can all cause damage to solar panels. Some of the most common types of solar panel damage include:
- 1. Cracks – small hairline cracks known as micro-cracks can occur from the direct impact of a falling object or prolonged thermal stress. Isolating and fixing cracked panels ensures that your system operates as efficiently as possible.
- 2. Hot spots – Concentrated overheating on the surface of a single cell can cause hot spots. Not only do hot spots impact the output of the panel, they are also a fire risk.
- 3. Snail trails – visible discolouration of the silver grid fingers between cells occurs when humidity triggers a chemical reaction within the encapsulating material and dissolves the chemicals to form the “snail trail” like pattern.
7. PID Effect
Potential Induced Degradation (PID) is more common in older or lower-quality modules, it can reduce the performance of solar panels by 20-30%. PID occurs due to the difference in the semi-conductor material and other module components. The difference can cause a voltage disparity leading to current leakage from the panel.
PID occurs gradually, making it hard to detect. Over time, it becomes more noticeable as the output of the solar panel continues to decline.
To determine if a panel is affected by PID, a solar technician can conduct an IV curve test or an electroluminescence test, which can indicate that some cells may be affected. However, the best preventative measure to avoid Potential Induced Degradation is to choose high-quality panels.
How to mitigate against underperforming panels
The best way to avoid issues with your solar panels not working, or underperforming, starts when you buy a solar system. You can prevent solar panel issues by:
- Selecting good quality components
- Choosing a reputable installation company and, then
- Monitoring your system’s performance
When you buy solar, make you sure you get good quality components from a reputable installation company. An accredited system designer can often avoid any potential obstructions by clever placement of the panels. Do not attempt DIY solar installation for grid-connect systems.
Once your system is installed, monitor its performance regularly, don’t just wait for your electricity bill to see if your panels are working properly.