How Reliable are Solar Panels?

A recent study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), a federal laboratory researching renewable energy efficiency technologies, found that solar panels were reliable and long-lasting. For people considering solar for their home or business, it is essential to understand why solar panels fail and if they should be concerned with their quality. In 2008, solar panels were still fairly new on the market and the technology for solar panels was not very advanced in terms of efficiency and a lot of problems were experienced due to equipment failures.  In 2019, solar panel manufacturers have improved their testing processes, their manufacturing processes are a lot more sophisticated, and the level of quality testing they conduct is quite high, so you can be sure that the current failure rate is even lower. Making sure that the long-term costs of going solar are outweighed by its benefits.

 

Solar panel manufacturers with the best reputations provide a minimum 25-year warranty on power output. It’s highly unlikely that your solar panels will ever fail; in the event that they do, you will be covered by the warranty, and the replacement panel will be free of charge.

Why Do Solar Panels Fail?

 

When you purchase a solar energy system, you should be confident that your panels will not fail, and that you will be given a great warranty in the event that anything does go wrong. Your solar modules can experience a variety of failure modes, from hot spots to minor delamination. When you purchase a solar panel from a reputable company, you can be sure that their solutions will give you a quality product that is thoroughly tested. In addition to having fewer errors, a reliable solar panel manufacturer should also guarantee the quality of its products.

 

Solar Panel Failures Explained Top 10 

Glass Breakage

Hotspots

Diode / J-box

IC Failures

Interconnection Discoloration

Backsheet Insulation Compromise

Major Delamination

Minor Delamination

 

Fractured Cells

Glass Breakage – The reason for this is a combination of several different factors. It is common for panels and glass to be exceptionally durable. The glass that encases the solar panels can, however, be cracked with enough blunt force.

 

Hot Spots – Typically, hot spots occur when panels are partially shaded. An inefficient solar panel system is caused by this most common issue. Fortunately, localized shading can typically be removed to prevent this from happening.

 

Installing localized shading is usually part of the process. Solar energy system installers will point out areas that may be shaded and affect your solar energy system.

 

Diode / J-Box – A diode’s primary function is to protect the solar cells from overheating under partial shading. A very rare failure occurs when the diode is improperly connected or damaged during the manufacturing process.

 

IC Failures – Failures in the interconnection process are rare. The failure can be attributed to the soldering process.

 

IC Discoloration – A discoloration of the interconnection (IC). Interconnections typically turn rusty when they undergo this modification. It is a sign that your panels may be corroded. While it’s not necessarily a failure, it could highlight the need to monitor your solar system’s output.

 

Backsheet Insulation Compromise – An issue with the backsheet.  This is a serious concern because the back sheet serves as an insulation layer, which tends to be very reliable.

 

Major Delamination – In this case, the components are breaking apart. A separation occurs when the bond between the plastic and the glass breaks. Due to this, air and moisture can creep into the panels, leading to corrosion, disfiguration, and potential failure.

 

Minor Delamination – The process is characterized by minor delamination of the components. A minor delamination that is usually caused by inferior plastics or bonding.

 

Fractured Cells – This problem can occur due to challenging weather conditions or to improper transporting or installation of the panel.

 

PID – (Potential- induced performance Degradation) – These problems are the result of “stray” electrical currents. It could lose 30% of its power as a result of this substantial loss of efficiency. Temperatures and humidity can contribute to environmental issues with this.

 

2 Types of Problems that Impact Solar Panels

 

Mechanical Problems

Problems in the mechanical system usually arise as follows:

Installation

Operation

Transportation

There can be mechanical problems with cheap solar panels, including:

Broken Cells

Bent Frames

Manufacturing Problems

A typical manufacturing problem looks like this:

Poor Soldering

Cheap Plastic

Manufacturers of cheap solar panels may face problems such as:

Warped Frames

Cracked Solar Panels

 

History shows that the number of problems occurring in panels is declining while mechanical problems are on the rise. To ensure that solar panels work as efficiently as possible, it is important to use a quality installer to transport and install your solar panels.

 

Solar Panel Testing

 

Solar modules fail due to both manufacturing technology and application environments.

 

The solar panels are tested in two different ways in order for manufacturers to improve them.

 

Reliability Tests

Tests designed to gauge whether or not modules can survive various environments and conditions should be utilized.

 

Functionality Tests

Solar panels are tested for functionality to determine if they are capable of meeting the efficiency specifications proposed by the manufacturers.

 

Functionality Tests

Examine PV panels for visual defects and check that the glass has no scratches.

 

Light Test – A synthetic sun spectrum will be used to measure the panel’s power, current, and voltage levels.

 

Electroluminescence (EL) Testing – A test will be conducted to check for defects of the solar panel’s electrical flow. 

 

In this type of testing, electricity is applied to the panel in order to produce infrared light (heat). Normally, solar panels operate in reverse.

 

In this test, darker cells indicate that the current flowing through is not as efficient as those with lighter colors.

 

By EL testing, we can detect things like cracks even if the current isn’t passing through.

 

Reliability Tests

Testing Conditions: Solar panels are tested in temperatures ranging from 185°F to -40°F.

 

Testing Conditions: 85% relative humidity at 185°F, followed by a cold cycle of -40°F.

 

Testing for Solar Panel Issues: discoloration, corrosion, and connector damage.

 

Damp Heat (DH) – Stress associated with high humidity at high temperatures.

 

Testing Conditions: Temperature constant of 185°F and humidity of 85%

 

Testing for Solar Panel Issues: Cracks in the cell and mechanical instability.

 

 

Humidity Freeze (HF) – Heat with dampness combined with temperature cycling.

 

Thermal Cycling (TC) – Stress caused by extreme temperature changes.

Solar Panel Certifications and Qualifications

 

Solar panels should also have product certifications and qualifications.

To ensure your module meets design safety and performs as expected, it is necessary to obtain approvals from market standards such as IEC, UL, MCS, KS, and/or CQC.

 

Our typical approach is to work with solar panel manufacturers that perform extensive testing.

 

Your Solar Panel Repair Experts

Do your solar panels not run as efficiently as they should or want to go solar? Contact one of the best solar company in San Diego. We offer affordable prices for quality solar panels.