Thankfully, the rate of problems arising from solar panels is fairly low. Some 68% of solar panel owners told us they'd had no technical issues with their solar pv systems since they were installed. And nearly half of owners had done no maintenance at all on their solar panel system since it was fitted.
Trusted Trader Elltec Energy Services. If your panels aren't producing any electricity when you'd expect them to, it's most likely a fault with the inverter or problem with the wiring. Occasionally the generation meter might fail. If this happens, you’d see no recorded generation, even though the system is working.
The cracked panel may still be generating electricity but Ben Robinson, director of Exeo Energy. advises getting it replaced as soon as possible: "This will eventually result in issues, normally as soon as moisture enters the panel". See if you can get a replacement panel under warranty. If so, Mr Robinson advises that:
After learning how damaged solar panels can result in power loss, let’s explore another common issue: hotspots in solar panels. This problem arises due to electrical issues, often triggered by improper installation or broken wiring, which can lead to power loss or even fires.
Faulty Electrical Wiring If your electrical wiring on the roof is faulty or old, it can disrupt the efficiency of your solar panels by affecting electricity production. This happens because, over time, the wiring can develop problems like loose connections, corrosion, and oxidation. Even pests like rats can damage the wiring by chewing on it.
But if your solar PV system does have problems, it can mean it stops producing electricity and needs urgent maintenance. That can be costly when you're used to using free solar power and have to use pricey grid electricity instead. Plus, you'll lose out on any payments you get for exporting electricity.