If your solar panel system is not properly installed, it may cause problems in the future. For example, the system may not be operating correctly, meaning it won’t produce as much energy as it should.
Nearly seven in 10 owners had had no problems with their solar panels in our survey of over 2,000 owners.* The most common – and most serious – problem owners face is with the inverter. In some cases inverter problems mean you don't get any usable renewable electricity. It can also be a pricey problem to fix.
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.
This phenomenon, known as thermosiphoning, can be resolved by replacing the check valve. If there is no hot water when the circulating pump is running, it indicates that there may be trapped air in the pump collector of the solar heating system. Usually, the automatic air discharge valve located on the collector should allow the air to escape.
According to various studies, the most common problems encountered with solar water heaters are related to component failures, such as controllers, sensors, and pumps, rather than installation issues or lack of maintenance. However, it is important to note that solar panels, being critical components, are not exempt from failures.
Blown bypass diodes - Permanent failure often due to severe localised shading or overheating. Earth leakage is a common problem with older solar panels that is often caused by backsheet failure leading to water ingress or PID or potential induced degradation. Strings of solar panels operate at high voltages, up to 600V or higher.