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Damages endured by solar panels

Damages endured by solar panels

Solar sytem is an excellent way for homes and businesses alike to generate electricity without negatively impacting the environment. Without the proper functioning of panels, the whole system will go astray. Obviously there are more chances to get damages to panels. To get the best result from a solar system, it is important that your panels are damage-free. Installers should transport with great care, especially while transporting the panels to the site as well as during installation and after installation.

Modern Solar modules are well known for brittle wafer-thin cells. These cells can be as thin as 170 micrometers which is between 2 to 3 times the thickness of standard A4 paper. To maximize the power potential of your solar system and reduce the damages endured by solar panels, the utmost care has to be given at the time of installation.

Durable glasses are using for panel protection. Beneath the glass, there is a layer of insulation and a protective back sheet. This technology protects against heat and humidity inside the panels to keep the home solar system running smoothly. Solar panels have an anti-reflective coating that allows them to absorb maximum power from the sun.

Improper handling while installation

Improper handling of the panels before or after installation can have a negative impact on the system and can even shorten its service life considerably. The right way to carry them is to possibly distribute the load rather than focusing on a point. It is ideal to rest the module against the arm, shoulder, back and head, with no pressure on the back sheet.

Getting solar modules onto the roof is one of the most strenuous tasks of installation. Solar panels are not easy to handle as each panel weighs around 18 to 20kgs. Panels are heavy and awkward to lift and carry. Improper lifting can cause damage. A purpose-built lift is recommended for lifting panels to the roof.

It is very essential to avoid any unnecessary force to the surface of the modules. There is a common practice to stand on the panels. It can cause microcracks. The power loss is around 7watts or 2.2% on a fully functional module. These cracks would propagate further under the influence of humidity, thermal expansion and contraction and usual wear and tear and affect the module performance.

Most of the solar panels travel a long way from the factory to one’s rooftop. If not shifted properly it can affect its efficiency. Special care has to be taken especially while transporting materials on top of exposed modules. A common example of careless handling is an inverter strapped onto the top of panels while taking to the rooftop. It can cause a power loss of 7.9 Watts or 2.44%. It is better to avoid any force on an open-air module during transport. Strapping on the top of a pallet is suitable, but pressure on the glass front or back sheet will cause irreparable damage during the transportation period.

Physical damage for solar panels

  • Debris of leaves, twigs, dirt, and bird droppings can scratch the panels. It would be ideal to maintain trees around the home and to clean the panels with the garden hose and soft cloth once a year for optimum performance.
  • Bad weather and hail storms can damage the roofs. Your solar technician should guide you toward the right solar setup if there is extreme weather in your area.
  • Water damage occurs if the sealings of the panels are not watertight.

Most professional solar panel systems come with a 25year warranty, at the minimum.  At Regen Power, we cover your system with 10 years of workmanship. Our solar technician can help you determine the best placement for your solar battery. We promise live monitoring of solar panels and battery 24/7.

At Regen, every product in their carefully-curated range comes from independently-rated suppliers and meets strict quality criteria. Regen supplies Australia’s best Tier 1 panels. We supply solar panels of leading brands like   Qcells, Canadian, Trina, Jinko, Risen, Suntech, JA, Longi, LG, SunPower.

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