Causes of Home Solar Panel Damage and How to Replace Panels

The typical solar panel production warranty is 25 years with a 10 to 12 year panel warranty for defects and environmental damage. In other words, your panels are built to offset home electricity use for decades when properly maintained. Although uncommon, solar panels can be damaged. The following provides some of the ways they do get damaged and what you can do about it.

Broken Solar Panel Glass

Solar panel glass may be damaged or shattered by falling branches, trees, or rocks. When a solar panel is hit, the tempered glass will break into small pieces held together by adhesive. When the shattering happens on a small portion of the panel glass, it may still absorb enough sunlight to produce energy, but it will degrade over time even if the glass is waterproofed. If the glass is completely cracked, the entire panel will need to be replaced.

Storm Damage

Solar panels can be damaged by severe storms, including Arizona’s summer monsoons. Even though solar panels are factory-built to withstand lightening, rain, wind, hail, and snow, they are not indestructible. Generally, it’s difficult to repair a panel damaged by severe weather, and a reputable solar panel installer will need to be called in to replace a damaged panel.

Micro Cracks

Solar panels don’t have any moving parts, but exposure to extreme weather conditions, ultraviolet light and chemicals can cause micro-cracking and corrosion over an extended period of time. Panels can develop micro-cracks which are not visible to the human eye. If the efficiency of your solar system begins to decrease too much, you will need to call an expert to help replace the damaged solar panels. Don’t worry, your solar panel warranty will typically cover damage caused by micro cracks.

Solar Cells and Wiring

Solar cells and wiring are encapsulated on the front and back to protect the photovoltaic layer (PV). The encapsulant keeps out weather elements such as humidity. However, excessive temperature changes can cause the encapsulate to lose adhesion, allowing moisture in. This can result in solar cell short circuits and corrosion to the wiring.

Do you have one or more solar panels with damage? At Cool Blew Solar, our team of professional solar panel installers can assess damage and help you decide the best course of action. When you need to replace or repair your solar panels, call your Cool Blew Solar panel professionals at 1-623-234-2836. Call us today!

FAQ's

Is Solar Energy Expensive?

The size of your panel installation and the needs of your home will affect your costs. The average net cost of a 5.69kW system is $13,838 cash after 30% rebate (according to solar-estimate.org). An average-sized system can cost up to $35,000. Larger installations will require more hardware, planning and construction time. This can further increase costs. While solar panels are expensive, they have many distinct benefits. Cool Blew Electric & Solar’s experts can assess your situation and goals and recommend a cost-effective system to meet your needs.

How Much Can I Save By Installing Solar Panels?

An average-sized system (5 kilowatts) can reduce up to 50% of your monthly electricity bill. A 5.69kW system would offset 100% of your energy usage if your typical monthly bill is $138. Over a period of 20 years, these savings can add up to $30,000, based on your location and energy usage.

How Long Would It Take to Recoup My Solar Investment by Solar Energy Savings?

With a 5.69kW Solar system you would recoup your savings in 7 years and 2 months but with continuous Utility increases every year your Return and Investment will be much sooner.

What is a Solar Lease Program?

The Solar Lease Program has been one the most popular option that homeowners have chosen over the years. Solar Lease programs gives homeowners the opportunity to take advantage and put Solar on their homes and a guaranteed savings from their Utility for little to no money out of pocket. Most Leases are 20 year power guarantee from the solar provider and includes fixed monthly payments, no repair cost, fully insured and warrantied for the life of the system.

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