Damaged Solar Panels: What to Do Next

Although solar panels are incredibly durable, many lasting 20-plus years without experiencing damage, maintenance issues can still occur. We will list some common ways that solar panel damage happens and what you can do about it.

When you are aware of the possibilities of damage, you can ask these questions during your solar panel meeting. Solar panels come with high-quality warranties. See if your warranty will cover common maintenance issues.

4 Types of Solar Panel Damage

Your durable solar panels can experience damage over the years. Always look for changes in your utility bill to identify if your solar panels are less efficient than before. Significant changes will indicate damage to your system.

1. Micro Cracks: The most common cause of decreased solar panel performance are micro cracks in the panels. If you notice a difference in your energy bill, examine your solar panels and call out a maintenance team to replace the defective panels.
2. Broken Tempered Glass: It takes direct impact to damage solar panels. The tempered glass is as durable as your car’s windshield. While very rare, a crash of a tree during a storm can cause broken glass on the panel. This panel will need to be replaced.
3. Inverter Damage: The damage may be electrical. You can experience an issue with the inverter or wiring in your solar panel system. Be sure that your warranty covers these electrical issues that could arise.
4. Storm Damage: While solar panels have been thoroughly tested through high winds and extreme weather situations with great success, damage may still occur. Look to your home owner’s insurance for solar panel repair after a storm.

Knowing about possible damage will keep you vigilant about your solar panel performance. Check for damage after storms and high winds. Contact your solar panel installation team when you recognize any signs of damage.

While some maintenance costs are taken care of by the solar panel warranty and your home insurance, every policy is different. Discuss what is covered in your solar panel warranty with New Day Solar: (855) 444-6329.