Solar panels are considered a renewable source of energy that generates clean and green electricity to power homes and offices. Solar panels being an important part of a solar system are self-sufficient, once installed, they continue to generate electrical power without any external input. But sometimes they may get low voltage problems which further lowers the efficiency of the overall solar system. This article will discuss these problems and the number of ways to fix them.
Troubleshoot Low Voltage Solar Panels
Low voltage is a common problem that may arise within the solar power system and affects power-producing ability. Fortunately, low voltage issues can be easily fixed by solar system users by following simple troubleshooting techniques. Below we have compiled 5 low voltage problems with their easy management techniques.
1. Wiring & Connection Problem
Faults within the wiring or improper connections may cause solar panels to produce a low voltage.
Possible Cause
- Since solar panels are mounted in the open area with direct sun exposure, over time continuous heat and moisture exposure can cause the wiring and connections of a solar system to become faulty.
- Poor wiring and lose connection at the time of installation can also cause low voltage issues in the solar system afterward.
Solution
- Examine the individual branch wiring backward from the distribution box.
- Visually inspect the whole system for any evident damage or disconnections.
- Moreover, check the connecting points in different nodes and junctions of the solar system using a multimeter.
- Replace any blown-out fuses and reset the circuit breakers and switches. Replace or repair any damaged wires and loose connections.
- Check out for any carbon deposition on the joints, and clean them with a degreaser and rust-inhibiting solution.
2. Shading Issue
Solar panels work at their maximum potential if they get direct sunlight exposure. Anything that causes hindrance in the light path will lower the output voltage.
Possible Cause
- If there is any high-rise building structure in the neighborhood area causing shading problems, it will lower the output voltage of solar panels.
- Panels’ output voltage can also be affected by the shading of trees present in the surrounding area.
Solution
- Look out for any high-rise building or structure in your neighborhood that causes shading.
- If possible relocate the solar panels and place them at the point where you are getting maximum sunlight radiations.
- If you are living in an area that is surrounded by trees or bushes, then check out for any shading occurring on the solar panels.
- Trim trees or bushes to receive full sun exposure. Periodically pay attention to their growth so that you will schedule trimmings regularly.
3. Dirt or Dust Buildup
The majority of solar panels do not need cleaning if there is sufficient rainfall in your area, but other airborne particles may gather on the solar panels and need regular cleaning.
Possible Cause
- If you are living in an area with dry weather or facing dust storms then dust and debris may accumulate on the surface of the solar panels.
- On the other hand, pollen or other airborne particles may also deposit on the solar panels over time.
- Just like shading, dust and dirt will also reduce the overall voltage of solar panels.
Solution
- Pay attention to any dust, debris, or pollen buildup on the surface of solar panels.
- Visually inspect all the roof-mount solar panels regularly.
- Clean your solar panels by washing them with water and using a sponge to remove dust & debris. Sweep away the remaining water with a soft cloth. Avoid pressure-water.
4. Temperature Effects
Solar panels are intended to work within certain temperature ranges. Temperature affects the operation of solar panels.
Possible Cause
- If the temperature is too cold or too hot, the solar panels will still function, but their efficiency is reduced. This will result in gradual or abrupt voltage drops.
- The higher the temperature, the greater the likelihood that the voltage of the solar panel will decrease.
- Similarly, too low a temperature will also drop the output voltage of the solar panel.
Solution
- If you notice a drop in the solar panel’s voltage, then check the temperature.
- For overheating, the solution is to add more modules to the solar panel’s array in series, this will eliminate the voltage drop issue.
- Also, make sure that there is enough space below the solar panel for proper air circulation which makes them cool.
- For freezing temperatures, properly insulating the solar panel system will resolve its low voltage issue.
- Also, make sure that the batteries are fully charged before the winter season so that they will provide enough power in low temperatures.
5. Solar Panel Defects
Very rarely solar panels may get defective after long-term usage causing them to drop in their output voltage levels. For example, hotspots, cracks, and discoloration can result in the poor performance of solar panels.
Possible Cause
- Cells present in solar panels may degrade over time and can cause micro-cracks to develop resulting in cell damage and lower overall voltage.
- Sometimes, a small part of a solar panel is shaded by an external object, which causes a rise in temperature and short circuits within the cell called as hotspots. As a consequence, the voltage of the panel drops.
- In certain circumstances, the material used in the surface of solar panel ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) film goes through an uncontrolled chemical reaction, resulting in the formation of acetic acid which leads to discoloration.
Solution
- Do not wash the solar panels with cold water in the summer season under direct sunlight. This will cause thermal stress and the panel’s glass being brittle and cracked. Clean them at night time or during early or late hours.
- Visually inspect the solar panel for any hotspots. Remove any leaf or any other object causing hindrance. Clean them regularly to avoid any dirt and birds dropping. Use a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) inverter to further prevent cell power mismatch.
- To prevent discoloring, ensure EVA film durability before buying solar panels from the manufacturer. Prefer buying solar panels with UV-blocking glass surfaces which will eliminate any chance of discoloring.
Conclusion
Most solar panels made by reliable manufacturers are guaranteed to work efficiently for 25 years or more. Similarly, most solar installers are providing good quality installation services for solar system deployments. However, sometimes solar panels don’t produce enough voltage to power up the solar system. This article has covered all the aspects of low voltage problems in solar panels with their possible troubleshooting techniques. Nevertheless, always read the manufacturer’s user manuals supplied with the components of a solar system. If the low voltage problem doesn’t resolve, then contact your solar service provider for further technical assistance.