Can Solar Panels Break?
When factoring in the costs of owning a solar panel system, you might be wondering if you need to consider the price of potential repairs. Can solar panels become damaged in the first place? If so, how much would it cost to repair it? The experts at Solar Bear Dallas are here with everything you need to know.
Types of Solar Panel Damage
Solar panels in general are built to be durable. Since they sit directly on top of your property, it’s only sensible for the designers to account for various impacts that may occur no matter how big or small. However, that doesn’t mean you can just buy any set of solar panels from anywhere and expect them to be completely impervious to damage. In fact, there are a few ways your solar panels can become damaged and hurt the effectiveness of your energy-gathering capabilities.
Micro Cracks
The photovoltaic (or solar) cells that are located directly underneath the outer panel are prone to stress-related damage. Increased pressure or consistent hits to the same pressure points can cause a solar cell to cave in and crack, also known as a micro crack. But if the crack is so small, does it really matter? Solar energy uses the available photovoltaic cells as a means to travel down the panel. Even if a single cell is out of commission, it can hinder the solar energy’s ability to make it from one end to the other, meaning that your energy output can see a noticeable decrease in productivity.
Surface Scratches
Even if the scratches only affect the surface panel without touching the cells underneath, they can still block the cell’s view of the sunlight thus impeding your solar energy gathering. These types of scratches can happen from common occurrences such as falling branches, hailstorms, etc.
Water Infiltration
The outer panel acts as a shield to protect the integrity of the solar cells that are essential to solar energy absorption, but even that won’t be able to protect your system against water leaks. The surrounding frame exists to prevent such an occurrence, but a worn-out or poorly installed frame can still let in sources of water such as rainfall or the garden hose. Once water finds its way inside, the electrical components become compromised, and the entire grid can shut down.
How to Prevent Solar Panel Damage
The best way to prevent damage to your solar panel system is to set yourself up for success from the beginning. Before you go running to just any solar panel company, think about the importance of finding solar panels that are less prone to cracking under pressure or taking in water leakage. This is only possible with high-quality solar panels that are built to be durable and installed by licensed professionals to ensure that your solar energy system is stable and dependable.
Get Durable Solar Panels from Solar Bear Dallas!
For the best solar panels in Texas that stand a better chance against the elements than other solar brands, be sure to go with Solar Bear Dallas! We’ll do everything in our power to make sure your solar panels are built to last. Call us at (727) 471-7442 for a free quote!
