Category: Uncategorized

How Do I Know If My Solar Panel Is Broken?

More and more homeowners are turning to solar energy to take part in an eco-friendlier lifestyle. However, the fact that solar panels help reduce people’s carbon footprints is not their only selling point.

But from time to time, a solar panel may degrade or break down, so you might be wondering what signs to look for when a solar panel is broken. Our team at Solar Bear explains!

How Durable Are Solar Panels?

Generally, solar panels degrade by 0.5% each year. This means that your solar system will function at 90% efficiency after 10 years.

Solar panels are made from sturdy materials that are built to last. They are also designed to withstand a variety of weather conditions, including rain, high winds, and more.

A big factor that affects their durability is maintenance. Keeping them clean increases their efficiency by up to 30%

Solar Panel Lifespan

Solar panels are a long-term investment in that they can last anywhere from 20 to 30 years. With regular care, cleaning, and maintenance, some panels can even last up to 40 years.

Most solar panels come with a 20-year warranty, which is why it is important to have licensed solar technicians inspect them on a regular basis to assess whether they need to be repaired or replaced. 

Signs Your Solar Panels Are Broken

Now, let’s look at some of the signs that your solar panels are breaking down and need repair or replacement.

#1. Low or Irregular Power Output

Your solar panel provider has set the average output for the system. Weather conditions like rainy or cloudy days can affect this, but if your system regularly misses its expected output, it is likely it needs to be repaired.

#2. Cracks or Broken Glass Casings

Cracks or broken glass can decrease your power output by at least 2.5%. Cracks are usually caused by improper handling or installation, temperature variations, and severe weather.

For the best efficiency, do not neglect these signs of degradation.

#3. Inverter Issues

Your panel inverter is the second most important part of your solar panel system. It turns harvested solar energy into electricity. Inverter malfunctions result in your system losing its ability to create power.

Look out for red or green lights or error messages, then call for a repair ASAP.

#4. Solar Panel Age

Your solar panel system will likely function for more than 20 years. Once you hit that mark, it is wise to be aware of system errors. Regularly scheduled maintenance is of the utmost importance as panels age. 

#5. Wiring Problems

Loose connections are typical issues with solar panel installations. The same goes for other wiring problems such as corrosion and oxidation.

If the cell power turns on and off when you tap the panel, you may have an issue with the wiring.

#6. Burnt Marks & Discoloration

If you notice yellow or dark brown discoloration on your panels’ conductor strips, these are signs of corrosion. This can lead to uneven temperature distribution, resulting in compromised energy output. 

#7. Unexpected Shutdowns

This is the most obvious sign that your solar panels are breaking down and need to be repaired or replaced. Unexpected shutdowns are caused by manufacturing defects, faulty installation, and wiring problems.

Say Yes to Solar

Ready to make the leap into solar? You’ve found the right team at Solar Bear Orlando. From residential solar installations to commercial projects, our top-rated team can help you find the perfect system for your needs!

Get started with Solar Bear Orlando by calling (727) 471-7442 today!

Off-Grid vs Hybrid Solar Energy Systems

New year, new home? If you are moving or building a new home, you may be considering adding a solar energy system but with several options, which one is right for you? Yes, all systems will provide financial incentives and sustainability benefits but choosing the right option for you can minimize energy costs and allow for a fantastic long-term return on investment. Solar Bear of Tampa is quite the solar matchmaker so let’s dig a bit deeper to find your perfect match.

The two most popular types of solar energy systems include hybrid and grid-tied. Since everyone is going hybrid these days, let’s start here. A hybrid solar system is a grid-tied option that also offers battery storage. This system consists of an inverter that transmits any direct current (DC) produced to and from battery storage. Additionally, all alternating current (AC) energy can travel between the grid and your home, if necessary. This option is truly the best of both worlds because it allows you full control over any power produced but also keeps you tied to the electrical grid should there be an emergency outage. With this customizable setup, you have the option to add to or expand your solar setup. Though there are higher upfront installation costs, it does allow the homeowner to optimize their power usage with battery storage. Homeowners will need a sizable area for the required parts so a small or urban environment will not work.

If you are looking for the ultimate energy independence experience, then an off-grid solar energy system may be right for you. As the name implies, this system is not tied to an electrical grid and relies solely on solar panels to generate any power needed. No grid connection means no fluctuating energy costs or inconvenient power outages. But, it also means that you only have so much power to expend with no additional backup. Adding solar batteries is necessary for this option because homeowners will need access to stored energy during non-light hours or inclement weather. This system is a perfect option for those wanting to reduce their carbon footprint because it is the most eco-friendly and sustainable setup. However, if you intend to power an entire home, you will likely need more panels and larger batteries to sustain your home’s energy needs. This may involve higher initial costs during installation but will even out by monitoring energy usage.

Two solar energy systems diverged – which one will you take? Speak with our team of experts at Solar Bear of Tampa to learn more about our solar energy systems. Call us at (727) 741-7442 or schedule your free estimate online today!

Can My Solar Panels Charge from Moonlight?

If you want to get the most out of your solar panels, you may be wondering if your system will continue to generate electricity if the moon is shining down on your property. This is a common question that we get asked a lot, but the answer isn’t so simple. That’s why your trusted experts at Solar Bear Dallas are here to explain to you whether or not solar panels can charge from moonlight.

The Science Behind Moonlight

What is moonlight, exactly? You may be surprised to find out that the bright shine that we see radiating from the moon is technically sunlight that’s being reflected off of the moon’s surface. Although this is an incredibly fascinating fact, you may be asking if that means solar panels can absorb moonlight since it’s coming from the sun. The correct answer is yes, solar panels can absorb the moonlight…but it might not be nearly as much as you’re thinking.

How Much Energy Can I Get From Moonlight?

Those expecting to power their home solely on moonlight will be disappointed to learn that solar panels generate less than one percent of what they would normally gather during peak sunlight hours. For example, a solar panel that would typically generate around 300 watts of power from a full hour of direct sunlight will only be able to collect a single watt of moonlight energy after an hour. The results will be even lower during a night with a quarter moon, or plain zero during a new moon. However, this doesn’t mean that it’s completely impossible to run your home on solar energy at night.

What Is a Solar Storage Battery?

Any excess energy that your solar panels generate would normally be sent back to the power grid and bring you a lower electric bill in exchange. This is also known as net metering. But if you invest in a solar storage battery, that extra energy can be stored away for later use such as for nighttime activities. If you’re a night owl, you can continue using your appliances and other electronics just as you normally would with your solar battery reserves so that nothing goes to waste.

When Your Solar Battery Gets Full

Solar storage batteries are an excellent way to ensure that you get the most out of your solar panels, but it is possible for them to get full and potentially overcharge the system thus wearing it out faster. To prevent this, you can get an inverter or charge controller to redirect the flow of energy once the battery hits its limit. The best part about this is that you can have your system redirect the excess power back into the main grid so you can continue receiving net metering benefits.

Ask Solar Bear Dallas About Solar Batteries

If you’re interested in a solar storage battery so that you can continue using solar energy at night, you can seek out the assistance of solar professionals at Solar Bear Dallas! We’re the best place in Texas for all of your solar panel needs, all you have to do is call (727) 471-7442 and our friendly staff will be glad to assist you.

How Efficient Are Solar Panels in Cold Weather?

If we told you that solar panels can actually work better during the winter, you would probably think that we’re lying. After all, how would that even be possible if solar relies on the sun being at its peak? We know this can be a bit confusing, but Solar Bear Dallas is here to help put the truth into perspective!

How Lack of Heat Affects Solar Panels

When it comes to solar panels, you might think that less heat means less effectiveness. Believe it or not, a lack of heat has nothing to do with how well solar panels work. This is because solar panels gather most of their energy from the UV rays themselves whereas heat has nothing to do with it. The cells that are found underneath the panel casing are designed to take in the light so as long as the sun continues to rise, your solar panel setup will continue to generate electricity just like any other normal day.

Cold Weather Prevents Overheating

Does that mean there’s no benefit to cold temperatures when it comes to solar panels? This is another misunderstood fact since solar panels can work better in cold weather. If you think about it, solar panels are made up of electronic parts. Like with most electrics, warm temperatures can cause them to overheat and either slow down or shut off altogether. While solar panels are equipped to handle direct sunlight, they’ve been known to drop a tad under maximum efficiency at over 77 degrees whereas the cold has no negative effects.

Solar Panel Installation During the Winter

Wintertime is actually the best time to get new solar panels installed because it’s easier for contractors to work in the cold than in the smoldering heat of summer. Happy contractors mean a better job, so do your local solar panel company a favor and call them up when it’s cold! Plus, it’ll be nice to have your solar panels ready to go by the time spring rolls around as you’ll likely be using up more energy as it gets warmer. This way, everybody wins!

Is There a Downside to Solar In the Winter?

The only weather condition that would slow down your solar panels would be cloudy conditions which can technically happen any time of year but is most prevalent during the winter. However, there is still a way around this with the help of solar batteries. When the sun is shining bright and your panels gather extra energy, whatever you don’t use can be stored in a solar battery to be used during cloudy days so nothing goes to waste and you’ll almost always have access to solar energy!

Let Solar Bear Dallas Install Your Solar Power System!

For the most efficient solar panel setup in Texas, call the experts at Solar Bear Dallas! We’ll install high-quality solar panels that work wonders no matter the time of year. Just give us a call at (727) 471-7442 for a free estimate on affordable solar panels near you!