4 Signs You Might Need to Replace Your Solar Panels
No one can deny that manufacturers built solar panels to last. However, they’re still prone to wear and tear, poor installation, and defects just like anything else. Sometimes they fail. Solar panels are quite an investment, so it’s important to know when you should replace them. Here are four signs alerting you that you might need to replace your solar panels.
Performance and Output
Generally, solar panels last up to 20 years if you care for them properly. Homeowners should be aware that around the 20-year mark, you might notice that they’re only performing at 90 percent electrical output when they used to operate at 100 percent. This degradation rate is natural, but if you notice a larger decrease in energy output, that could indicate that something is wrong with your solar panels. Your solar panels may have stopped paying for themselves when you notice a rise in your electric bill and begin paying more out of pocket. This rise in pay is one of the first signs you might see when it’s time to replace your solar panels.
Physical Damage
Things happen. Strong storms, hail, flying debris, and falling trees can make a serious mess and cause a ton of damage to your solar panels. If you experienced a particularly troublesome storm, it might be worth heading onto your roof or out to your lawn to inspect your panels. If you notice any cracks, dents, or damage, call a licensed solar company to get an estimate and see how much it would cost to get a replacement.
Discoloration or Burn Marks
Consult a solar panel expert if you notice any burnt or discolored areas on your panels’ surfaces. These areas are the result of lamination and corroded panels, which equates to uneven temperature distribution. They can also lead to a decrease in energy output, so if you want to continue to save money, call that expert today. You might also see yellow to dark brown discoloration on the white conductor strips that run down the middle of your panel. You can expect a specialist to tell you to get a new one when you see this.
Solar Panels and Age
We mentioned this before, but we’ll note it again—solar panels are built to last. With an average lifespan of 20-30 years, it’s a great investment—even a decades-old solar panel can support your current needs. Unfortunately, you might not be able to upgrade your solar panels because our modern-day 60-cell panels aren’t compatible with older models with 72 cells. Because of this, it’s much easier to replace them rather than attempt to upgrade.
Call Earthlight Technologies today to inquire about our solar energy solutions. We can repair and replace solar panels and so much more. We’ll take care of everything that you need! Our team has deep expertise in the Connecticut, Massachusetts, Oregon, and Central Oregon markets.