Types of Solar Panel Damage and How To Prevent It

6/9/2022 (Permalink)

Hail can damage your solar panel in your Onalaska, WI home.

The Different Types of Solar Panel Damage and How to Avoid Them

After installing solar panels on your Onalaska, WI, home, you get peace of mind that you have invested in sustainable energy. These panels are rugged and built to last, but that doesn’t mean you won’t sustain some panel damage. Awareness of the common forms of damage and how to prevent them from happening are key to them lasting as long as possible.

What To Expect

Weather and nature are the top culprits when it comes to your panels getting damaged. Common issues include:

• Dust and Debris: From small twigs to large branches falling and dirt settling, all of these may create scratches that deter the panels from being able to absorb sunlight.
• Animals: Along with creating microabrasions, small mammals and birds may also damage wires.
• Hail: Whether small pieces or large ones, hail can create cracks and scratches.
• Water: If seals are worn, water may leak in and cause panel damage. Along with potentially short-circuiting the panels, excess water may indicate a bigger problem with the roof. If not addressed, it may require the services of a water damage remediation and restoration

Roof Damage Prevention Tips

While some damage may be unavoidable, such as from hail, there are ways to protect the panels and minimize the chances of damage.

• Regularly clean them to ensure debris and dust aren’t settling on them.
• Install a panel protection cover, which provides protection from rain and hail.
• Apply a layer of protective methacrylate to beef up the panels’ ability to resist cracks.
• Stay on top of weather conditions and inspect panels after a storm.

If your solar energy system was installed correctly, it means not having to worry about panel damage for a while. It is still necessary to know the common causes of damage and take steps to prevent issues from arising and protect your investment.