Converting the sun rays into your daily usable electrical energy is done by the solar panel. If you are already a solar panel user, you can realize how effective this is to use as a remote power supply. But sometimes, the solar panel can get you into trouble with internal issues. If you don’t know how to check the issues, you might fall into big trouble.
So, How to check if my solar panels are working properly? Mostly, if your solar panel’s indicator light turns on, you can tell that there is some problem. If there is no indicator light, you can check by comparing the actual readings with general readings and also, the color or shade of the solar panels.
There are a lot more ways to know about your solar panel’s wellbeing. Let’s dive into the details to know more!
How To Check If My Solar Panels Are Working Properly
There are several ways how you can check solar panels. We have figured out the most common factors that if you check then your solar panel can be taken as a good serving one. Below the factors are given in a step by step procedure:
Step-1: The good functioning Breaker Switches
Even if the solar panel is working properly, there can be a lack of service if your building’s main power supply is showing troubles. That’s why, before you move with the solar panel, you need to check your house’s breaker switches first. If everything seems alright, then you can move on to the next procedure.
Step-2: Check the outer areas of solar panel
As the solar panel is kept outside of your home, in the open area, anything can damage the outer part of the solar panel. As a result, the simplest damage can lack the power supply and create disturbance for you.
The second step is to check the outer layer of your panel’s body. Notice if there is any broken glass, loose wiring, cracked panels, corrosion, broken inverter, or damaged tiling or not. If there is any, it will surely lessen the power supply that you are receiving.
Also, you need to check if any Obstructing branches are causing shade above the solar panel. Cause if there is any, you need to get those removed for the efficiency of the solar panel. Also, any dust or debris build-up can hinder the power supply as well.
Step-3: Check the weather
Sometimes, if the weather is not sunny or dull, you can have problems with the solar panel as it runs with sunlight. So if the day is a gloomy one, and you are facing problems with your solar panel, there is the last thing to worry about.
Step-4: Indicator signal
Almost every solar panel comes with an indicator so that the owner can understand when there is any problem going on. If your solar panel has this type of light and doesn’t notice any lighting, then your solar panel is still working as a good one!
Step-5: Analyze the reading
There are regular readings that most of the solar panels give away. If you compare your solar panel’s current reading with the general reading and don’t find any mismatch, then your solar panel is working great. In case you don’t know the general reading, you can check the manual to see if it’s printed there. Or you can also take help from the companion of this era: the internet!
Step-6: Check the Solar Inverter
The solar inverter converts the direct current (DC) electricity into alternating current (AC), and that’s the main thing that needs to be done to make you get the power. Otherwise, you can’t use the DC power supply that your solar panel receives from the sunlight.
Any problem in the solar inverter can result in a disturbance in the power. If you notice that the light of your solar inverter is steady and green, then it is properly working and your solar panel is serving you the best!
Step-7: Solar app monitoring
Many solar monitoring apps can let you check the performance of your solar panel. If you check the app regularly, you can easily notice if there are any mismatches somedays. So even if your solar panel occurs any sudden issues, you can get acknowledged and repair it.
Common solar panel problems that might occur
There are some common problems that you may face with your solar panel. So now we will give you an idea about those with the identification of the problem so that you can be prepared beforehand.
- Structural defects
Problem Identification: Sometimes, your solar panel may get damaged in a few specific spots, these spots are known as the hot spots. If you notice some places in your solar panel are heating more than usual and getting discolored, then there can be this problem.
- Microscopic tears
Problem Identification: Microcracks or microscopic tears occur at solar panels oftentimes. These problems can make your solar panel dysfunctional. Also, this is one of the common problems that solar panel users face. You can check for small cracks and tears to find out this problem.
- Rusting and staining
Problem Identification: As mentioned before, due to placing the solar panel on the roof, there can be possibilities of it getting in contact with water or snow, which will lead to stains and rusts. If you notice any rusts or stains on top of your solar panel, you can seek the help of a mechanic to get rid of them.
- Shading
Problem Identification: again, the shading can be reasoned by big trees nearby and the branches of the trees. Also, any trespassing birds can bring the problem as well. So, if you notice any branch, then you have to cut it off to make sure of the best support of your solar panel.
Frequently asked questions
How can I install a solar panel?
Installing the solar panel on your own can be a hectic job to do. Also, if you are not a professional, then there might not be many things that you can do even if you try. That’s why you will need the help of the Best solar panel installation company to make the job done for you.
Is there an app to monitor solar panels are working?
Yes. If you want to monitor the performance of your solar panel, you must use an app to monitor it. You will get many apps to monitor the performance of your solar panel.
Do you need WiFi for solar panels?
Unless you use an app to monitor the performance of your solar panel, there is no need of using the wifi. So if you are going to use an app, you will be needing an internet connection, therefore the WIFI.
Closing words
Hopefully, by now you have got the answer to How to check if my solar panels are working properly. We have elaborately explained everything in this regard in this article and hopefully, there is no additional information that is left out. Now you can follow our given steps to find out if there is any problem with your solar panel or not.
Lastly, if you see any serious issues like wiring problems or loose connection as well as electricity conversion problems, you must seek the help of an expert to resolve the issue for you. But if you think that you can solve the other problems, you can take a step with the necessary tools as well. Good luck!