Common Questions When Solar Goes Wrong

When you invest a lot of your hard-earned money into solar, you are probably hoping nothing bad will ever happen, which is understandable. However, being prepared for common problems that come up when you go solar is the best way to ensure you’re prepared. Above all, remember to stay calm, otherwise you’ll have more problems than solutions. And don’t forget: get that warranty when you install solar. If you didn’t make sure to get a warranty, unfortunately, a lot of solar problems will probably fall on you.

How long will my panels last?

Your first question is probably how long your panels are meant to last in the first place. After all, if forty years have passed and your panels have begun malfunctioning, that just means it’s reached the end of its life cycle, and you need new panels.

The minimum age is around 25 years, with the peak being around 40 years old. The warranties generally last 25 years. If your panels are 25 or older and begin to stop working, that’s when you should think about getting new ones. They might not break outright, but their efficiency will begin to go down at the 20 year mark.

What’s the most likely thing that will break?

When going solar, the most likely thing that will break is your inverter. They usually last 15 to 20 years and should come with a warranty, but like the panels, if they’re older than that, you’ll probably need to invest in a new one. Again: making sure you get a warranty is your golden solution.

How will I even know if something is broken?

Of course, you’re going to want to know how something is even broken. Luckily, most modern solar panels will come with websites and apps that will allow you to keep track of your system’s energy production and notice if something goes wrong. Just make sure your panels are producing the average amount of energy they should.

How likely is it my panels will crack?

Many people are worried that things like rocks and hail will crack their panels, but generally, that isn’t something to worry about. Panels are tested extensively and built to handle the elements. And if you have a warranty, that shouldn’t be a huge concern, anyway.

What do I do with my panels if I move?

The short answer is: nothing. The price to move panels to a new home won’t even be worth it. Luckily, if you own your home, your panels will increase their selling price, and you’ll be able to tell the new owners that your panels still have life left in them.

What if my roof needs repairs?

Unfortunately, this is why we often say to do all your roof work before installing your new panels. You’ll need to remove the panels and reinstall them, and it’s going to cost you. If you already have panels installed, that’s the route you’ll have to go. If you haven’t installed them yet, just be sure your roof is completely repaired, maintained, and possibly even replaced before installing your solar panels.

What happens if my solar panel system doesn’t save me as much as the salesperson said it would?

Luckily for you, most solar systems have a performance guarantee, which is similar to a warranty. If your panels truly aren’t functioning as they should, you can get your money back or get new panels.

However, keep in mind that it might also be you. If you’re using a lot more energy than you’re producing, it’s possible your utility bills won’t change at all. Just make sure you have the adequate amount of panels for your lifestyle and don’t try to cut costs by installing less. Overall, you’ll just hurt yourself if you do that.

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