How are solar panels protected?

Solar panels are made of solar cells and encased in durable glass for protection. Beneath the glass there is a layer of insulation and a protective back sheet. This technology protects against heat and humidity inside the panels to keep your home solar system running smoothly. 

Your solar panels also have an anti-reflective coating that allows them to absorb maximum power from the sun.1

Guarding against physical solar panel damage

Physical damage to solar panels can arise from various sources, impacting their efficiency and lifespan.

You can ask about panels with wind and hail certifications that are appropriate for your area's weather patterns. These certified panels are equipped with reinforced frames and tempered glass to endure strong winds and hail impact.

Applying a transparent protective film when installing solar panels can be beneficial, particularly in regions with high dust or pollution levels, as these films provide extra scratch resistance.

Birds can also be a problem, leaving droppings that reduce efficiency and may cause corrosion. To address this, consider installing bird exclusion measures such as netting or spikes along the panel edges or using ultrasonic deterrents.

 The next section covers some conditions that could cause physical damage.4

Professional Inspections: Schedule a professional visual inspection every few years to check for potential issues such as microcracks, loose wiring, or degradation in the anti-reflective coating.

3 common ways solar panels can be damaged

Twigs, leaves and dirt

Debris can scratch your solar panels and lower the amount of energy produced. Maintain the trees around your home so branches and dirt don’t fall on your roof.

Clean your solar panels with a garden hose and a soft cloth once a year for maximum efficiency.

Hailstorms

Bad weather damages all roofs, and severe weather events such as hailstorms and high winds are no exception.

If extreme weather events are area-prone, your solar technician should help you properly set up your rooftop solar panels.

Water damage in solar cells

Solar panels, like windows, are sealed to ensure a watertight fit, preventing water intrusion that can cause various problems. To maintain their integrity, it's essential to regularly inspect these seals, just as you would with your windows.

• Electrical damage: Water intrusion can result in short circuits and damage to sensitive components, such as junction boxes and wires.

• Corrosion: Moisture can corrode metallic parts, including connectors and mounting systems, weakening their structural integrity.

• Reduced efficiency: Water spots, condensation, or dirt buildup on the panel surface can block sunlight and reduce efficiency.

• Long-term degradation: Continuous exposure to moisture can degrade components over time, affecting the overall performance and lifespan of solar cells.

To prevent these issues, ensure periodic inspection and regular maintenance of the seals on your solar panels. Look for signs of wear and reseal any fading areas using silicon-based sealants, ideal for repairing PV frameworks. 

You can also opt for solar panels that are built tough with high Ingress Protection (IP) ratings, particularly in areas prone to heavy rain or snowfall. Higher IP ratings, such as IP67, offer better resistance to dust and water.

Invest in durable, weather-resistant mounting systems with corrosion-resistant coatings to extend their lifespan. Ensure junction boxes are well-weatherproofed and securely sealed to prevent water intrusion. 

Consider elevating ground-mounted solar panels to reduce the risk of flooding or water damage during heavy rains. 

Expert Tips: In areas with heavy snowfall, ensure that snow is cleared from your solar panels to maintain efficiency. Consider installing panels at an angle that allows snow to slide off more easily.

How to handle broken solar panels

Solar panels can break, although they are built to withstand tough outdoor conditions.

Hail, strong winds, falling objects, and debris build-up can crack the glass or damage the internal components. Broken solar panels damaged by extreme weather and environmental factors must be replaced. However, individual solar cells with small cracks can be replaced by a professional. 

Your solar array is built to last. Solar codes and standards are rigorous, and the solar industry is committed to developing cutting-edge technology to make our planet a cleaner place to live.2 Plus, there are very few moving parts in a solar system, which means there are very few mechanical parts that could break.

A typical solar array lasts 25-30 years, but this doesn’t mean they stop producing electricity. Solar experts report that panels can continue to work for many decades, provided you take care of them and they aren’t physically damaged.3

Sunrun’s system service warranty has you covered

Most professional solar panel systems come with a 20-year solar panel warranty, at the minimum. But many rooftop solar systems continue to produce electricity even when the warranty ends, which can be upwards of 25-30 years.

That’s why we cover the lifetime of your system with select solar plans and offer a comprehensive 25 years service warranty. This includes daily monitoring, free maintenance, repairs and comprehensive insurance! 

These options are only available to you with select solar plans. Compare our solar plans and services and choose our top-tier solar panels today. 

Our solar advisors are here to help and answer any questions you have. 

References

Wikipedia, https://www.seia.org/research-resources/technical-documents-solar-codes-standards. Accessed 21 May 2024.

Aggarwal, Vikram. “How Do Solar Panels Work? Solar Power Explained.” EnergySage, 12 May 2023, https://news.energysage.com/solar-panels-work/. Accessed 21 May 2024.

“Common Causes of Solar Panel Damage.” Modernize, 24 March 2022, https://modernize.com/homeowner-resources/solar/common-causes-of-damage-to-solar-panels-and-how-to-avoid-them. Accessed 21 May 2024.

Walker, Emily. “How Long Do Solar Panels Last? Solar Panel Lifespan 101.” EnergySage, 12 December 2022, https://news.energysage.com/how-long-do-solar-panels-last/. Accessed 21 May 2024.