Solar panel systems are often close to maintenance-free. Generally speaking, as long as the panels remain debris- and dirt-free, they can continue to function optimally for up to 25 years or more.
However, because winds and other storm conditions do occasionally cause debris to fall on roofs, solar panels and their electronic systems can be damaged. From wiring issues to solar panel surface damage, let’s dig into what these solar panel repairs cost and when it makes more sense to replace a panel or other components.
Can a solar panel be repaired?
The solar panels themselves are only one part of the entire system, which includes mounts that affix the solar panels to the roof, wiring and inverters for rendering the direct current (DC) electric current usable as alternating current (AC). Any of these parts might need repair before the solar panel itself malfunctions.
“One of the advantages of solar panels is their durable construction, including the use of tempered glass,” says Johanna Hagerty, Director of Marketing and Development at Sugar Hollow Solar in Asheville, NC, in an email. “This glass is designed to resist shattering and withstand various environmental conditions, providing added peace of mind for homeowners investing in solar energy.”
Common types of solar panel repairs
Generally, you’ll notice a dip in solar energy output from your system as a first sign of a needed repair. The most common types of solar panel repairs involve debris, storm or pest damage, or malfunctioning hardware.
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Debris build-up: One of the more inexpensive solar panel repairs is removing debris, dust, or other substances that have fallen without damaging the panels. While too much debris will reduce your solar energy output, simply cleaning off the panels or hiring a professional to clean them for you will return your system to functionality.
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Storm damage: Storms can create high-speed debris that impacts the solar panel system or the roof beneath. The costs to repair storm damage can range widely, but are often covered under homeowner’s insurance.
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Normal wear and tear with microcracks: Microcracks are small defects in solar panels, often present due to rough treatment during shipping and installation. Over time microcracks can result in malfunctioning solar panels that have water intrusion. Depending on how many panels are affected, you may be able to leave the panels as is and simply focus on monitoring them, or you may have to replace one or more panels entirely, resulting in thousands of dollars of repair and replacement costs.
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Malfunctioning wiring/electronics: It’s possible for wiring, inverters, and other electronic components to be installed incorrectly, be damaged by pests like birds or rodents, or simply succumb to wear and tear. When this happens, costs ranging from a few hundred dollars for repairing some wiring to a few thousand dollars to rebuild a system that has extensive electronics problems are possible.
How to repair solar panels
The simplest way to repair solar panels is to evaluate your available warranty coverage both from the panel manufacturer and from your installer. Often, as long as you’re within warranty dates, you’ll pay some small portions of the cost, such as shipping costs, for any new equipment needed. Depending on whether your installation company offered a guarantee on their labor, you might also be covered under an installer’s warranty.
Hiring a company
If your solar panel installer is unavailable or bankrupt at this point, you will need to price out the repairs with a different company. The best way to understand the scope of your solar panel damage and the best options for you when it comes to repairs versus replacement is to start by researching your local companies.
If a company has been in business for years, has strong customer support, and offers clear information about guarantees on their own workmanship as installers, you are more likely to have a good experience with commissioning an evaluation and solar panel repairs or replacements.
Verify certifications, affiliations and reviews
In particular, Hagerty recommends checking for certifications and affiliations. Industry associations like Amicus Solar Cooperative and relevant certifications like those from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) are excellent indicators of quality installers and repair teams to work with.
Even if you find a single company that seems to have excellent reviews, recommendations, and certifications, make sure to get multiple estimates. These estimates may range in cost, and some companies may lean heavily on a repair option while others may offer an affordable plan to replace damaged components instead. They should be able to explain to you why one or the other option is going to benefit you.
Once you’ve opted for repair, replacement, or a combination solution that fits your particular system’s needs, continue to monitor your solar panels’ output. If a repair is conducted but output remains low, work with the company to ensure that any additional work is completed to restore functionality.
Are solar panels expensive to repair?
The short answer is that solar panel repairs may be more expensive and complicated than simply replacing the panel, inverter, or wiring that has become faulty. Even recycling of aging solar panels that cannot be repaired is considered difficult and expensive. New panels, on the other hand, often cost only a few hundred dollars plus installation costs. With repair often requiring even more labor than it would take to remove and replace a panel or two, it can often be cheaper to replace instead of repairing.
“As you assess the situation, it’s important to consider the age of your system and the advancements in solar technology,” said Hagerty. In some cases, it may make more financial sense to replace older panels or products with newer, more efficient models rather than repairing them.”
Because the interior of a solar panel involves complicated and delicate parts, a non-functional solar panel may require a substantial amount of specialized work to be repaired. Keep replacing components as one of your options throughout your repair evaluation and estimate process.
A final consideration is whether the event that damaged your solar panels is one covered by your homeowners’ insurance. It’s wise to make sure your solar panels are included in your homeowners’ coverage, Hagerty points out. If the insurance company is willing to pay for either replacement or repair, it’s likely a better deal to pursue the solution that insurance is willing to pay for.
