Who Repairs Solar Panels? Here’s Who to Call
Turn your solar shutdown around by knowing who to call
Solar panels are eco-friendly energy savers, but power problems can happen even if you follow a regular maintenance schedule. Solar panel repair pros are often the first to check a system that’s not working at peak efficiency. Some solar technicians are trained on the job or at a local trade school, and some are certified by the NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners). Here’s a breakdown of who can repair solar panels and who to hire.
Benefits of Hiring a Repair Pro to Fix Solar Panels
Warning lights and error messages can alert you to an issue, but solar panels are an electrical system that can be dangerous to troubleshoot. Poor repairs or incorrectly assessed repairs can affect safety and efficiency.
Solar energy is relatively new and involves an electrical system that converts solar energy into an electrical current. If solar panels aren’t working, the mounting, wiring, and inverter can contribute to the problem. Panels and mounts can also sustain damage from storms, falling debris, and water. Incorrect mounting can decrease system efficiency or create a fire hazard.
When you need repairs, contact a solar panel repair pro in your area who can diagnose and solve the issue. Professionals with experience repairing solar panels know:
Where to look for common problems
How to fix common solar panel problems
Local building guidelines and standards to ensure safety
Can I DIY Solar Panel Repairs?
Some parts of solar panel repair are easy to handle yourself. Small scratches and cracks can sometimes be fixed with UV-resistant sealants, and electrical tape can repair minor wire damage.
However, large cracks or holes in the glass, a malfunctioning inverter, and reduced power production are more significant issues that sealant and tape can’t fix. A pro’s expertise can ensure the system setup was done correctly and that damage doesn’t go deeper than what the naked eye can see.
Cleaning your solar panels, repairing components, and trimming surrounding trees will keep your system operating smoothly. Check regularly for debris and tree branches and get a professional inspection every year. A solar panel repair pro can get your system in tip-top shape.
Can I Hire a Solar Panel Installer to Repair Solar Panels?
Many solar panel installation companies offer solar panel maintenance and repair services. Homeowners with grid-connected systems (that connect to the utility grid) may need this type of pro because of safety and compliance regulations when connecting to the grid.
Solar technicians can also repair off-grid systems, which rely heavily on batteries to store power. Off-grid systems are more likely to be DIYed, so there’s more potential for initial setup problems.
Can I Hire an Electrician to Repair Solar Panels?
An electrician with experience working on solar panels can repair a solar panel if the problem stems from the electrical system. In fact, some states require solar panel pros to be licensed electricians. An electrician can fix issues like damaged wires, faulty junction boxes, or loose connectors.
However, they aren’t always the right choice for structural issues or damage from debris. Structural issues are handled by solar technicians or installers.
How Solar Technicians Repair Solar Panels
For large cracks or punctures in the glass, a solar technician might replace the glass without replacing the whole panel, which is pricey. The original glass is the most durable, repairing it could be the best option. Otherwise, you might have to pay the cost of removing a solar panel.
If the solar inverter isn’t working correctly, they’ll go through the installation steps to check for errors. Incorrect mounting and poor ventilation are some installation issues that can affect inverters. Other inverter issues can include:
Isolation faults
Restart malfunctions
Maximum power point tracking
Overheating
The solar technician can repair the inverter's electrical wiring or replace it altogether if it’s reached the end of its life. As far as your part in repairs, keep an eye on error codes, excess heat, and changing noises, which can all indicate a malfunctioning inverter. Stay on top of repairs so your system keeps power flowing.
How Much Does Repairing Solar Panels Cost?
Common repairs include tightening connections, replacing panels, or fixing chips, punctures, and cracks in the panels. If the system warranty doesn’t cover the repairs, the costs fall between $250 and $1,600, with the repair average around $875. Costs vary by location, roof grade for roof-mounted models, system type, and system size.
Most solar panel systems have a warranty that covers defective materials and handiwork. Warranties can last a few years to a couple of decades. The warranty should also cover the solar inverter, which is imperative for converting solar energy into usable electricity. Some warranties include coverage for damage from debris, too.
