| Solar power offers so much in the way of clean | | | | by a solar panel, likely through a short circuit. |
| energy production. Once a solar installation is up | | | | Moisture inside a working panel is its worst |
| and running, there are no moving parts and | | | | enemy. Moisture will not only "fog" the inside |
| maintenance is relatively simple and while the sun | | | | surface of the panel obstructing light, it also slowly |
| shines, you have "free" electricity. As technology | | | | causes corrosion to electrical contacts. This |
| has improved, the cost and efficiency has fallen | | | | corrosion has two effects. It firstly increases |
| making it available for use in many more | | | | resistance at the solar cell and reduces current |
| situations. | | | | flow. This resistance also causes heating which |
| However, there can be problems with solar panels | | | | further reduces the solar cells efficiency. This has |
| and the equipment required to control their power | | | | a knock-on effect that nearby cells also are |
| output into your home or wherever it is being | | | | affected by the heating and current flow. If the |
| used. Commercially available solar panels, normally | | | | panel has a highly rated power output and |
| Photovoltaic (PV) systems, are relatively free of | | | | resistance is great enough, there is a real potential |
| problems and come with a guarantee not only for | | | | for shorting and serious damage to the panel. |
| their construction, but also their power output up | | | | While problems in a solar systems controller and |
| to a certain number of years. You are likely | | | | inverter do occur and animals can damage wiring, |
| aware, that even solar cells loose their efficiency | | | | if you observe an unexplained slow deterioration in |
| over their usable lifetime, often in excess of 20 | | | | power output, trace back to your solar array and |
| years. Commercial panels are much more suited | | | | check each panels output. It is very likely that one |
| to very large installations that can supply power | | | | panel or a cells wiring within the panel is faulty. If |
| to a home or business. | | | | you intend to build a DIY solar panel, you need to |
| While the technology is well established, like any | | | | construct a container that is watertight and |
| "machine", problems will develop over time as | | | | secure. A sealed aluminum casing and silicon sealing |
| components fail or are damaged. However, | | | | is advised. The use of a packet of silica gel |
| smaller systems and DIY constructions can often | | | | attached inside the panel may assist in absorbing |
| run into more problems if the unit is not carefully | | | | the small amount of residual moisture in the |
| constructed. | | | | panels internal air. You are well advised to use a |
| Most if not all problems stem from electrical faults | | | | comprehensive guide if you are considering building |
| either in the panel or along the supply chain of | | | | a solar panel to ensure it is properly constructed |
| controllers. While unusual, fires have been caused | | | | and safe. |