How Can I Get Solar Panel Repairs in Ireland?

By Cormac Breen

Content Manager

Cormac is Selectra.ie's energy expert along with being the chief content and editorial manager for the website. His aim is to help find the best deal for you and your home energy needs so that you save money on your annual bills. His knowledge and experience of the Irish energy market allows him to offer the best advice and insight into current prices, emerging trends and overall energy saving tips.

Solar panel repairs in Ireland can be done by a local solar panel company, or by the company that installed your solar panels as they often provide repair services. You can also explore online directories for solar companies in Ireland and filter for maintenance or repair options.

How Can I Get Solar Panel Repairs in Ireland?

Solar panels require the same level of care and expertise as an installation and if you need your solar panels repaired, you can do the following:

1. Contact a solar panel company
2. Repair them yourself

Will My Solar Panel Company Do the Repairs?

If you need to find a company to repair your solar panels in Ireland, here are some effective steps you can take:

• Search Online: Use search engines like Google and enter specific terms such as "solar panel repairs Ireland," "solar panel maintenance Ireland," or "[Your County] solar panel repair" (e.g., "Cork solar panel repair"). Look for companies that clearly state they offer repair services on their websites.
• Contact Installers: If you know the company that originally installed your solar panels, reach out to them first. They are the most likely to offer repair services for the systems they installed. Even if they didn't install your system, some larger installers may still undertake repair work.
• Check Online Directories: Websites like ENF Solar often have directories of solar companies operating in Ireland. You can typically filter your search to find companies offering installation, maintenance, or other services that might include repairs.
• Explore the SEAI Website: While the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) doesn't directly offer repair services or grants for repairs, their list of registered installers might be a good starting point to find reputable companies that could potentially handle repairs.
• Ask for Recommendations: If you know neighbours, friends, or family members in Ireland who have solar panels, ask them for recommendations on repair companies they have used and trust.

Can I Do Solar Panel Repairs Myself?

Unless you are a fully trained electrical engineer with experience in solar panel systems, it is strongly not recommended that you attempt to repair solar panels yourself.

Solar panel repairs often involve working with electrical components and at heights, presenting significant safety risks if not handled by a professional.

Furthermore, incorrect repairs can lead to further damage to your system, void your warranty, and potentially create hazardous situations. It's always best to contact qualified solar panel repair technicians for any issues you encounter.

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How Much Do Solar Panel Repairs Cost?

The costs for solar panel repairs is difficult to assess since every home and situation will be different. You will normally get a bespoke quote that’s catered exactly to the needs of your solar panels’ damage.

If your solar panels just need to have its wiring fixed or be cleaned, it could be relatively cheap. If however you’ve got major damage to the panel and the cells, it might need replacing, costing you a lot more.

Here's a breakdown of potential costs:

What’s the Solar Panel Repair Process?

The solar panel repair process is relatively simple and only involves a couple of steps. The process might vary depending on the company you get your solar panel repairs from, but in general the process is the following:

• Inspection
  First you’ll get an inspection where an engineer will come along and assess your solar panels to see what repairs might be needed. They will usually leave you with a report on what needs to be done.
• Quote
  Afterwards, you’ll receive a quote detailing the repairs that are needed and how much you’ll be charged. This will vary given the extent of the damage and whether you need any more parts. You can then decide if you want to go through with the repairs.
• Repairs
  If you accept the quote, the solar panel engineer will come along to fix your solar panels. Depending on the extent of the damage, this can take between a couple of hours to up to two days to get everything sorted.

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When Do I Need Solar Panel Repairs?

Although solar panels have many benefits, they can get damaged for a whole host of reasons and it’s important to know the risks before installtion of solar panels.

Almost all problems are fixable, but knowing how the damage could be caused will allow you to better protect them in the future.

Here are the common reasons why your solar panels might get damaged:

1. Wear and Tear
   Normal wear and tear from your solar panels being strapped to your roof will cause most of the minor damage to your solar panels. You can end up with minor scratches from debris over time or dust building up, clogging up the electronics.
2. Extreme Weather
   Extreme weather will likely be the greater cause of damage to your solar panels. Storms, hailstones, heavy rain, can all damage the reflective glass and the important solar panel components that all it works. You should always check your solar panels after extreme weather.
3. Incorrect Installation
   Sometimes, though it is rare, your solar panels might not be installed properly. This can leave them exposed more to wear and tear and make them more likely to break down when wanting to use them. An incorrect installation can be frustrating, but you will need to get it fixed as soon as possible before it causes more damage.
4. Cracked Glass
   The glass casing on solar panels are important for regulating the temperature and for protecting the solar cells within, especially with PV solar panels. Although good solar panels are reinforced against hailstorms and other weather conditions, they can end up cracked. This is a big problem that might lead to you needing to replace the solar panel.
5. Seal Leaks
   Similar to the cracked glass issues, you might have poorly applied sealant around the joints of the solar panel. This again means you are more likely to have problems with your solar cells that can get clogged with dust and debris. Make sure all your solar panels are sealed correctly.
6. The PID Effect
   The Potential Induced Degradation (PID) effect occurs due to the fluctuations in voltage flowing through the solar panel system. You will need to make sure your flow is regularised through maintenance to avoid these problems.
7. Low System Pressure
   Solar panels are usually pressurised systems, particularly in thermodynamic or solar thermal systems. If the pressure drops, you will need to have them repressurised.
8. Poor System Flow Rate
   The flow rate allows for the normal operation of your solar panels. If the flow rate is too low, your solar panels might overheat quickly but if it’s too low, you might experience irregular electricity generation from them. You’ll need to make sure your flow rate is working fine so your solar panels are working normally. The flow rate can also affect the antifreeze.
9. Air Build Up
   If your solar panels haven’t been commissioned properly, you could have an air build up which can lead to an air bubble inside the system. This can affect how well your panels perform when it comes to heating the water cylinder.
10. Faulty Wiring
    All the solar panel cells in a PV solar panel are interconnected through wiring. If you don’t have rigorous wiring, your solar cells won’t be able to connect to one another properly and reduce its efficiency. Loose wiring can be solved with regular maintenance.

If the damage is restricted to the electronics, it could be a matter of just needing to reconnect your solar panels to make sure it's working properly.

If you have severe cracks in the glass - especially with photovoltaic (PV) solar panels - it is usually unrepairable and you will need to have them replaced.

How Can I Protect My Solar Panels from Damage?

Protecting your solar panels from damage in Ireland involves a few key strategies, considering the Irish climate:

• Regular Cleaning: While Ireland doesn't typically experience the same levels of dust as drier climates, moss, algae, lichen, and bird droppings can accumulate on your panels, reducing efficiency and potentially causing long-term issues. Gently cleaning them once or twice a year with water and a soft brush is advisable.
• Annual Professional Inspection: Schedule a yearly inspection by a qualified solar panel technician. They can identify potential issues like loose wiring due to wind, corrosion from damp conditions, or minor damage that you might not notice.
• Check After Storms: Ireland is prone to strong winds and occasional storms. After any significant weather event, visually inspect your panels for cracks, loose mountings, or displaced components. Pay particular attention to secure fixings and check for any debris that may have impacted the panels.
• Ensure Proper Installation: A correct initial installation by an SEAI-registered professional is crucial for long-term durability and resistance to wind and rain. Make sure your installer is reputable and follows best practices for securing panels in the Irish climate.
• Trim Overhanging Vegetation: Keep trees and bushes trimmed to prevent branches from falling on your panels during storms and to avoid shading, which can also impact performance over time.

By Cormac Breen

Content Manager

Cormac is Selectra.ie's energy expert along with being the chief content and editorial manager for the website. His aim is to help find the best deal for you and your home energy needs so that you save money on your annual bills. His knowledge and experience of the Irish energy market allows him to offer the best advice and insight into current prices, emerging trends and overall energy saving tips.