Solar panels are a great investment for any home or business in Phoenix, Arizona. The city boasts about 300 days of sunshine, making it perfect for solar energy use. If you have plans to upgrade your home around here, solar panels should top your list. The home improvement project reduces your energy bill and carbon footprint and gives you energy independence. But what about the cost of maintaining the solar panels or solar panel repairs?
Before you install solar panels on your home, consider the total cost of ownership, which includes repairs and replacement. This post delves into the cost of solar panels repair and replacement. Read on.
What Are Common Solar Panel Repairs?
Industry-standard for solar panels’ productive lifetime is about 25 to 30 years. Even with increased reliability and durability, solar panels can still break down. Exposure to the elements throughout the year increases the risk of failure or damage. Some common solar panel problems include:
- Loose connections
- Cracked solar panels
- Broken glass caused by rocks, large hail, or a fallen branch
- Loose mounting structure
- Inverter problems
- Solar panel removal for roof repairs
- Solar roof replacement because of degradation
Every solar panel system is unique and requires custom repair solutions. A certified solar contractor assesses the type and extent of damage and decides on the best replacement. For some forms of damage, replacement is a more cost-effective solution.
Are Your Solar Panels Damaged?
If you note any problems with your home’s solar-powered electricity supply, consult a licensed solar contractor for a comprehensive inspection. Common signs that your solar panel system requires repairs include:
- Visible cracks in the glass after a heavy storm
- No/low generation of electricity
- Dust build-up on the solar panel
- Microcracks on the solar panels
- Loose solar panels
- Red or orange light during daylight hours on the inverter
- Roof problems that affect the solar array
Solar panels save you lots of money and when the system doesn’t work effectively, you might have to revert to grid power. For this reason, you need to have solar panels repaired immediately.
Cost of Solar Panels Repairs/Replacement
Here are some of the average costs of solar panels repair/replacement:
- Cost of Fixing Broken Glass
For a minor chip on the glass, the solar contractor can repair it with epoxy and you’ll pay around $20. In most cases, you’ll have to replace the entire glass with a new solar panel for around $340.
- Cost of Fixing a Loose Solar Panel Connection
Professional solar panel repair cost around $100 per hour, which is what you’ll pay to fix a loose solar panel connection.
- Cost of Inverter Replacement
For enhanced efficiency, you can replace microinverters for about $100 to $250 per unit. For string inverters for your solar system, you expect to pay from $1,200 to $2,500. To the cost of inverters, add the cost of labor, which can range from $250 to $500.
- Cost of Fixing a Cracked Solar Panel
For minor damage to the solar panel, a solar contractor charges $100 per hour for repairs. However, most of such damages require solar panel replacement, which costs somewhere from $200 to $400.
- Cost of Solar Panels Removal For Roof Replacement
If you need a new roof, you have to remove the solar panels for the project. That’s why solar contractors advise you to install a new roof along with your solar panels. The cost can range from $1000 and $6500 but depends on how many solar panels you have, the type of roof, and other factors. The contractor gives a quote after assessing the solar panel layout.
Professional solar panel repairs increase the life of the system, prevent extended damage to the system, and improve the efficiency of your solar power system. Total Solutions offers the most reliable solar solutions in Phoenix and surrounding areas. Contact the solar experts if you have urgent solar panel problems.