Solar pannel related question?

Question

The building in which i am a service engineer has 10 solar pannels on the roof that are aapproxamitley two years old when inspecting the outside of the unit i noticed that the black skin has rust corrosion blemishes in the membrane what affect is this likely to have on the performance of the solar pannels will they be faulty when the summer comes.

Answer 1

Most solar PV panels have a five year guarantee on workmanship.  Even solar water heating panels have some kind of workmanship guarantee.  It would be worth taking some pictures and sending them to whoever sold you your system.

If these are solar water panels, then some blemishes on the panels are not uncommon.  They don't seem to noticably affect performance (but then, how would you know, really?)  

If these are solar PV panels, then blemishes or corrosion might significantly affect your performance, and you should definitely track down replacements.

Either way, I'd get an opinion from your solar installer.

Both types of panels will work in both the summer and winter, you'll just get less output in the winter.  Unless these are water-filled, water heating panels that have been drained for the winter, in which case they won't work in the winter (duh).

Good luck.

Answer 2

What kind of solar panels are they -photo voltaic or hot water or hot air?

Since they are only 2yrs old I would say contact the manufacturer.  They should be able to help most systems come with a 5-25yr waranty.  

if the corrosion is close to the roofing there may be a reaction between the panels metal components and the asphalt or metal roofing.  Certain materials will react adversley such as galvanized metal in touch with copper or aluminum will corrode and should have a barrior to prevent contact. Usually rubber, plastic or stainless steel is used as a barrior.

Answer 3

we dont have any yet, but I've looked into getting them from Real Goods.  

If there is rust/corrosion there might be blockage as well that will significantly affect performance.  I would see if you could find out who installed them, and the brand, and see if they are still under warranty.

Otherwise, maybe call Real Goods, and see if anyone can help you there.

Answer 4

they dont just work in the summer, they work all year round they are just more efficient in the summer.

yes i think this may have an effect, it won't be so efficient, they should contact the installer to get these replaced byt the manufactuer