A recent report has indicated that wiring and connectors remain the number one reason for solar project failures. This revelation was the result of an in-depth analysis of over 100,000 PV system data points collected through the SolarGrade mobile app. The data was gathered during site visits by field engineers on hundreds of projects across the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

Indeed, the findings from the SolarGrade PV Health Report highlight some troubling figures. For instance, 72% of inspections identified safety and reliability issues that required immediate rectification. Additionally, 11% found critical safety issues that necessitated complete or partial de-energization. This, in turn, led to system downtime and significant financial losses.

However, by far, the most troubling revelation was that wiring and connectors were the root cause of more problems than any other PV system components, with an alarming 83% of projects inspected having issues associated with these components.

Preventing Failures in Solar Installations

Despite this seemingly grim outlook, the report points out that most issues can be prevented. The report advocates for independent construction QA/QC and stringent Operational & Maintenance (O&M) protocols. These recommendations require a strong emphasis on education and training coupled with the correct tools and best practices for safe and quality solar installations.

To deal with PV safety and reliability problems, solar installers and field engineers need to arm themselves with the right tools for finding and monitoring issues. They further need to carry out an objective risk assessment for each issue, followed by implementing remediation plans.

The SolarGrade platform can help professionals stay on top of any potential issues, catching them before they escalate into significant, costly, and dangerous failures. The platform can also help provide clear and standardized communication about risk—something crucial to avoiding overlooked and unaddressed threats.

By availing and incorporating data about construction quality control and commissioning inspections, the platform can help reduce rework during construction and ensure the best solar panel quality for homes.

Act Before it's Too Late

By using the information obtained, solar professionals can improve processes, and prevent costly failures. Owning that information can empower you to gather and act on your site data. As we navigate the pressing issues of climate change, the need to build clean energy assets that perform and endure cannot be overstated.

The rising awareness and shift to home solar power is a testament to global dedication to clean energy. However, for homeowners to fully harness the benefits of solar power, the quality of installations cannot be compromised. Choosing the best solar installers near you or acquiring the best home battery systems can help reduce the risk of solar project failures.

Should there be any questions or need for advice regarding the structuring of your company, feel free to reach out. Count on this portal to provide you with the information you need to make the most of solar energy investment.