Can a Cracked Solar Panel Be Repaired? Is It Worthy?

Solar panels are a great way to generate clean and renewable solar energy, but they are also fragile and can be damaged by hail, strong winds, or other impacts. If your solar panel is cracked, you may be wondering if it can be repaired

Whether or not your solar panel can be repaired depends on the severity of the crack. If the crack is small and superficial, it may be possible to seal it and continue using the panel. However, the panel will not perform as efficiently as it did before it was cracked. Additionally, the crack may spread over time, eventually rendering the panel useless.

Is It Possible to Repair a Cracked Solar Panel?

Yes, it is possible to repair a cracked solar panel. However, it’s important to note that repairing a solar panel is not always easy or effective. If the crack is minor, you may be able to seal it with a silicone sealant. However, if the crack is large or affects the performance of the panel, it’s best to replace it.

Minor Crack 

If the crack in your solar panel is minor and doesn’t affect the performance of the panel, you may be able to repair it yourself. To do this, you’ll need to clean the area around the crack with a mild soap and water solution. Once the area is clean, apply a silicone sealant to the crack. Be sure to follow the instructions on the sealant carefully.

Large Crack 

If the crack in your solar panel is large or affects the performance of the panel, it’s best to replace it. Repairing a large crack or a crack that affects the performance of the panel is difficult and may not be effective. In short, repairing the large cracks won’t be fruitful. 

Will It Be Worth It to Repair and Use a Cracked Solar Panel?

When contemplating whether to repair a cracked solar panel, cost-effectiveness is a critical factor. The decision hinges on the extent of the damage and how much energy the panel can still produce after repairs. However, there are other parameters that can help you to justify the outcome –

Change in Efficiency

Working efficiency is the main part of a solar panel and at the end of the day, this one will be the most demandable thing! First of all, when the panel is damaged, it will not be able to perform at its best but it can reach nearby its rated voltage. But it will depend on the damaged percentage. 

If the damaged percentage is below 20% then you will have slight differences in efficiency. However, if it goes more than 20%, such as 30% or 60%, then you will have significant changes in the working efficiency of the solar panel. 

Cost of Repair vs. Replacement 

The cost of repairing a solar panel versus replacing it depends on the severity of the damage. If the damage is minor, such as a small crack in the glass, it may be possible to repair the panel for a relatively low cost. However, if the damage is more severe, such as a large crack in the glass, it may be more cost-effective to replace the panel.

Environmental Impact

Repairing a damaged solar panel is a more environmentally friendly choice than replacing it. Solar panels contain a number of toxic materials, such as lead, cadmium, and mercury. When a solar panel is disposed of in a landfill, these materials can leach into the soil and groundwater, contaminating the environment and harming wildlife.

Repairing a damaged solar panel helps to reduce electronic waste and protect the environment. In addition, repairing a solar panel extends its lifespan, which means that it will produce more electricity over its lifetime and reduce your reliance on fossil fuels.

What to Do to Repair a Cracked Solar Panel?

The first step is to thoroughly assess the extent of the damage. Is it a minor surface crack, or has the entire cell been shattered? This assessment will determine whether repair is a feasible option.

• Clean the cracked surface of the solar panel with a mild soap and water solution.
• Dry the surface thoroughly.
• Apply a thin layer of polyurethane solution to the cracked surface of the solar panel.
• Allow the polyurethane solution to dry completely.
• Apply a second layer of polyurethane solution to the cracked surface of the solar panel.
• Allow the polyurethane solution to dry completely.

Final Thoughts 

If you have a cracked solar panel, it’s important to assess the severity of the crack and decide whether or not it’s worth repairing. If the crack is minor and doesn’t affect the performance of the panel, you may be able to repair it yourself. However, if the crack is large or affects the performance of the panel, it’s best to replace it.