Potential exhausted?: How to recognize damage to the solar system

Especially in summer, energy for heating water in the house can be saved if you have a solar system.

Potential exhausted?: How to recognize damage to the solar system

Especially in summer, energy for heating water in the house can be saved if you have a solar system. But how do I know if it's working to its full potential?

Solar systems for electricity and hot water production on the roof achieve almost 80 percent of their annual yield between March and October. So you can currently save a lot with your investments. But is the yield actually as it should be?

Snow and ice from the winter, but also the hail from the last summer storm can have caused damage. Leaves flying around and birds perched on the systems may have soiled the modules and collectors. All of this can noticeably reduce the yield of the photovoltaic or solar thermal system.

So you should always look up at the solar system on the roof of your house or garage. Coarse dirt and major damage can even be seen with the naked eye.

You should also check the solar power storage in the house. The information program Zukunft Altbau of the Ministry of the Environment of Baden-Württemberg recommends looking for external damage here at least once a year.

You don't see anything or just suspect damage? A popular tip is to take photos of the systems on the roof. If you enlarge them on the screen, the images can give better indications of possible damage.

Another way of troubleshooting is the evaluation system of the solar power systems and battery storage, which can be viewed on most models via a digital platform or an app. According to Zukunft Altbau, if the current yield values ​​are significantly below the yield of the same period in the previous year, this could be an indication of a fault.

With solar thermal systems, the values ​​can be compared using the heat meter. Or you feel or listen: On sunny days, the warm line of the solar thermal system should feel warmer than the cold one. And the pump should run with a soft hum. Modern pumps also indicate the operating status or the power consumption.

If you recognize irregularities or visible damage and dirt, you should let the professional come. Even climbing onto the roof is dangerous, and the facilities aren't easily repaired.