How Cracks Happen in Marine Solar Panels, How to Avoid Them, and What to Do If Your Panel Is Cracked

When you're out on the water, the last thing you want to worry about is your fragility of your energy source. Marine solar panels, like any solar technology, can be vulnerable to wear and tear, especially from the constant movement and environmental exposure they face at sea. Cracking is a common issue in standard solar panels, which can lead to reduced efficiency and shortened lifespan. In this blog, we’ll explore how cracks happen in marine solar panels, how you can prevent them, what to look for, and what steps to take if your panel gets cracked. Plus, we’ll introduce our fibreglass composite marine solar panels, specially designed to resist all cracking.

How Do Cracks Happen in Marine Solar Panels?

Marine solar panels are particularly susceptible to cracking due to the unique conditions they face. Some common causes include:

• Mechanical Stress from Movement: Marine solar panels are constantly exposed to movement from waves, wind, and vibrations from the boat itself. This movement can cause stress on the panels, leading to cracks in the solar cells or protective layers.
• Environmental Stressors: Saltwater, UV radiation, and temperature fluctuations are all part of life at sea. Over time, exposure to these elements can cause micro cracks in marine solar panels, which may expand into larger cracks, reducing their efficiency.
• Improper Installation: One of the leading causes of cracks in marine solar panels is improper installation. Panels that aren’t securely mounted or clamped correctly can shift or flex, leading to micro cracks that aren't immediately visible but become problematic over time.
• Physical Impact: Accidents happen. Whether it’s from equipment falling, rough docking, or storms, marine solar panels can sustain damage from impacts, causing visible cracks that compromise their performance.

How to Avoid Cracks in Marine Solar Panels

Preventing cracks in your marine solar panels is essential to maintaining their performance and extending their lifespan. Here’s how you can reduce the risk of cracks:

• Choose High-Quality Panels: Not all marine solar panels are created equal. Invest in panels designed specifically for marine environments, like our fibreglass composite marine solar panels, which are built to withstand the stresses of life at sea, impact, foot traffic and even dancing with heels on.
• Proper Installation is Key: Make sure your marine solar panels are installed correctly by a professional. They need to be securely mounted with the right clamping system to prevent movement that could lead to cracks.
• Regular Maintenance: Inspect your marine solar panels regularly for signs of damage, especially after rough weather or long trips. Early detection of micro cracks can prevent larger issues down the line. Cracks can lead to electrical shorting of the panels which can lead to fire. Replace any panels that show signs of burn marks immediately.  
• Avoid Physical Damage: Take care when moving equipment or docking to avoid any impacts that could damage your panels. Even if the outer material looks fine, internal cracks can form that affect performance.

Symptoms of Cracked Marine Solar Panels

It’s not always easy to tell if your marine solar panels are cracked, especially if the damage is internal. Here are some signs to watch for:

• Decreased Energy Output: If you notice your marine solar panels are generating less energy than usual, this could be a sign of internal cracks reducing their efficiency.
• Hotspots on Panels: Cracks can create areas of higher temperature, known as hotspots. These can cause further damage to the panel and indicate that cracks are affecting the cells. Hotspots can also be caused by shading.
• Visible Damage: If your marine solar panels have been hit or subjected to stress, inspect them for visible cracks. Even small cracks on the surface can signal more severe internal damage.
• Increased Reliance on Backup Power: If your marine solar panels aren’t providing enough power and you find yourself relying on backup systems more frequently, cracks could be the cause.
  
  

What to Do If Your Marine Solar Panel Is Cracked

If you see a reduction in power generation, you may have a crack in your marine solar panel, follow these steps:

• Inspect for Damage: Conduct a thorough visual inspection of your marine solar panels. If you see visible cracks, or burn marks, it’s time to take action. Even if the damage seems minor, it could impact performance significantly.
• Consult a Professional: Cracks in marine solar panels aren’t something you can fix yourself. Contact a professional technician to assess the extent of the damage and determine whether the panel can be repaired or needs replacement.
• Check Your Warranty: Many marine solar panels come with warranties that cover cracks and other damage. Ours is industry leading 5 years. Be sure to check your warranty and contact the manufacturer for guidance.
• Consider Upgrading to Fibreglass Composite Marine Solar Panels: If cracks are a recurring problem, it might be time to upgrade to a more durable option. Fibreglass composite marine solar panels are designed to resist cracking, even in the toughest marine environments.
• Consider shading. Here our post about how shading affects solar panels.

Why Our Fibreglass Composite Marine Solar Panels Are the Best Choice

When it comes to marine solar panels, durability and reliability is key. That’s why we offer fibreglass composite marine solar panels, specially engineered to withstand the harsh conditions of life on the water. Here’s why they’re the superior choice for your boat:

• Crack-Resistant Technology: Unlike traditional solar panels, our fibreglass composite marine solar panels are designed to resist both micro and macro cracking. Whether it's stress from waves, temperature changes, or physical impacts, our panels are built to endure.
• Built for the Marine Environment: Saltwater, UV rays, and constant motion? No problem. Our marine solar panels are constructed with materials that resist corrosion, cracking, and wear from environmental exposure.
• Longer Lifespan: By eliminating the risk of cracks, our fibreglass composite marine solar panels offer a longer lifespan and more reliable performance, ensuring you get the most out of your investment.
• Consistent Performance: No more worrying about reduced efficiency due to cracking. Our marine solar panels provide consistent, reliable power for all your marine adventures.
  
  

Cracks in marine solar panels are a common issue that can lead to reduced efficiency, hotspots, and long-term damage and or fire. But by understanding how these cracks form, how to avoid them, and what to do if your panel is cracked, you can keep your solar power system running smoothly for years to come.

The best way to avoid cracks altogether is by choosing the right panels. Our fibreglass composite marine solar panels are specifically designed to resist cracking in even the harshest marine environments. Whether you’re sailing across calm seas or navigating stormy waters, our panels provide the durability and reliability you need.

Don’t let cracks sink your solar power system—upgrade to our fibreglass composite marine solar panels today!