Why Sineng Solar Inverters Are the Best Choice for Sri Lankan Homes
The Future of Large-Scale Solar Farms in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s tropical climate, rising energy costs, and abundant sunlight have made solar power one of the most attractive and sustainable energy solutions for homes, businesses, hotels, and industries across the island. But while solar systems are generally low-maintenance, they are not entirely immune to technical or environmental issues.
Whether you’re a homeowner in Colombo, a hotelier in Galle, or a factory operator in Katunayake, ensuring your solar system functions at peak efficiency requires regular monitoring and occasional troubleshooting.
In this comprehensive guide, we explore the most common solar panel problems in Sri Lanka, their causes, and how to fix them to ensure maximum energy output, longer lifespan, and better return on investment.
🔍 1. Dust, Dirt, and Bird Droppings on Solar Panels
🔧 The Problem:
Sri Lanka’s coastal winds, dry seasons, and bird activity can cause solar panels to accumulate dust, leaves, pollen, or bird droppings. This dirt creates a layer that blocks sunlight, significantly reducing energy generation—even if only a portion of the panel is covered.
✅ The Fix:
- Clean your panels with soft brushes, sponges, and distilled water every 2–3 months.
- Never use abrasive materials or high-pressure hoses.
- For optimal safety and cleaning, hire a professional solar panel maintenance service like the one offered by Eximius Power and Energy.
- Consider anti-soiling coatings in high-dust or industrial areas.
🌧️ 2. Water Leakage and Moisture Infiltration
🔧 The Problem:
Heavy rain, high humidity, and salt spray (especially in coastal areas) can cause water to enter the junction boxes, wiring, or connectors. This may lead to corrosion, electric shorts, or system shutdown.
✅ The Fix:
- Use only IP65+ rated solar panels and inverters, designed for outdoor weather conditions.
- Inspect panel seals, connectors, and junction boxes regularly.
- Eximius provides weather-resistant installation techniques and routine inspections to prevent such issues.
⚡ 3. Loose or Faulty Electrical Connections
🔧 The Problem:
Over time, cables may loosen, connectors may degrade, and terminals may corrode, especially in outdoor conditions. This can cause power fluctuations, inverter faults, or complete system failure.
✅ The Fix:
- Schedule annual system inspections by a licensed solar technician.
- Use UV-resistant, durable solar cables and weatherproof terminals.
- Eximius Power uses certified solar-grade wiring and offers post-installation maintenance plans for ongoing reliability.
🌲 4. Shading from Trees, Buildings, or Nearby Structures
🔧 The Problem:
Even partial shading from a tree branch or nearby building can significantly reduce output from one panel—and in string systems, this may affect the entire series.
✅ The Fix:
- Ensure your solar system is installed with proper sun-path analysis.
- Trim back vegetation and avoid future construction that may cause shadows.
- Consider installing microinverters or power optimizers to limit the impact of shading on system-wide performance.
⚠️ 5. Inverter Failures or Error Codes
🔧 The Problem:
If your solar inverter displays error lights, fails to start, or stops converting DC to AC properly, it could indicate grid sync issues, internal damage, or software problems.
✅ The Fix:
- Reset the inverter following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Contact your EPC contractor to diagnose inverter faults.
- With Sineng Solar Inverters—available from Eximius—you get remote monitoring and real-time diagnostics for faster problem-solving.
🔋 6. Solar Battery Not Charging or Discharging Correctly
🔧 The Problem:
Homes using hybrid solar systems or off-grid setups may face issues where batteries don’t fully charge, drain too fast, or fail to power the load.
✅ The Fix:
- Regularly monitor battery voltage and capacity.
- Keep terminals clean, dry, and corrosion-free.
- Have your batteries inspected by a certified installer like Eximius.
- Upgrade to smart hybrid inverters for better battery management.
📉 7. Unexpected Drops in Solar Output
🔧 The Problem:
If you notice your solar system producing significantly less power than before, this could point to panel degradation, inverter inefficiency, or environmental factors like soiling or shading.
✅ The Fix:
- Compare current and past generation data using your solar monitoring app.
- Clean your panels and check for shading or damage.
- Have a performance audit conducted to identify deeper issues.
🧰 8. PID (Potential Induced Degradation)
🔧 The Problem:
PID is a performance issue caused by voltage differences between the panel and the ground. This electrochemical phenomenon can cause gradual power loss over time.
✅ The Fix:
- Use PID-resistant panels and grounding equipment.
- Install transformers or anti-PID devices.
- Consult your installer if your panels are older or show signs of degradation.
🔦 9. Hot Spots and Microcracks
🔧 The Problem:
Physical stress, poor manufacturing, or installation errors can cause microcracks or hot spots on solar cells. These areas can overheat and shorten panel life.
✅ The Fix:
- Use thermal imaging during inspections to detect hotspots.
- Avoid walking on panels or placing heavy objects on them.
- Replace damaged panels or bypass affected cells using optimizers.
🔧 Preventive Maintenance: The Key to Long-Term Efficiency
Prevention is always better than repair. Here’s how you can reduce breakdowns and keep your system healthy:
🛠️ Annual Solar Maintenance Checklist:
- Visual inspection of all components
- Panel cleaning and performance tests
- Inverter error log review
- Electrical connection checks
- System software updates
Eximius Power and Energy provides tailored maintenance plans for homeowners, commercial buildings, and industrial solar systems across Sri Lanka.
🏡 Why Choose Eximius Power for Solar Maintenance in Sri Lanka?
As a leading EPC contractor for solar in Sri Lanka, we specialize in high-quality installation, troubleshooting, and after-sales support. Our services include:
- Rooftop solar system inspections
- Sineng inverter diagnostics and repair
- Net metering support (CEB/LECO)
- Battery storage checks
- Remote monitoring setup and training
Whether your system is new or installed years ago, our expert team will help optimize its performance and extend its life.
🌞 Conclusion: Keep Your Solar Investment Working for You
A well-maintained solar system can power your home or business efficiently for over 25 years. By understanding and addressing common solar panel issues—especially those specific to Sri Lanka’s climate—you ensure that your renewable energy investment continues to deliver value for decades.
💬 Need Expert Help?
If you’re facing solar panel problems or want to schedule preventive maintenance, contact Eximius Power and Energy today. We’ll help you fix the issue quickly and get your solar system running at peak performance again.