Why More and More Solar Panels Are Failing (and Why the Problem Is Only Getting Worse)
In recent years, solar panels have become hugely popular in the Netherlands. The country is now one of the leading nations worldwide regarding the electricity generated from solar energy. On sunny days, around midday, solar panel systems produce almost 60% of all of the country’s required electricity.
The Downside of Solar Success
However, this great achievement comes with a significant drawback: solar panels are increasingly shutting themselves off because the electricity grid cannot handle the large amount of power being generated. The network is simply struggling to keep up with all the solar-generated electricity. Experts expect this issue will only get worse.
When the sun is shining, solar panels can sometimes supply more energy than the grid can absorb, leading to overvoltage. The cables and transformer stations cannot handle the pressure, so solar panels shut down automatically to prevent damage.
About 5% of solar panel owners are regularly affected by this. This is frustrating, especially since it means lost electricity yield. That can be quite annoying for people who want to recoup their investment in solar.
Searching for Solutions
This problem will only get worse, especially as more solar panels are installed and the demand for electricity rises. The existing electricity grid simply wasn’t designed for this situation. Older neighborhoods in particular suffer from this because their infrastructure is often outdated.
Newer neighborhoods are already being fitted with thicker cables and better transformers that can handle solar power peaks more effectively. But many older areas do not have these upgrades yet, so voltage problems are likely to increase.
When your solar panels stop working, it’s not always easy to figure out whether the problem is with your own system or with the grid. Many people assume the problem is with the network operator, but often the issue lies with the installation at your home, such as incorrect inverter settings, cables that are too thin, or faulty connections.
If your solar panels suddenly stop working on a sunny day, it’s a good idea to contact both your installer and your grid operator to investigate the cause. There’s now a new code of conduct allowing grid operators to remotely read smart meters and detect problems without having to send out a technician.
This means operators can more quickly find and solve problems. Not all smart meters can be accessed remotely everywhere, but soon this technology will be much more widespread.
How Can You Help Reduce Grid Overload?
Consumers can also help reduce pressure on the grid. One important step is to plan your electricity use during times of peak solar energy. For instance, turn on your washing machine, dishwasher, or charge your electric car during the day. This way, less electricity needs to be sent back to the grid.
Modern smart appliances make this even easier. Some electric cars can automatically charge when demand is low and electricity is cheap, and the same goes for electric boilers or other high-demand devices used during the day. This helps keep the electricity network balanced.
Long-term Solutions for the Solar Transition
A truly robust solution will require large-scale upgrades to the electricity grid as part of the energy transition. This means digging up lots of streets for thicker cables and more transformers, which costs time and money but is essential to handle the growth in solar energy.
Besides practical considerations like finding locations for new transformers and securing permits, there’s currently a shortage of skilled workers and materials in the energy sector. This slows the expansion of the network, meaning overvoltage problems could get worse before they get better.
Both consumers and large energy providers—such as those running solar parks—will face challenges due to grid limitations. A joint approach will be needed to find solutions. By using electricity more efficiently and modernizing the grid, we can successfully transition to green energy.
While it can be frustrating to have your solar panels shut down, we should see this as a growing pain of our rapidly changing energy system. These “pains of transition” are part of the move to a more sustainable energy supply, in which renewable sources like solar panels play a central role.