Imagine installing solar panels on your home to reduce energy bills and carbon footprint, only to discover that a hidden electrical fault could pose a serious fire risk. This is exactly what happens with solar panel arcing—a problem increasingly reported in Ireland and other countries with residential solar PV systems.
At Greenora Solar, we help Irish households prevent and fix these issues while offering competitive solar installations. Contact Greenora today and mention promo code JEFF25 for a free battery with your installation.
What Is Solar Panel Arcing?
Arcing occurs when electrical current jumps across a gap in a circuit instead of flowing along its intended path. In solar PV systems, this can happen when:
- Connections loosen over time due to vibration, thermal cycling, or poor installation
- Micro-cracks develop in solar cells from hail, heavy winds, or manufacturing defects
- Cables degrade due to UV exposure, moisture, or rodents
When an arc forms, it generates extreme heat at the point of contact—often reaching thousands of degrees Celsius—which can ignite surrounding materials and cause electrical fires.
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Why Arcing Is Particularly Dangerous in Ireland
Irish homes face some unique challenges that can increase arcing risk:
- High rainfall and damp conditions: Moisture can infiltrate connectors, causing corrosion or short circuits.
- Variable temperatures: Thermal expansion and contraction of panels and cabling can loosen connections.
- Strong winds and storms: Roof-mounted panels can vibrate, shifting poorly secured connections.
Even small arcs can start fires in rooftops or attic spaces, making early detection critical.
Common Signs of Solar Panel Arcing
Homeowners should watch out for these warning signs:
- Burn marks or discoloration around connectors or junction boxes
- Strange smells, especially burning plastic or insulation
- Intermittent power drops or inverter error messages
- Visible sparks during inspection (never touch—call a professional immediately!)
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How to Prevent Solar Panel Arcing
- Professional Installation: Always hire certified installers like Greenora Solar who follow IEC and SEAI standards.
- Regular Inspections: Annual inspections of panels, wiring, and inverters can catch early signs of wear and tear.
- Use High-Quality Components: Invest in UL-listed connectors, durable cabling, and reliable inverters.
- Proper Mounting and Securing: Ensure panels and cables are firmly fastened to avoid movement from wind or thermal cycling.
- Monitor System Alerts: Modern inverters provide diagnostic tools to detect arc faults; never ignore warnings.
- Install Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs): These devices automatically shut down circuits if an arc is detected.
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Fixing Arcing Problems
If arcing is detected:
- Turn off the system immediately to prevent further damage.
- Call a certified solar PV electrician—never attempt DIY repairs on high-voltage systems.
- Replace damaged connectors, cabling, or panels as recommended by professionals.
- Upgrade system components with higher-quality or certified replacements to prevent recurrence.
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Final Thoughts for Irish Homeowners
Solar panels are an excellent investment for energy savings and sustainability—but arcing is a serious safety risk that cannot be ignored. By hiring professional installers, performing regular inspections, and using high-quality components, Irish households can enjoy solar power safely.
Contact Greenora Solar today for expert installation and system checks to prevent arcing. Don’t forget to mention promo code JEFF25 to claim a free battery with your installation.
