Are Solar Panels Reliable Enough to Install in Chicago?

Without a doubt, solar energy is already one of the leading methods of generating clean electricity across the country. In Q4 of 2024 alone, the U.S. added 8.6 GW of new solar capacity, a 21% increase compared to the same quarter the previous year.

However,  with Illinois’ unpredictable weather, you might wonder whether solar panels are reliable enough, a valid concern to tackle before committing to a residential or commercial solar system.

So let’s explore solar panel reliability and how you can ensure your system will be a reliable source of green energy.

Source: SEIA

 

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Solar Panel Reliability Benchmarks

Solar panel reliability usually refers to the ability of solar panels to consistently produce energy over their intended lifespan with minimal performance degradation. Different panels have slightly distinct lifespans.

Usually, manufacturers claim:

• 15-year warranty for designs and materials that covers manufacturing defects, material flaws, and workmanship issues
• 20-25-year performance warranty guarantees the system will have at least 80-85% output at the end of the guarantee.

In most cases, the reliability of photovoltaic systems is even better, with most modern panels working up to 30 years and more, continuing to generate electricity beyond the guarantee, though at reduced efficiency.

Solar Power Reliability Key Aspects

Solar panel quality and durability	You need to ensure that your system is made from high-quality materials such as silicon wafers, and tempered glass. Panels manufactured under strict quality control degrade slowly, typically at 0.5% to 1% annually.
Environmental Resilience	The most reliable solar panels are highly immune to weather influence. They can work during the summer heat with high UV radiation, snow, rain, hail, and winter cold. If you live near the Lake Michigan coast, make sure that chosen solar panel development companies provide additional moisture protection.
System design and installation specifics	During installation, your solar panel development team needs to ensure that nothing shades the panels. Otherwise, it may lead to uneven electrical and thermal stresses, creating hot spots and irreversibly damaging panels.
Monitoring abilities	Reliable systems generate predictable energy outputs, accounting for seasonal variations. It would be great if you installed a smart inverter or included measuring equipment in your system so you could collect and analyze solar panel efficiency history.
Current certifications	Solar panel efficiency and development teams should check that panels and components are certified to standards like IEC 61215 (performance), IEC 61730 (safety), and UL 1703. We also recommend you check the UL Fire Class Rating and other fire safety standards to be aware of the actual fire resistance of your system.
Maintenance requirements	To ensure that your PV systems are working as well as possible, keeping the reliability of solar energy, regularly clean them from dust, debris, and bird droppings. Once a year, book an inspector from a solar panel development team to check your panels and fix microcracks, loose connections, or corroded components.
Resilience to external threats	To enhance the solar energy reliability of the chosen system, consider integrating additional protection features such as grounding, weatherproofing, and surge protection.
Warranties and guarantees	Make sure your solar system is backed by a  20–25-year warranty

Common Solar Panel Reliability Problems and Solutions

Solar panels are built for long-term usage, but they are not completely problem-free. Like any other technology, they can catch occasional issues. Over time, you might notice lower energy output, hot spots, inverter glitches, or general wear and tear. Let’s take a closer look at each of these challenges and how to address them.

1. Low Output

Noticing a drop in your solar power output? Check your panels for dust, shading, or wiring issues, as they are the most common reasons for sudden productivity drop. All those issues can be resolved with routine maintenance.

Keep your solar panels efficient by cleaning them every 2–3 months and after storms. Most inverters display key system parameters, helping you monitor performance. Smart inverters take it a step further by sending real-time data directly to your phone for easier tracking and management. Monitor the panels’ performance and schedule an annual inspection with your solar panel development company to prevent long-term issues.

 

2. Hot Spots

Shaded or malfunctioning cells can cause dangerous hot spots, leading to cracks and fire hazards during extreme heat. To minimize the possibility of hot spots, ensure the following:

• No shading in the installation area: Panels should be positioned away from permanent structures such as chimneys, and temporary obstructions such as tree branches should be cleared.
• The use of power optimizers or microinverters: These devices allow individual panel optimization, decreasing the impact of shading on the system.
• Immediate replacement of damaged panels: Broken cells can cause hot spots to spread, potentially harming the whole system.

 

3. Inverter Issues

A broken inverter can wreck the whole system, leading to system shutdowns. Regular performance monitoring can help you notice possible issues before they evolve into full-scale problems. If repairs from local solar panel development teams aren’t enough, you may need to purchase a new inverter.

4. Panel Degradation

Solar panels last a long time, so don’t worry about that. They naturally lose 0.5–1% efficiency per year, but keeping them for 15–20 years is the best way to save money and stay sustainable. When the time comes, you can recycle them or trade them in for newer models.

 

If your panels are losing power too soon, it could be a quality issue, poor installation, or rough weather. Make sure your solar panel sustainable development team gives you the best panels for your area. In the case of solar in Chicago, your panels should have additional snow, hail, and humidity protection. That way, your system will be reliable even after decades of usage.

If degradation exceeds normal levels, check your warranty. Under the guarantee, you pay a minimum to no premium to fix your panels. However, it’s still recommended to check your contract with a solar panel development team for additional conditions.

So Are Solar Panels Reliable Enough To Use Them in Chicago?

Solar panels are naturally reliable, but you still have to choose panels built from long-lasting materials and collaborate with the best solar panel development teams. These actions can improve system longevity even in the harsh Illinois weather, ensuring long-term efficiency and sustainable production.

Don’t wait any longer — get your free solar quote today and start investing in your green energy future!

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