To address solar panel warranty problems, one must first understand whether a cracked solar panel is still effective. First, you need to know why solar panels have glass. The reason solar panels have glass is for protection. It has nothing to do with how solar panels work. In solar panels, glass encapsulates the solar cells, protecting them from radiation, dust particles, and other elements that could damage the delicate electronic components.
Moreover, it's well known that glass doesn't burn, so it also protects your solar panels from fire damage. Finally, glass is completely impermeable, meaning water can't penetrate it, which indeed slows down the aging process and provides extra protection for your electronic circuits.
The second thing you need to know to address solar panel warranty problems is how solar panels are connected together. Solar panels are connected in series, which means the current flows in a line from one solar panel to another. The problem with series connection is that even if one solar panel is damaged, the output of the entire system will be significantly reduced. On the other hand, in parallel connection, if one module is damaged, only the performance of that module is affected, and other solar panels will operate at the same original efficiency. If your solar panel is cracked, it might still be effective. However, in the case of a series connection, a cracked solar panel might reduce the performance of the entire system, so in some cases, it's better to remove it from the string. Therefore, it is important to understand the difference between series and parallel connections as a basis for resolving solar panel warranty problems.
It depends on the extent of the damage. If the damage is cosmetic, with only the tempered glass cracked or the frame bent, then yes, it will work normally. However, due to the lack of protection provided by the glass, rainwater and debris might get in and damage the panel's electronics.
On the other hand, if the wiring inside the component itself is damaged, then the efficiency of the sunrise panels will be greatly reduced, and in most cases, it will not generate electricity at all, paralyzing the entire sunrise solar system.
If your solar panel is cracked, we will assume that the glass is shattered, and the wiring is undamaged. The first thing you need to do is read your user manual or contact your manufacturer to find out how they handle such solar panel warranty problems. Most solar panels come with a product warranty period of 12 to 30 years, so if that's the case, you need to return the solar panel, and they will resolve your solar panel warranty issue for free.
If there is no warranty, we recommend you contact a professional repair service provider who will not only handle the situation effectively but also provide valuable advice. If you want to repair the cracked solar panel yourself, then the simplest way is to wrap the surface of the panel with a transparent film. This won't be as effective as glass, but it does the trick quite well with minimal hassle.
In conclusion, can a cracked solar panel still work? The answer is yes, but if the damage to your solar panel goes beyond cosmetic problems and there is any internal damage, you may need to replace it.