Chris Benda

Learn about the 5 essential types of insurance: auto, home, health, life and disability. Protect yourself and your family with the right coverage for peace of mind.

Solar panels can be a great investment, cutting down on your electric bills while providing energy in an environmentally friendly way. But they can be damaged.Hail, falling branches, electrical surges or water can cause cracked or broken solar panels. If that happens, follow these steps to get your damaged solar panels working again.1. Try to Figure Out What’s WrongIf you can see a cracked solar panel, the problem should be obvious. But maybe you’re noticing a decrease in the amount of energy your panels are producing without seeing any clear damage. In that case, you’ll want to determine what’s causing the problem. It could be:Dust or debris that needs to be cleaned off.Wiring or electrical issues.Wear and tear or damage from birds, squirrels or other animals could cause issues.Twisted frames from high winds.2. Check Your Warranty and InsuranceBefore you attempt a DIY repair, see what’s covered under warranty. You may have two separate warranties — one from the manufacturer and one from the company that installed your panels. If your damage is covered, you may only have to pay a small amount to have it repaired for you.If a storm or accident damaged your panel, check with your homeowners insurance agent to see if the cost of the repair is covered.3. Treat MicrocracksMicrocracks — small cracks in your solar panels — can get worse if you don’t take care of them. They can create space where water can enter the panels, which can damage them.You can use a laminating film, polyurethane or waterproof resin to make microcracks waterproof and keep them from spreading. Since these solutions are transparent, sunlight can still reach your panel.4. Get Help With Bigger BreakageFor solar panel crack repairs that are bigger than microcracks, you may need to have your solar panel professionally repaired. In that case, you’ll probably want to contact your installer or hire a reputable solar panel company to take care of it. It’s a big job to tackle on your own.If your solar panels are older, your repair company may recommend replacing them rather than repairing them.5. Take Steps to Prevent Future DamageWhen it comes to how to repair solar panels, ideally you can prevent future damage. Solar panels don’t need much maintenance, so preventative care is simple. Follow these steps to get the most from your solar panels:Inspect solar panels after storms or if performance is declining. Even without any issues, it’s a good idea to inspect them periodically.Every six months, clean off dirt and debris that has built up. Don’t count on rain as your only cleaning method. If you’re hosing off your panels, avoid the midday sun. The cold water on the hot panels could stress them.Check for loose electrical connections.Schedule a yearly professional inspection.Professional Help to Protect Your HomeIf you’ve added solar panels to your home or made other major improvements, it’s a good idea to make sure your homeowners insurance is up to date. Meet with a Farm Bureau insurance agent to review your policy and make sure your coverage is protecting your investment.

Estate planning is crucial for terminal illness. Learn 7 key steps, including updating your will, setting up a power of attorney and securing life insurance.