Understandably, when looking into alternative sources of power to lower energy bills, you want one that’s going to give you the same peace as one from the grid – and there can be no peace without silence. This leads us to why you’re here: Do solar panels make noise?
The short answer is no, modern solar panels normally don’t make any noise. They have no moving parts, after all. This is a huge advantage to other green sources of energy such as water-powered and wind turbines that are typically loud.
However, the other components of your solar panel system might make sounds when put under certain conditions. Some should be of no concern but some might need your attention. Here’s a list of reasons why your solar system makes noise and ways you can resolve them:
4 Reasons why solar Panel systems make noise:
1. Loose cables
While solar panels don’t have mechanical parts, they do have cables that connect them to the rest of your system. Under optimal conditions, these cables are securely fastened in place, thus preventing any significant movement.
However, strong winds coupled with poor workmanship, can cause loose cabling over time. When this happens, the cables can make noise during windy weather.
Get 3 Solar Quotes From Quality Local Installers.
2. Loose mounts and racks
Racks and mounts are there to securely fasten your solar panels to your roof or the ground. In perfect conditions, this entire system should withstand all types of weather.
However, wear and tear paired with poor installation, lack of maintenance, and subpar materials can loosen the mounts prematurely. This, in turn, leads to rattling noises, especially during strong wind.
It’s something you should pay attention to, as loose racking also means a structurally weak solar panel system.
3. Whistling noises from the wind
Naturally, there will be gaps between your solar panels and your roof. Wind passes through these gaps and sometimes makes whistling or hissing sounds. You might notice this, especially when strong winds rush through these spaces.
In that case, you shouldn’t be worried. A bit of wind noise is normal.
However, if you’re hearing a noise like rattling metal sounds or cables flying about, those could be signs of a structurally weak system (refer to #1 and #2 on this list). If so, call your installer right away.
4. Your inverter could be working extra hard
There are 4 different types of solar panel inverters installed in Australian solar panel arrays. Of them all, the string inverter is the most commonly used but it’s also the one that makes a subtle humming sound.
This humming is from fans inside the solar panel inverter that keep it at an optimal temperature. If it’s installed at a place where it’s exposed to the sun or if you’re using a lot of electricity, these fans will turn on more often.
That being said, even when it’s humming, the inverter noise isn’t loud. The loudest borders at around 45 dB. And, according to Audicus, that’s only slightly louder than a quiet library. Even refrigerators and electric toothbrushes are louder.
Get 3 Solar Quotes From Quality Local Installers.
The 2 best ways to minimize noise from solar systems
Invest in high-quality components
This goes for mounts, racks, cables, panels, solar panel inverters, and other parts of your solar power system.
For one, higher quality means better durability. This means your mounts, racks, and cables are less likely to get loose. Premium inverters are also less likely to run hot, so they won’t produce humming sounds as loud and as often.
But, just as importantly, high-quality components make your system more efficient, so you get more energy to use. Ultimately, this means you’re saving more money, too.
Recommended: How much money you can save after installing solar panels
Hire a trustworthy installer
We’ve seen too many systems with cables left untucked and bolts that have come loose to say that installers matter more than most people realize.
They are, by and large, what separates an optimally functioning solar power system and one that gives you more headaches than benefits.
CEC-accredited installers, in particular, are trained and certified to meet tough Australian standards. They also know more about the industry than you probably do, so they can make the best recommendations according to your needs and budget.
That being said, we can get you 3 FREE quotes from our network of pre-vetted installers right now. We trust them all to do incredible jobs but, in the end, the choice is up to you.
FAQs:
Do Solar Panels Make Noise At Night?
No, you shouldn’t have any solar panel noise at night. There’s no sunlight to convert to solar power after all. But, depending on the state of your system’s mounts, racks, and cables, you might hear whistling and rumbling noises during strong winds.
What Is The Humming Noise From Solar Panels?
The humming sound from solar panels likely comes from the inverter; not the solar panels. Noisy solar panels don’t exist because they have no mechanical parts, whereas string inverters, in particular, have internal fans to keep them at an optimal temperature.
Do solar panels work at night?
No, your solar panels won’t work at night. However, you can still enjoy the benefits of your solar system even after sundown if you have a solar battery to store your excess DC power. Otherwise, you will have to rely on net metering.
Recommended: How do solar panels work at night?
Conclusion
To summarize, solar panels don’t make noise. It’s other parts of your system that do.
Solar panel inverters make humming sounds from their internal fans. Loose mounts, racks, and cables can produce rattling noises when exposed to harsh winds. The gap between your solar panels and your roof can also create a whistling tone when strong winds pass through it.
These noises can be prevented when you use high-quality components when installing solar panels. And, if you need help finding installers you can trust, we can help.
