09/07/2026
📉 One Broken Panel Could Be Costing You More Than You Think
It's easy to look at a single cracked or damaged solar panel and think, "It's only one panel, we'll replace it later."
The reality is that a damaged module can have a much bigger impact than most people realise.
Depending on the nature of the damage, it can:
⚡ Reduce the output of the affected string
⚡ Trigger inverter faults or string alarms
⚡ Create hot spots within the module
⚡ Allow moisture ingress, leading to further deterioration
⚡ Become a potential electrical safety risk
📊 Behind the Numbers
The example below is for illustration purposes only. Actual losses will vary depending on system design, irradiance, site conditions, electricity tariffs, the type of module damage, and whether the fault affects only the module or the entire string.
Consider a 100kW commercial solar PV system using 550W modules.
If one damaged 550W module is no longer producing energy, it could result in approximately:
• 3 kWh of lost generation per day
• 90 kWh per month
• 1,080 kWh per year
At an electricity tariff of R3.00/kWh, that's approximately:
💰 R3,240 per year in lost energy value from just one module.
In some cases, the impact can be even greater if the damaged module affects the performance of the entire string or causes the string to trip offline.
The takeaway?
A single broken panel may seem insignificant, but delaying repairs can reduce system performance, lower your return on investment, and increase the risk of more costly failures over time.
Don't let one damaged module become a much bigger and more expensive problem.
Would you replace one broken panel today, or risk paying for its impact over the next year?
