On its own, a solar panel shouldn’t make any noise.
It is a static piece of equipment with no moving part or mechanical component.
A solar panel simply sits in the sun, absorbs sunlight, and converts it into electricity.
But life is never quite that simple is it?
And you’re probably reading this because you can hear sounds coming from your solar panel system.
It might even be keeping you up at night and there’s nothing more annoying than a lack of sleep.
So if you’re sitting up in bed reading this because solar panel noise got you awake at 2am, then take a deep breath.
Together we’ll take a look at why your solar panel is making noise, plus how to find and fix the problem.
Solar Panels Can Make Noise and Here’s Why
As you know solar panel systems can definitely make super annoying sounds.
It’s important to understand what the noise is and why it occurs in order to fix the problem.
The solar panel itself won’t be creating the noise as it has no moving parts or components. The operation of a solar panel will be completely silent.
What you will be hearing is a component in another part of your system or an external factor such as wind or loose connections.
So when identifying the sound you can rule out the solar cells and the interior working of the panel.
Your attention should be focused on the other electrical workings and mounting systems.
7 Reason Why Solar Panels Make Noise (Plus How Find and to Stop It)
Let’s take a look at how a solar panel system makes noise and what to do about it.
Solar Inverter Fans – Whirring Sound or Vibrations
The most common reason why a solar panel makes noise is actually down to the power inverter.
This is the device that converts the DC electricity produced by solar panels into AC electricity needed to run appliances. The inverter is a crucial part of the system which is needed to match the current and voltage to what you receive from the main grid.
Unfortunately, they can be noisy devices when you are drawing a lot of power or it is hot outside. The noise they produce comes from the cooling fans which are used to disperse heat created from the electrical conversion.
Most inverters will produce around 50 – 60DB noise when the fans are running. That’s about the volume of a quiet conversation. This isn’t too much but can be annoying if you are close or on the other side of a thin wall. Adding to this, the fans can cause vibrations through a wall which will be noticeable during quiet times.
You won’t be able to stop the noise of fans as they are automatically controlled based on internal temperatures of the inverter. The best solution if you can hear this is to move the inverter to another part of the house or external wall.
If you can hear louder clapping or running sounds from the inverter cooling fans then it is likely there is an obstruction. You should remove any debris that has found its way into the vents. This could also be a sign of an internal component falling loose into the fans which will need professional repair.
Solution: Start by having the inverter moved to a different area. Plus check vents are clear of dirt and debris.
Humming Power Inverter – Buzzing Noise
Many power inverters will make a humming noise during their operation. This will sound like a low hum of electricity that occurs during the DC to AC conversion. It doesn’t necessarily mean there is a problem. High quality domestic solar inverters shouldn’t suffer from this problem. It is more prevalent in modified sine wave inverters you use with batteries in RVs, boats, and vans.
This buzzing noise comes from the electromagnetic forces causing harmonic distortion. You shouldn’t notice this noise too much unless you are in the same room as the inverter.
Solution: Move the inverter to a different location out of earshot.
Wind – Banging or Whistling Sound
Solar panels are usually mounted on a roof as this provides the best exposure to direct sunlight. The disadvantage of this is that they are also vulnerable to other elements like wind.
There’s a couple of reasons wind will cause a solar panel to make noise.
Firstly, anything that has come loose will flap and bang around during high winds. This could be anything from a poorly installed flashing to loose roof shingle. To be honest, even in light wind loose components or roofing can cause tapping and banging noises.
The secondary reason is to do with the way panels are mounted. Generally, solar panels are not flush to a roof and there is a small gap underneath. This is to help with heat dispersion and wiring. With wind at the wrong angle, this can create a whistling sound as air flows in the empty gap. Pretty irritating during the dead of night!
Solution: Ensure all parts of the system and roof are secure and not flapping about. Plus have netting or shields installed to stop wind whistling under the equipment.
Loose Cables – Banging or Tapping Sound
There’s plenty of cabling that is installed with big solar panel systems. Each solar panel will be hooked up to each other, then this is wired down to the solar inverter. It is quite easy for a part of this cabling to come loose (especially if it is poorly installed.)
Loose wires can dangle, scrape, and bang around to create sounds which seem like it’s coming from the solar panel. Adding to this, a loose wire will degrade quicker and can become damaged or exposed. That is not safe and will reduce the long term efficiency of your system.
Solution: Check that all the cables are secure and well fastened.
Poor Electrical Connections – Buzzing or Electrical Hum
If you can hear an electrical buzz but it is not coming from the power inverter then you need an electrician to investigate further. This is a sign of a loose electrical connection which could be very dangerous.
Not only will poor connections reduce the efficiency and flow off current, it is also a safety risk. Exposed circuits could cause electrocution, short circuits, and fire. Common electrical connections are made between each solar panel and the input and output of the inverter.
Solution: Have an electrician or installer thoroughly check your system.
Shoddy Installation – Creaking, Banging or Flapping Noise
A poorly installed solar panel can lead to noise. This could be for any number of reasons such as missing or loose mounts, unsecured cabling, or damage to your roof.
Inexperienced or careless installers might even mount your panels on the wrong part of your roof. For example, mounting plates should be screwed to a wooden joist or beam to be secure and take the weight of the panel. If a drill hole misses the beam and is only attached to a shingle tile this will cause problems. You could experience movement or creaking in your panels and roof.
In addition, installing more solar panels than your roof can handle is dangerous. You might hear literal creaking sounds and could even collapse the roof.
Solution: Always choose a reputable solar panel installer. If you’re not happy or unsure, get a second opinion to check things over.
Birds Nesting – Tapping or Scratching Sound
Many people choose to birdproof their solar panels to stop animals like pigeons nesting under them. It is common for birds (and other animals) to make a home underneath solar panels. This is because it creates a safe space up high on a rooftop.
This is not good for your equipment. You might even hear noise from birds living up there, it will sound like scratching, pecking, and bird squawking (duh…). Along with excess sound, they can damage your cabling and make a mess of your panels. All of which costs you repairs and efficiency.
Solution: Have bird proofing installed. A professional will carefully remove birds and nests. Then clean the area before installing netting and metal bird spikes.
FAQ About Noisy Solar Panels
Solar panels shouldn’t make an electrical noise at night as there is no electricity production. The most common noise at night is flapping, banging, or whistling from high winds.
Yes, solar panels themselves are completely silent during operation. There are moving parts or mechanical components. Solar cells generate electricity without making a sound. Any noise comes from other components such as the inverter.
Yes, solar inverters can make noise, especially when you are drawing a lot of power. The cooling fans can make 50 to 60 decibels (similar to a quiet conversation) to help disperse heat. Plus, you might hear an electrical buzz or hum when near the inverter.
Yes, solar panel fields and farms can make noise. This is due to large amounts of electricity being sent to the grid at a high voltage. You might hear a loud buzz or hum where electrical converters and transformers are located.
If you have a solar panel system it might create a humming sound in your house. This will usually be coming from the solar inverter which makes noise during the conversion of DC to AC power.
Solar panels themselves will not cause vibration. A solar inverter attached to a wall can create vibrations in a house. This can be from the cooling fans working hard to disperse the heat generated as a byproduct of electrical conversion.
Final Words on Solar Panel Noise
A solar panel will not make a noise from normal operation, it should sit them completely motionless and silent.
Noise will be coming from another component in the system or an external factor like weather.
The most common offenders are the wind or the solar inverter.
If you hear any sound you should ensure that everything is securely mounted and not able to move around.
Any electrical buzzing, vibrations, or wiring should be investigated further to see if it is a fault or operations of the power inverter.
