Do Solar Panels Make Noise?
You’ve probably heard those loud, roaring hums from generators – or maybe the quieter buzzing from power lines – and wondered, “Do solar panels make noise like that?” After all, they’re electrical devices, so surely they must produce some kind of sound.
Fortunately, solar panels do not make any noise while operating, and here’s why…
Solar panels are solid-state devices, meaning there are no moving parts inside them. They rely on semiconductors for converting sunlight into electricity – no noisy motors, fans, and gears involved.
If you’re truly hearing a humming or buzzing sound, you’re not imagining things. Chances are it’s coming from other components of your solar system. In this guide, we’ll talk more about these possible sources of noise in-depth, as well as steps you can take to reduce noise.
Where Noise Could Be Coming From
Inverter Noise
The likely culprit of the noise is your inverter – specifically, a string inverter, which is the type of inverter mounted on the wall.
But it’s completely normal for an inverter to make a little sound, especially in the process of converting the direct current (DC) from your solar panels into alternating current (AC) that your home can use.
This noise becomes more noticeable during peak sunlight hours, when there’s a high volume of electrical current to handle, and the inverter is working its hardest. You might hear:
- A high-pitched noise (often called coil whine) caused by mechanical vibrations in the inverter’s components
- Humming from cooling fans kicking into high gear
That said, the humming sound should still be pretty faint, usually ranging between 30 to 45 decibels. To put that into perspective, this is about as quiet as a whisper and even softer than the hum of a refrigerator (which typically sits around 50 decibels).
However, considering that hearing can be subjective, the noise might feel more noticeable than it actually is, especially in quieter environments.
Power Optimizers
In some cases, individual solar panels may be attached with small, rectangular boxes called power optimizers. These devices are designed to adjust and enhance the performance of each panel, especially when some are shaded or facing different angles or conditions.
Much like inverters, power optimizers can emit a faint buzzing or humming sound due to high-frequency electrical switching. This noise typically comes from internal components like capacitors, inductors, and transformers, which manage the voltage and current adjustments within the optimizer.
Loosely Mounted Solar Panels
Now, here’s one that’s pretty rare – unless, of course, you had your solar panels set up by a less-than-careful solar installer
When solar panels aren’t securely mounted, they might just shift or move during strong winds, which can lead to creaking or rattling sounds.
If it’s not the panel mounting, there’s a good chance this noise is coming from loose or poorly secured cables rubbing against the frame or the roof surface, usually creating a scraping sound.
In this case, you’ve got more than just noise to worry about. There’s also a potential (though very low) risk for solar panel fires, especially if the cables are damaged or exposed to conditions that could lead to electric arcing.
Roof Gap
Roofs with uneven or sloped surfaces (those you typically find on architectural or high-end houses) can leave tiny gaps between the solar panels and the roof surface.
These gaps create what’s called a wind tunnel. So, in very windy conditions, the rush of air that passes through them can be strong enough to produce a high-pitched whistling sound.
However, this is quite rare, and is likely a consequence of installers not taking the time to fit the solar panels properly with the roof contour, or if the roof itself has defects.
How can I tell if the noise from my solar system is normal or indicative of a problem?
Any noise that seems unusually loud or different from the typical sounds we discussed earlier could indicate a serious issue with your solar system. If you notice any of the following, we recommend having a certified solar panel installer take a look as soon as possible:
Humming at Night
As we mentioned earlier, some humming from your inverter is perfectly normal, especially during the day. However, inverter humming at night is a different story.
Without sunlight, your inverter shouldn’t be running at all. If it is, it could mean it’s running unnecessarily or dealing with residual currents, both of which are not normal and require a checkup.
High-Pitched Whining
A high-pitched whining sound from your inverter during the day could be a sign of overloading or a malfunction.
Usually, the inverter’s built-in monitoring system will alert you with a warning beep if there’s an issue. However, there’s a rare chance that a problem – such as internal electrical stress or aging hardware – might not be detected right away.
Unusual Clicking, Buzzing or Crackling
These sounds can indicate loose connection or damaged wiring.
If you hear clicking sounds coming from the inverter, it may point to a faulty relay. If you hear it coming from your solar panels, the noise could stem from the junction boxes or panel terminals.
Either way, these sounds can pose serious risks, such as electrical shock or even fire, so they should be addressed immediately.
Beeping sound
A beeping sound typically comes from your inverter’s monitoring system and is designed to alert you about issues like low battery, grid problems, or fault detection.
If you hear this beeping sound, it’s best to check the inverter’s display or app for more details.
Tips to Reduce Noise From Your Solar System
Here are some steps you can take to reduce or even avoid noise from your solar system.
Strategic Placement of Components
If your solar system hasn’t been installed yet, this is something to keep in mind. Inverters are typically placed in less frequented areas, like garages, basements, or utility rooms, away from living spaces such as bedrooms or the main living area.
Your installer will likely know where to place these components, but it’s always good to double-check.
Choosing a High-Quality Solar System
Quality solar system components often feature better electrical parts that help minimize or even cancel out noise. They also come with noise-dampening materials that help absorb unwanted sounds, resulting in a quieter system.
Proper Grounding
Without getting into the technicalities of grounding, it’s a standard procedure installers take to protect your solar system (and any electrical equipment) from electrical faults and surges. This also helps reduce interference that could cause humming or buzzing sounds.
Regular Solar Maintenance
By cleaning your solar panels regularly, you remove dust, dirt, and other debris that could cause shading, which can otherwise put a strain on solar components and result in noise if left unaddressed.
Moreover, it also gives you a chance to inspect your system visually for any high-risk issues, like damaged wiring.
Call Your Solar Panel Installer
The best course of action is to contact your solar panel installer instead of troubleshooting it yourself. ** ** This way, you don’t have to make any guesses – you’ll instead have someone with the right tools and expertise to tackle the issue.
Looking for a trusted solar panel installer?
At Quote for Solar, we make it easy for you to connect with solar panel installers who’ll get your system installed right the first time. That means you won’t have to worry about any unwanted noise from your solar panels.
We’ve already pre-screened all the installers we recommend based on strict quality standards, so you can be sure you’re working with the best ones in your area. All you need to do is submit a single quote request, and we’ll provide you with three competitive quotes from these installers.
If you found this article helpful, please share it with your friends and family, and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more informative content on solar energy and sustainability!
