Do Solar Panels Make Noise?

As solar panels become increasingly popular, people often have various assumptions and questions about these systems. A common query is whether solar panels make noise. If you're considering installing them on your roof, this is definitely something worth thinking about.

The short answer to the question “do solar panels make noise?” is no. Generally speaking, solar panels themselves are designed to be completely silent. They operate quietly both during the day and at night. Even those with moving parts are engineered to remain extremely quiet while functioning. So, under normal circumstances, you shouldn't hear any noise coming from your solar panels at any time.

That said, there could be rare exceptions where you might notice a faint hum from your solar panels during daylight hours when they're exposed to sunlight. This hum is typically very subtle and would only be noticeable if you're standing close to the panels—around 50 feet away or closer. It’s not something that would disrupt your daily life, but it’s worth mentioning.

Why Do Solar Panels Make Noise?

While solar panels themselves are generally silent, there are a few reasons why you might hear some low-level noise:

Inverter Humming

The humming sound you might hear doesn’t come directly from the solar panels. Instead, it originates from the inverter. The inverter is a critical component that converts the direct current (DC) electricity produced by the panels into alternating current (AC), which powers your home appliances. Not all inverters hum; the noise depends on the quality and brand of the inverter. String inverters are often the main culprits for this humming, but the noise level rarely exceeds 45 decibels, so it's unlikely to be bothersome. If you're bothered by the humming, placing the inverter in an enclosed space can help reduce the noise. Microinverters, on the other hand, typically don’t produce this humming sound—if they do, contact the installer or manufacturer for assistance.

Inverter Fans

If your inverter is exposed to direct sunlight or your household consumes a lot of electricity, it might activate its cooling fan. This fan could create some minor noise, though it should be minimal and hardly noticeable. For optimal performance, it's best to install your inverter in a cool, shaded area, as that's where they perform best.

Loose Cabling

You'll have wiring connecting each panel to the roof. If this wiring isn't properly secured, it can move in the wind and make noise. While it's easy to fix by properly securing the cables, it's always wise to have a professional inspect it if you suspect this is causing the noise.

Loose Racking

Another potential issue with solar panels is loose racking. If the racking was installed incorrectly or has loosened over time, you might hear a rattling sound. When the wind blows, loose racking can cause the panels to move, shake, or even detach. If you think this might be the problem, ask your installer to return and secure everything properly. Once fixed, the rattling should stop.

Wind Noise

Even though solar panels are supposed to be silent, you might still hear some sounds, especially at night when it’s quieter outside. These noises are likely caused by the wind. Depending on how the panels were installed, wind could flow through small gaps, creating a whistling sound. It may sound like objects are moving, but it’s usually just the wind traveling through spaces that didn’t exist before the panels were installed. As long as your panels are securely mounted, this wind noise shouldn’t be a concern.

Detecting Solar Panel Noise

If you're unsure whether your solar panel system is making noise, the easiest way to check is at night. At night, the inverter is still active, but it's only collecting data rather than actively converting energy. This allows you to rule out the inverter as the source of the noise and focus on identifying whether the sound is coming from the panels. In such cases, the noise might be due to loose cabling, loose racking, or wind, as discussed earlier.

To sum up, aside from a slight humming noise that might come from your inverter or wind-related sounds, your solar panels should operate almost silently. However, if you notice any unusual noises that aren’t from the inverter or wind, it’s advisable to have your system inspected to avoid future problems. If you're ready to embark on your solar panel journey, do it with a team of experts. Get in touch with us today.