Do Solar Panels Make Noise?

By Kami Turky

Last Updated:

I know that little hum—you might hear it sometimes and wonder if it’s just the trees rustling or bees buzzing by on a sunny day. 

But then you realize, hey, that sound is coming from your solar panels. 

So, you ask yourself, “Do solar panels make noise?” 

Well, even though the panels themselves are pretty quiet, the gear that goes with them, like inverters, can hum away quite noticeably. 

In this article, I’ll break down which parts of your solar setup could be noisy, show you how to quiet them down, and share some tips to ensure you can fully enjoy the quietness and power of your solar system.

Key Takeaways 

  • To fix noise issues, identify the noise type, tighten components, add cushioning for wind, and consider relocating or upgrading the inverter.
  • Solar panels themselves are quiet, but installation issues, wind, or the inverter can cause noise.
  • Wind-induced noises happen when panels or mounts are loose, causing vibrations or whistling sounds.
  • Inverter noises, like humming or buzzing, occur if the inverter overheats or works hard.
  • Proper installation prevents noise; ensure panels and cables are tightly secured.

How Do Solar Panels Produce Electricity?

Before we dive into whether solar panels make noise, let’s first break down how they work to generate electricity

It all starts with what’s called the photovoltaic effect, a fancy term for turning sunlight into electrical power. 

When the sun shines on solar panels, it hits solar cells that are made up of materials like silicon. 

Here’s what happens: the sunlight gets these tiny particles called electrons all excited and moving around. 

This movement creates an electric current. 

Now, this current starts as direct current (DC)—the same type you get from batteries. 

It’s a pretty quiet process because there aren’t any moving parts, just electrons doing their dance through the material.

But there’s a twist—our homes and businesses use alternating current (AC), not DC. 

So, what do we do? 

We use a device called an inverter

The inverter takes the DC from the solar panels and switches it to AC, which is what powers everything from your fridge to your TV

And the cool part? 

This doesn’t make any noise either.

It’s all done on the electronic level—no gears or moving parts involved.

What Causes Noise from Solar Panels?

1. Wind-Induced Noises

If you’ve noticed some odd noises coming from your solar panels when it’s windy, it might be time to give their installation a closer look

Even when installed correctly, solar panels can sometimes make noise due to strong winds, but a quick check can often solve these little quirks.

So, what’s happening up there on your roof

When the wind gets going, it can shake things up a bit—literally. 

If the panels or their mounting aren’t super tight, the wind might cause them to vibrate, leading to rattling or humming sounds. 

There’s also something called the “tunneling” effect. 

This happens when there’s a gap between the roof and the base of your panels. 

As the wind whips through these gaps, it can make a whistling sound, kind of like blowing across the top of an empty bottle. 

If your roof is a bit uneven, the noise can be more noticeable because the wind finds more paths to whistle through.

Occasionally, if a gust is strong enough, it might even pry up the edges of the panels a bit, causing a creaking sound. 

This doesn’t happen often, but it’s a sign you might want to secure those panels down a bit better.

2. Inverter-Related Noises

Inverters take the DC (direct current) electricity your panels produce and turn it into AC (alternating current) electricity—the kind that powers everything in your house. 

But, they can sometimes make a bit of noise.

Ever heard a humming or buzzing around your solar setup? 

That’s usually the inverter working. 

The type of inverter you have can affect how loud this gets. 

There are two main kinds: micro-inverters and string inverters.

Micro-inverters are super quiet. 

Each panel has its own, and they generally keep the noise down.

String inverters, though, can be a bit noisier. 

They’re usually mounted on the side of your house and take care of converting electricity for several panels at once. 

If you hear a low hum from them, it’s normal, and it’s similar to the hum you might hear from other home electronics. 

It’s usually not too loud unless you’re right next to it.

Now, if those string inverters get too hot, they’ll start humming a bit louder.

They prefer cooler spots, so if they end up in direct sunlight or somewhere without good airflow, they might overheat. 

To keep cool, they have fans inside, and when these fans run faster to beat the heat, they make more noise—sometimes up to 45dB, which is just a bit louder than a whisper.

So, if this noise starts to bug you, think about moving the inverter to a cooler, shaded spot or somewhere you don’t hang out much can help. 

3. Installation-Related Issues

When it comes to solar panel installation, the devil is in the details.

The panels aren’t just slapped directly onto your roof; they sit on special racks that need to be bolted down well. 

So, as I explained before, when the wind starts howling, any looseness in your setup can become painfully obvious. 

If those racks aren’t secured tightly, the panels might start to move or even vibrate, which can cause a whole range of noises from gentle hums to disruptive rattles. 

It’s similar to how a loose shutter bangs during a storm.

And it’s not just about the panels. 

The cables that connect everything need to be secure too. 

If they’re not, they might swing around and hit your roof or the panels, making a whole lot of noise. 

It’s like leaving loose items around that can get tossed about in the wind.

What Steps I Should Take If My Solar Panels Are Noisy?

If your solar panels are noisy, don’t worry—there are a few straightforward steps you can take to quiet them down and keep your solar experience peaceful:

  • Figure Out the Noise: First things first, listen closely to identify the type of noise. Is it a buzzing, creaking, or maybe a noise caused by the wind? Pinpointing the type of noise helps you understand where it might be coming from.
  • Talk to Your Installer: Reach out to the folks who installed your solar panels. They know your system best and can offer professional advice. They can also come out, take a look, and figure out what might be causing the noise.
  • Tighten Things Up: If the noise sounds like creaking, some parts might not be as tight as they should be. Go around and check all the screws and connections to make sure they’re snug. If you’re not sure what to look for, your installer can help with this too.
  • Cut Down on Wind Noise: If it seems like the wind is the culprit, adding some cushioning between the roof and your panels can make a big difference. Rubber panels work great for this—they block the wind and help muffle any noise, all while protecting your roof.
  • Check the Inverter: Sometimes the inverter can be noisy, especially if it’s older. If it’s bothering you, think about moving it to a less central part of your home. Or, if it’s outdated, it might be time for an upgrade. Newer solar panels often come with tech that cuts down on noise, making them a lot quieter.

FAQs

Do Solar Panels Make a Buzzing Sound?

Solar panels can make a buzzing sound, usually from the inverter during operation, especially if it’s working hard or getting too hot.

Why Do Solar Panels Make Noise at Night?

Solar panels make noise at night due to the inverter cooling down or if there’s an issue with the system.

How to Stop Electrical Noise From Solar Panels?

To stop the electrical noise from solar panels, ensure all components are tightly secured, and consider relocating the inverter or upgrading to newer, quieter models.

Do Solar Panels Make a Banging Noise?

Solar panels make a banging noise when mounting racks or cables are loose; check and tighten all connections to fix this.

Conclusion

As promised, we’ve dug into why your solar panels might be making those odd noises and how you can fix them. 

Here’s a pro tip: make sure a certified expert sets up your system right from the start, and don’t forget to keep up with regular maintenance. 

It’s also a smart move to have a specialist come in once a year to check everything out, tighten up any loose parts, and make sure your inverter is working smoothly. 

Do you still have any questions or concerns about your solar panel setup? 

Feel free to reach out.

We’re here to help ensure your solar experience is as smooth and quiet as possible!

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Kami Turky

Kami is a solar engineer with nearly a decade of experience in researching, testing, and reviewing various solar products.He has also provided technical consultation to several organizations on the best ways to incorporate solar energy into their operations.When he’s not busy helping others find the best solar solutions, Kami enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking, camping, and exploring the natural wonders of his home state.

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