Are you pondering how to care for a solar panel system? As solar energy becomes more popular, many people start to invest in solar panels to use the sun’s power and reduce their carbon footprints.
But then again, with such a technology, solar panels also demand a corresponding amount of maintenance for working at its peak capacity and living for a longer life. So, if you were wondering how to go about maintaining your solar panel system in spick-and-span condition, your search ends here.
This article will bring to you some easy and workable tips and hacks with which you can keep your solar panels in the best possible order to ensure efficiency.
Let’s get started right away.
#1. Regular Cleaning:
Regular cleaning is one of the most important aspects of the maintenance of solar panels. Over a period of time, dirt, dust, bird droppings, and other debris fall on the surface of the solar panels, consequently reducing their efficiency.
Try to clean your panels at least once every couple of months, or even more often if you live in an area with heavy pollution or lots of rain. A slight cleanup of the dirt or grime is done with just a soft brush, gentle detergent, and water.
Do not use strong abrasive materials or tough chemicals, as these will end up damaging the panels.
#2. Trim Surrounding Trees and Foliage:
If solar panels are surrounded by trees or bushes, then these need to be maintained by trimming them. Overgrown vegetation might shade your panels, thereby reducing sunlight exposure and affecting efficiency.
Trim any branches and foliage that might shade the panels, especially in the sunniest periods of the year. If your panels are not shaded, you’ll help them produce more energy and last longer.
#3. Check for Damage:
At regular intervals, make an inspection of your solar panels for any damages or wear. Look for chips, cracks, or surface scratches, as well as loose connections and broken seals.
In case you find that there is some kind of damage that has occurred, it becomes very important that the repair is done as soon as possible so that you can avoid them from further destruction and ensure the integrity of your system. Damage may require contacting a professional for repair or for replacements.
#4. Monitor Performance:
Monitor the system in real time to make sure it is effective. Most modern solar panel systems have monitoring software that tracks the energy production in real time and diagnoses the problems or inconsistencies in performance.
Use such tools to monitor the performance of the system from time to time and repair any emerging issues without delay. You must be proactive and vigilant to ensure your solar panel system keeps providing clean and renewable energy.
#5. Protect Against Weather:
While solar panels are designed and tested for almost any sort of environmental conditions, a case of really bad weather—hail, for example, heavy snow, or high winds—will be the real test for the integrity of the system. Consider installing some protective measures, such as hail guards or snow guards, to protect your panels from this kind of severe weather.
Also, try to remove snow or dirt on the panels right after a storm to expose them to maximum sunlight. The easiest way to protect your solar panels from weather hazards is by making sure they last long.
#6. Schedule Professional Inspections:
Besides these, there is a routine of servicing works that are obligatory for your solar panel system. The professional inspection schedule must be organized for your solar panel system.
Competent technicians can carry out an all-inclusive assessment of your panels, wiring, inverters, and other elements to determine possible issues that need repair and make the right repairs and adjustments.
Professional inspections can be so helpful in the early detection of problems, thus saving you thousands of dollars in expensive repairs that may have had to occur or total system failure.
You should get an inspection scheduled at least once in a year in order to keep your solar panel system in peak condition.
Conclusion
Conclusively, you have to take good care of the solar panel system in order for maximum efficiency and working life. The tips and hacks mentioned in this article will have your solar panels providing long-term clean, renewable energy.
