Solar Panel Maintenance Tips
Investing in solar panels is a sustainable and cost-effective way to harness clean energy while reducing your carbon footprint. However, like any other technology, solar panels require regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
If you’re interested in investing in solar energy for your home, or have had a system recently installed, you might be wondering about what to expect in terms of solar panel maintenance tips. To help you properly care for your investment and get the most from it, here are a few considerations to keep in mind.
Solar Panel Cleaning: Why It Matters
Solar panels are exposed to a wide range of environmental elements such as dust, dirt, bird droppings, and pollen. These can accumulate over time and reduce the efficiency of your panels. In fact, when your solar panels become dirty, they can lose up to 25% of their efficiency. It’s why following proper solar panel maintenance tips is crucial. With routine cleaning, your solar panel system can maintain peak performance.
How to Clean Solar Panels: Tips for Maintenance
Cleaning your solar panels is a relatively straightforward process, but it requires care to avoid damaging the delicate photovoltaic cells. A few solar panel maintenance tips to keep your solar panels clean include:
- Turn your solar panels off to avoid electrical shocks. In addition, work on a cool day or early in the morning to prevent thermal stress on the panels.
- Use a mild cleaning solution. It should be a mixture of water and dish soap. Avoid abrasive or harsh chemicals that could damage the glass surface of the panels.
- Gently scrub the panels. In the process, use a soft brush or sponge to remove dirt and debris. Never use abrasive materials that could scratch the glass.
- Rinse thoroughly. Once you’re done cleaning, rinse the panels with clean water to remove any soap residue. Use a hose or a bucket of water, avoiding high-pressure washers that can damage the panels.
Another solar panel maintenance tip? Depending on your specific location and environmental factors, you may need to clean your solar panels several times a year.
Solar Panel Repair: Troubleshooting and Fixes
While solar panels are durable, issues can happen. Beyond following the tips above for solar panel maintenance, regular monitoring is key. If you spot a problem, repair it promptly to maintain the system’s efficiency. Typical issues that occur include:
- Inverter problems. If your solar panels are not producing power, the inverter could be the culprit. Check for error messages on the inverter display and consult the manufacturer’s manual for troubleshooting steps.
- Broken or cracked glass. Physical damage to the glass surface of solar panels can occur, impacting their efficiency. In this case, contact a professional, like SunTek Solar Energy, to assess the damage and replace the affected panels.
- Faulty wiring. Inspect the wiring for any visible damage or loose connections. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, get the assistance of a qualified electrician or solar panel technician.
Other tips for solar panel maintenance? Monitor energy production. If there’s a sudden drop, it could be a sign of a problem. If trees and shrubs are starting to shade your solar panels, trim them back. Also, check that birds and pests are not nesting around or under your solar panels, which can damage wiring.
Protect Your Investment With SunTek Solar Energy!
Solar panels are designed to last for 25 years or more when they are properly maintained. If you’d like help with the process, contact SunTek Solar Energy. We are your source for solar panel installation and solar panel maintenance tips, so you can maximize the efficiency and the lifespan of your system.
