If you have recently installed solar panels in your home or are using them commercially, you are on the right track. You have officially joined a community of people conscious about using clean and reliable energy. Shifting to solar energy is quite rewarding. You are looking at a future where your electricity costs are low, your energy supply is stable and your property value has increased significantly.
Since installing a solar system of any kind is a big investment, you must take proper care of it. With proper maintenance, the systems will last you a very long time.
We have shared maintenance tips below to help you care for your solar systems.
Cleaning your solar panels regularly
Though they do not need constant maintenance, it is important to keep up with the little maintenance that the system needs. You need to clean the panels at least once a month to eradicate dust buildup to ensure the system works optimally.
You can either hire a professional cleaning service to carry out the task for you, especially if you have had the system for a long time and it has gathered a lot of grime. Professional cleaners have the proper tools to clean and care for your system.
Alternatively, you can use non-abrasive cleaners and a soft sponge or rag and clean up the panels yourself. Be gentle and try as much as possible not to damage the glass surface. Remember to put safety first during the cleaning to avoid any accidents.
Avoid keeping your panel under a shade.
This might sound like a no-brainer, but you will be surprised at the number of people who believe their panels should be kept away from direct sunlight. Solar panels may need just daylight to function but, when sunlight is available, it is highly recommended that the panels are exposed to direct sunlight.
If a part of the panel is in the shade, it can significantly lower the energy output. This means that the system is no longer saving you money since it is not using the available energy resources to serve you.
If you have trees growing around your house and blocking your sunlight, you can get in touch with your solar company and they will be able to evaluate and provide you with a solution. For instance, they could trim the offending branches or, if need be, cut down the tree. Usually, solar companies evaluate your property before installation to ensure that such instances do not occur.
Document your system’s performance.
It may sound tiresome and annoying, but it is important to track your system’s performance. Have a journal or a book where you can note down your energy production and consumption. You will most likely have the same number or close to the same number daily, but if you notice fluctuations, be quick to alert your service providers.
Cloudy or rainy days are particularly important to note as they might provide insight into how much energy you consume on such days. It will help you understand your consumption patterns and in case you need additional battery backup. If you are too busy to do the manual logs daily, you can get a monitoring system that can do this for you. You might part with some money, but it will give you peace of mind and make your work much easier. Additionally, most inverters come with a basic monitoring system that can gather this information.
A parting shot
Your solar system can serve you for several years with little to no hitches. Just like you would take care of any other piece of equipment that is expensive or that means a lot to you, it is key to maintain your solar system in pristine condition. Ensure that the panels are not under a shade, document your system’s performance and always clean your panels to avoid dust build-up.
