Solar Panel Maintenance: Useful Tips to Maximize Solar Efficiency
Do solar panels need to be maintained?
Yes, solar panels need very little maintenance to operate. To ensure that dirt, leaves, and other debris aren’t blocking the sunlight, most systems simply require quick cleaning. Additionally, you might want to look underneath the panels for any debris or indications of animals. If this becomes a problem, you may consider investing in solar critter guards. However, you may require more thorough maintenance during seasons of heavy snowfall, and if you find bird nesting beneath your system—since this might affect their performance.
How does extreme weather impact your solar panels?
How do I know when I need solar panel maintenance?
Durability is an important feature of solar panels. High-quality solar panel installations enable PV systems to endure weather conditions, including wind, rain, snow, and more. They are resilient to hail and can withstand hurricanes. But, of course, they may get damaged occasionally by lightning, storms, tornadoes, or hail. However, you can get damaged panels replaced as long as your warranty is good. Heat is the weather condition that impacts panels the most frequently. At temperatures over 77°F (25°C), panels lose about 1% of their efficiency every degree.
The performance of solar panels in hot weather is not something to worry about too much because the best solar installers like SolarSME will take local climate factors into account when installing panels. However, by raising them a few inches above the ground or roof, you allow for air circulation, which can help cool them down and maintain energy production.
Six Steps for Proper Solar Panel Maintenance
By just maintaining and cleaning solar panels, you can increase the lifespan of solar panels quite simply. Let’s learn step by step about cleaning solar panels:
Schedule regular cleaning: The best time to clean the solar panels is early in the morning. Cleaning while they’re hot or in direct sunlight may be less beneficial as the change from hot water to cold causes thermal tensions leading to damage to machinery. Avoid windy, damp, and snowy conditions.
Choose the right time: Early in the morning is the best time to clean solar panels. It may be less beneficial to clean them while they are still warm or in direct sunshine because the combination of hot and cold water might cause thermal tensions leading to damage to the machinery. Stay away from windy, wet, or snowy conditions.
Gently clean: Go ahead and start the clean-up. Ensure there is no debris, dust, or dirt blocking the performance of the solar panels.
Carry out a visual inspection: Inspect the solar panels carefully for any potential damage, such as cracks or breaks, and include checking the integrity of all connections. Should you find anything wrong, call for a specialist to perform the required inspection and rectify any faults.
Dry the panels: Gentle towels will do, or allow the solar panels to air-dry; however, the most imperative thing in this is that there must not be retention of any water that might cause the efficiency of the panels to be diminished.
Monitoring: Keep track of when you cleaned the solar panels, and schedule any potential cleaning dates. This will help you track the try keeping it functioning at its best.
How to clean your solar panels?
SolarSME recommends you clean your solar panels when necessary to ensure the best output of the system. Some useful solar cleaning tips include:
Water: To prevent mineral stains or deposits from forming on the surface of the solar panels, pure and high-quality water, preferably distilled or deionized, is advised.
Detergent: Harsh chemicals, such as solvents or abrasive cleaners, should be avoided as they may cause corrosion, scratch the photovoltaic cells, or leave residue. Mild detergents, such as glass and protective coatings, are compatible with the materials used in the panels. PV panel-specific detergents can also be used.
Cleaning supplies, sponges, and brushes: Solar panels can be cleaned with soft bristle brushes. To prevent scratching or harming the surface, try not to apply too much pressure. Select microfiber towels or sponges if you plan to use them because they can remove dirt and debris without causing any harm to the solar panels’ surface.
Extended handle: Since PV installations are typically on roofs, telescoping poles or extended handles are practical ways to access higher and more challenging locations. Safety is essential to averting mishaps. If you are unable to clean the solar panels yourself, contact a local solar maintenance service.
The do's and don'ts of cleaning rooftop solar panels
In conclusion, solar maintenance is essential to ensure your solar panels are operating as expected and producing the maximum energy. You may maximize the performance of your solar panels and reduce expenses by keeping all the above suggestions in mind while cleaning your solar panels. Moreover, if you feel any performance issues, contact a certified solar installer near you like SolarSME for the best solar maintenance services.