5 Tips for Maintaining Your Solar Panels
Solar panels are a good investment for the foreseeable future that comes with several benefits. This investment will yield a much greater ‘return on investment’ if maintained properly, after all, they are machines. There could be a misconception that once the solar panel installation is complete, they are not to look at for years. Unfortunately, though they work on the natural source, they require lighter yet constant maintenance for proper functioning. Let’s have a look at a few tips to keep in mind for maintaining solar panels to keep them working through their lifespan.
1. Clear The Dirt
Most of the solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are at an angle for direct exposure to sunlight. Wind or rain will clear any visible dirt or fallen dry leaves from the panels. Nonetheless, it is recommended that you keep an eye on the panels regularly to see if there is any debris acting as an obstruction. It is a good practice to give a quick glance at the same. All you need is a leaf blower to get rid of leaves or dirt. Snow can be removed by spraying lukewarm water. Do not use hot sprays.
2. Weather Check
If your location experienced a severe weather phenomenon like a hurricane recently, it is best that you supervise the panels once immediately. There are chances that panels may get shattered, which will deteriorate their performance, operation, and durability in the longer run. An interesting fact here to note is that most solar panels can withstand weather phenomena like hail, hurricanes, etc., as found through studies.
3. Monitor The Health
Daily diagnosis of the system will give you a sneak peek of the overall health and any tune-ups required. Most solar panels come with their own set of monitoring systems. A regular check will provide you with important information like the amount of carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere.
4. Cleaning Hacks
As mentioned before, rain takes care of any debris or dirt accumulated on the panels. The important thing to remember is not to use any harsh methods for cleaning if need be. For example, using a harsh and abrasive soap or scrubbing agent will damage the glass panels. Instead, you may purchase a solar panel cleaning kit that comes with biodegradable soap, a soft cloth, and a brush with a handle long enough to efficiently clean the panel. Be careful to follow the exact instructions mentioned on the package to avoid any unnecessary scratches.
5. Professionals to the rescue
Always consult the experts. If you feel the need to call for a technician to fix a defect, it is recommended to call for trained and professionals to avoid any damages and unexpected maintenance costs later on.
As said earlier, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems need little to no maintenance at all since they have zero moving parts. These solar panels can be installed either on the ground or on the roof. In both situations, the maintenance schedule remains the same. The only difference between the two is accessibility. Ground-based solar panels are easier to access for any cleaning. If you are in need of solar panel installation in Melbourne, contact us for more details. Our approach of tailoring a solar installation uniquely accustomed to your home covers everything from maintenance to support.
