- Cleaning the glass
- Understanding what the output is
- Avoid shading issues with trees
- Connections to home circuits
- Don’t let your panels get dirty
- Use protection from extreme weather conditions
- Monitor temperature variations
- Check on your warranty status every year
- Inspections are easy
Once you’ve installed your solar panels, you’ll want to make sure you maintain them in good condition so that they produce the most amount of energy over time possible. Here are 9 easy tips for maintaining your solar panels so that they’ll last as long as possible and continue producing clean, free energy into the future!
Once you’ve installed your solar panels, you’ll want to make sure you maintain them in good condition so that they produce the most amount of energy over time possible. Here are 9 easy tips for maintaining your solar panels so that they’ll last as long as possible and continue producing clean, free energy into the future!
Table of Content
1. Cleaning the glass
Cleaning your solar panels is a must! Solar panels work best when the glass is spotless and free of dirt, debris, and oil. It’s important to clean the panels regularly because they can be damaged by dirt, debris, and other things that get stuck on the glass. Over time, these things will build up and decrease your solar energy production efficiency. If you want your solar panels to last for years to come, you need to clean them frequently. Most importantly, it will make sure you’re producing enough power for your home or business.
This cleaning process should take about 15 minutes at most and is well worth it!
2. Understanding what the output is
It is important to understand the output in terms of kilowatts per hour (kWh) and kilowatts (kW). Solar panels have different capacities, so understanding the output of your solar panels is critical. A simple rule of thumb: One square foot of solar panel surface equals approximately 100 watts. Therefore, if you want to know how much power your system will generate in one year, simply multiply the square footage by 100. If you are unsure of your solar energy company’s capacity rating for your panels, ask them for a copy of the installation drawing.
3. Avoid shading issues with trees
Check for shading issues caused by nearby trees, buildings and/or other obstructions. Shade on one side of the panel can decrease output by 50%.
4. Connections to home circuits
keeping your solar panels running efficiently and at peak performance by regularly checking connections to home circuits to make sure they’re clean and not touching any other wires which could cause a short circuit.
5. Don’t let your panels get dirty
Solar panels need to be cleaned on a regular basis to ensure they are functioning properly. Here are some steps for cleaning your panels:
- Take care of the leaves and other debris that have collected on the roof by using a leaf blower or a broom. Be careful not to damage the solar panels when you do this.
- If there are any dead bugs, ants, or other pests, remove them as well before they start decomposing and attracting more insects.
- Use soapy water with a high concentration of bleach to wash all surfaces in contact with rain or snowfall, such as gutters and downspouts.
6. Use protection from extreme weather conditions
Solar panels are affected by the weather and will degrade in performance over time. Here are some tips for protecting your solar panels:
- Use a protective cover to prevent rain and snow from accumulating on the surface of your solar panels.
- If you live in a cold climate, use heat cables to prevent snow from accumulating on your panels.
- Inspect your solar panels regularly for loose fasteners or damaged parts.
- Make sure that all electrical connections are tight.
7. Monitor temperature variations
Another key factor in maintaining solar panels is monitoring temperature variations. Solar panels need to be kept cool in order to work effectively, and temperature changes can put stress on the panel and reduce its lifespan. By monitoring temperature variations, Solar panel owners can ensure that their panels are operating at peak efficiency and not being damaged by heat exposure. In short, monitoring temperature variations is an essential part of maintaining solar panels.
Solar panel owners should check their panels regularly for signs of damage or reduced efficiency.
8. Inspections are easy for maintaining your solar panels
Solar panels should be inspected regularly to ensure that they are clean and free of debris. Bird droppings, leaves, and dirt can all build up on the panels and block sunlight from reaching the photovoltaic cells. This can reduce the amount of electricity that the panels generate. In addition, regular inspections can help to identify any damaged cells or other problems that could impact performance. By keeping your solar panels clean and in good repair, you can help to ensure that they continue to provide significant savings on your energy bill.
9. Check on your warranty status every year
Another very important task for maintaining your solar panels is to check on your solar panels warranty status every year. This will ensure that you are covered in case of any problems with your panels. Solar panel manufacturers typically offer a 25-year warranty, so it is important to make sure that your coverage is up to date. Checking on your warranty status is also a good opportunity to inspect your panels for any damage or degradation. If you notice anything unusual, you can contact the manufacturer for assistance. By taking care of your solar panels, you can enjoy the benefits of renewable energy for many years to come.
Conclusion:
Solar panels are a great way to save money on your energy bill and help the environment. However, they require some maintenance to keep them running efficiently. We hope that you found these tips for maintaining your solar panels helpful. If you notice any problems with your solar panels, don’t hesitate to contact a qualified technician for help. With proper care, your solar panels will provide years of clean, renewable energy.
Have questions about maintaining your solar panels or solar energy in general? Contact us today for a FREE no-obligation consultation.
