Solar panels play a paramount role in offering sustainable solutions and eco friendly alternatives to traditional sources of energy. They not only reduce the dependence on fossil fuels but also help largely save on electricity bills. To ensure longevity and effective performance, regular solar panel maintenance is very important.
In this blog post, we cover topics such as the importance of regular maintenance, identifying common issues, few cleaning tips and safety precautions.
Importance of Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance of solar panels is vital to ensure optimal performance of the systems. Consistent solar panel servicing helps identify potential device failures and any expensive repairs in the future days to come. The main advantage of adhering to maintenance schedules and following the regular checks maximises energy savings and increases the lifespan of the panels.
Systematic cleaning, checking for faulty wiring and connections and regularly monitoring performance metrics are some of the important steps of solar panel maintenance.
Identifying Common Issues
- Accumulation of Dirt
Solar panels are usually exposed to dirt and dust which can hinder the absorption of sunlight. The accumulated debris have to be frequently cleaned, else there might be chances of reduced efficiency.
- Check for Obstructions
It is a known fact that the solar panels need direct rays of sunlight to generate power and shading is the most common cause for its low power output. The potential obstructions include nearby trees, bird droppings or tall structures.
- Inverter Issues
Inverters play a prominent role in converting the DC electricity generated by solar panels into AC power for daily use at your home. Some of the most common solar issues of inverter include shutdowns, tripping, faults or error messages. Examine the inverter display for unusual sounds, error codes or any signs of overheating. If the problems seem to persist for a long time, call a technician for inverter replacement.
- Faulty Connections
Solar panels are wired intricately with a set of wires linking each photo voltaic cells to one another and in turn those wires to inverters and batteries. Any wiring damage or loose connections along the way may hinder the efficiency of the solar system.
- System Failures
Solar panels may sometimes exhibit visible damages like cracks, chipping, UV discoloration or other panel problems. There might also be delamination issues or junction box failures. Other major panel fault is PID (Potential Induced Degradation) leading to short circuit or power attenuation of batteries.
Tips for Effectively Cleaning Solar Panels
- Ideal Time for Cleaning: It is advisable to clean the panels during early mornings or late evenings when they are cool to touch. Do not clean them during peak sunlight hours as the excess heat might cause the detergent and water to evaporate quickly thus leaving residues behind.
- Frequency of Panel Cleaning: The maintenance schedules depend on the environment conditions, your location parameters and other climatic factors such as excess snow. Cleaning away all the debris and dust once in every 3 months is necessary as it enhances energy absorption.
- Right tools for cleaning solar panels: Use soft brushes or sponges to remove the dirt and dust from the panels. Mild detergents mixed with water create a good cleaning solution to remove the intricate and fine particles. You can use a squeegee to eliminate the excess water on the panels. If your panels are located high on the roofs, you might require a ladder to clean them safely.
- Distilled Water: Using distilled water adds an extra shine to the panels and removes the hard water and mineral stains on the surface of the panels. Although using distilled water is an optional step, consider it only if the stains are too hard to remove by normal water.
Safety Precautions
The most common safety precautions while cleaning solar panels are:
- Always turn off the solar system to avoid any electrical risks.
- Use of safety gloves and non-slippery footwear is recommended.
- Mild detergents are to be used instead of harsh chemicals.
- When working with heights use stable ladders and safety harness.
- Use appropriate soft brushes and cleaning tools.
Conclusion
The blog outlines the essential tips and techniques for effectively maintaining and cleaning solar panels to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Make sure to employ the above guidelines and procedures to enhance your solar panel’s energy consumption.
