A good solar system can last for years and provide stable performance for a long time. However, you should still not completely avoid the maintenance of your solar system. Proper solar panel maintenance can help your solar panels perform safely and efficiently for years. If you have recently installed solar panels on your property or it’s been years and you have not worked on their maintenance, this article can help.
In this article, we have covered a comprehensive guide on properly maintaining your solar panels, the signs your system needs maintenance, and the things you should completely avoid to keep your panels working efficiently.
Do solar panels need maintenance?
There is a wide misconception that solar panels don’t need proper maintenance, but that’s not true. Your solar panels won’t need as much maintenance as a boiler, but maintenance is still necessary. By following basic practices like regular cleaning and inspection, you can make sure that your solar panels’ performance doesn’t derail because of minor negligence.
Most solar photovoltaic cells work more efficiently when they are clean and free of debris; therefore, proper maintenance of your solar panels becomes crucial. Otherwise, accumulated dust and debris can cover the cells and reduce the amount of sunlight they absorb, ultimately decreasing the efficiency of your solar panels.
Basic Solar Panel maintenance practices
Here are some of the best practices you need to follow for proper maintenance of your solar panels.
1- Clean your panels
Solar panel cleaning is crucial. It is recommended to clean your solar panels at least two times per year. However, the frequency of cleaning solar panels can also vary depending on the weather and site conditions. For instance, if there are any construction sites near your home, your panels will need frequent cleaning because of dust accumulation. It is also important to note that when it comes to cleaning your solar panels, avoid using abrasive cleaning tools and chemical agents.
2- Carry out a visual inspection
It is also recommended to keep doing a visual inspection of your solar panels and overall system. It helps you detect any possible damage, such as cracks, breaks, and loose connections, that can cause bigger damage. If you are inspecting it frequently, you will immediately spot such an issue and get it fixed before it can damage your system more.
3- Monitor your Panels
While visual inspection will help you keep track of external damages, it is important to keep monitoring the panels’ performance as well. For instance, when you get Doart solar panels, you can keep monitoring the real-time performance of your panels. It helps you immediately notice any efficiency drop or if a panel isn’t working well, so you can get it checked immediately.
4- Remove any potential dangers
If your solar panels are installed in areas where there are overhanging branches or any other such thing that can cause potential damage to your panels, it is better to get them removed. Also, make sure that your panels are not in shady areas, as it can badly affect their performance.
5- Address common technical issues
Remember to never avoid minor technical issues in your solar system, such as if your inverter is not working properly, there is corrosion on the wiring, or if you notice faulty wiring. Such issues should be addressed immediately. It’s better to get a professional inspection and repair done to save your panels from long-term damage.
What are the major signs that your solar panels need maintenance?
The signs that your solar panels need maintenance can vary depending on different conditions. Sometimes some visual signs may appear, or sometimes the performance of the panels might drop, indicating there is some issue. Visual signs can be discoloration or obstruction of the panels, which will indicate that it’s high time that you clean your panels. If you notice a performance drop in your solar panels, then it means that there might be some technical fault in your panel or solar system.
Another sign that you should keep an eye on is the increased number of insects or pests around solar panels. The pest activity around your solar panels suggests the need for cleaning.
Final Verdict!
Proper maintenance of your solar panels is essential for maximizing their efficiency and longevity. Regular cleaning, visual inspections, and monitoring performance are key practices to ensure optimal operation. Addressing minor issues promptly can prevent more significant problems in the future. Remember, clean panels absorb more sunlight, enhancing their efficiency. Monitoring performance helps detect any drop in efficiency early on, ensuring timely repairs. By following these maintenance tips, you can keep your solar system operating at peak performance for years to come.