6 Tips For Maintaining Your Solar Panel System

There are several benefits to making the switch to solar power. Solar energy systems can help lessen the financial burden of increasing electricity prices while minimizing your negative impact on the environment.

Solar panel systems also require little care or maintenance. Since there are no moving parts, they undergo little degradation over time.

A report revealed that solar life expectancy has increased in recent years, thanks to the more advanced and durable manufacturing technology. Studies estimate that solar panels lose 1% of their effectiveness every year, but that figure has significantly decreased.

The latest solar panels feature monocrystalline silicon, estimated to maintain 92% efficiency after 20 years.

That said, you must keep up with your solar panel maintenance to ensure maximum efficiency. Here are some tips to properly maintain and care for your solar panel system.

1. Hire A Qualified Solar Contractor

If you don’t have the time or skills to keep up with the minimum solar panel maintenance routine, you can call the professionals to handle solar maintenance.

In most cases, the contractor who installed your solar panels may offer maintenance services for your system. Let the experts deal with regular cleaning and check-ups to avoid the hassle of doing it yourself and eliminate the risk of accidents.

Experts have keen eyes to notice possible issues with your solar panels, resolving problems while they are still small and manageable.

If you’re looking for a dependable solar company in Australia, consider contacting Solar Repair Service. They provide expert solar maintenance and repair service to residential homes and commercial properties in Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, and Redton Bay.

2. Regular Inspection

Though high off the ground, solar panels, especially rooftop panels, are not exempt from dirt and debris. It is good practice to check your solar panels from time to time to make sure they are not losing efficiency due to dust and dirt buildup.

Solar panels may also sustain damage during hailstorms or extreme weather conditions. Check them regularly, especially after a storm.

3. Clean The Panels

The most important step in maintaining your solar panel system is regular cleaning.

The same type of dirt accumulating on your windows will find its way to your solar panels, so check their cleanliness now and then. They produce maximum power output if they are kept clear of accumulated debris and dust.

In general, it’s recommended to clean your solar panels at least once a month to remove dust buildup.

You can hire a professional solar cleaning service, especially if your solar is installed on a steep rooftop or you haven’t cleaned it for a long time. They have the proper tools and safety equipment to care for and clean your solar system.

If you want to go the DIY route, use non-abrasive cleaners and a soft rag or sponge to prevent scratches to the glass. To reach all solar panels, you can invest in a long-handled wiper to clean the panels.

4. Tighten Loose Parts

After cleaning your solar panels, you also want to check the nuts, bolts, and joints and tighten any loose parts.

You also want to check for disconnected or loose wires, which may reduce solar power output. Aside from that, these faulty wires can also pose a significant danger of electrocution or cause fires.

5. Trim Trees

Solar panels rely on the sun’s rays to produce energy. If part of the panel is in the shade, it will significantly lower its energy output.

So, if you have trees growing around your home and blocking sunlight from your solar panels, it only makes sense to trim down offending branches to ensure maximum sunlight exposure.

6. Don’t Shovel Off Snow

During the winter season, snow may cover your snow panels and obstruct their exposure to the sun. That said, experts said that you don’t necessarily have to do anything when there’s snow buildup. Generally, solar panels are angled towards the sun, so snow typically slides off them within a few hours.

Also, the heat from your indoor heating helps reduce ice buildup, although it may still take a day or so for ice and snow to melt away.

If you want to remove snow and ice buildup right away, resist the urge to shovel the snow off the panels, as this can cause scratches and damage. Instead, you can spray water on the panel to melt the snow or ice quickly.

Take Away
And there you have it!

Help your solar panel system last a long time by following the solar panel maintenance tips avoid. Like any other piece of equipment, regular and consistent care on your solar panel system ensures that it stays in pristine condition and maximum efficiency.