Important Solar Panel Maintenance Tips and Tricks
Anyone who wants to cut costs and live more sustainably should consider investing in solar energy power. Solar energy systems are becoming more common in homes and businesses because they convert sunlight into clean electricity. Like any other component of your house, solar panels are made to be long-lasting and efficient, but they do occasionally need some TLC. Keeping your solar system in optimal condition guarantees that you're receiving the best return on your investment, regardless of how long you've owned it. We'll look at easy, doable solar panel maintenance tips to help you keep your panels clean. Let's move on to the best advice for maintaining the functionality of your system all year long.
Why Solar Panel Upkeep Is More Important Than You May Think
A common misconception is that solar panels can operate consistently after they are installed. Although solar systems are low maintenance, ignoring routine maintenance can result in decreased efficiency and long-term performance problems. Over time, dirt, dust, leaves, and even bird droppings can block sunlight and reduce the output of your panels. Minor problems like loose wiring or shade from recently planted trees might also go unnoticed in the absence of routine inspections. Maintaining your panels will not only protect your investment but also ensure that you get the most out of your annual energy savings.
Tips for Long Term Energy Efficiency
Visual Inspections Every Few Months
You will be able to save a significant amount of money by just visually inspecting your panels monthly for a few minutes. Don’t underestimate the power of a simple inspection. Look for any cloudiness or discoloration of the panels as these signs may indicate residue accumulation. While bird droppings and fallen leaves may seem harmless, these can create shadows and lower your system's performance overall. Any visible wiring issues, glass fractures, or frame dings must be reported immediately.
Clean Your Solar Panels Regularly
This is probably one of the simplest yet most effective method when it comes to keeping your solar panels clean and operating at their optimal best. There are various materials that can fall onto the solar panels such as leaves, debris or general dirt that may block sunlight from reaching the panels which can impact overall performance.
The time of how often your solar panels should be cleaned can vary depending on where you live – we will suggest cleaning your solar panels more often if you live in Ballito or coastal regions as opposed to Kloof or Hillcrest as there may be more residue or salt buildout that may interfere with the panel performance. A general rule of thumb of how often to clean your solar panels is typically twice a year.
How to Clean Solar Panels
- Use Clean Water – Getting clean water from your hose pipe is always a good idea to avoid potential mineral building or water spots that may form on the surface of the solar panels.
- Choose Gentle Detergents – Using water with a mild soapy detergent designed for solar panels or following manufacturers guidelines is often ideal. It’s always a good idea to stay clear of harsh chemicals that can scratch the glass or degrade the materials used in the construction of the panels.
- Select the Right Tools – Soft bristled brushes or sponges work well for removing dust and grime that may be sitting on the panels without causing too much harm and scratching the solar panel. If you’re using cloths or sponges, the best option is microfibre as it effectively lifts dirt without damaging the panels surface.
- Reach with Care – Since majority of solar panels are installed on rooftops this can make it a challenge when needing to reach higher areas, an extendable cleaning pole or handle may be a good alternative if your roof does not allow for easy access to move around and clean your solar panels.
Monitor your Energy Output
Majority of modern solar systems include an online dashboard or monitoring app that allows you to view the amount of energy your panels are generating on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. One of the simplest ways to identify an issue early on is to monitor the performance of your system. A sudden drop in output could mean that something, like dirt, shade, or even a malfunctioning panel, is blocking the sun's rays.
Check for Shading Issues Over Time
When Eagle Eye Solar comes out to your site for a visual site inspection we will assess the best areas to install your solar panels to receive the maximum amount of sunlight with no immediate obstructions that may affect the panel performance. However, as time goes on, there may be sources or shade that develop that impact performance such as tree branches or newly built structures. It’s important to remember that even slight shading can affect the output so to prevent this conduct visual inspections of your system over time to assess any changes in sunlight exposure.
Schedule Professional Maintenance
Basic cleaning and visual inspections can be performed by the homeowner, but it can also be a good idea to get some form of professional maintenance that ensures your solar energy system is operating at the highest capable level. Eagle Eye Solar provides comprehensive and affordable maintenance options for residential and commercial systems. Our technicians will provide a system inspection which may include inverter, wiring, panel and performance analysis to catch any potential problems early on before these have any long-term effects on your solar system. We are located in the Upper Highway area and serve Durban and surrounding areas. Call us today to schedule your annual maintenance and let us help you keep your system working its best.
Key Takeaways: Solar Panel Maintenance at a Glance
- Regular Maintenance helps ensure your solar energy system operates at peak performance and allows you to get the most out of your investment.
- Visual Inspections every few months can help you spot potential issues before these become a problem and require you to call a professional to come out.
- Clean your solar panels at least twice a year, especially in coastal regions.
- Use the monitoring system to rack performance and detect any drops in performance.
- Be on the lookout for new sources of shade such as overgrown trees or new structures that may be impacting sunlight from reaching your solar panels.
- Schedule professional solar system maintenance with Eagle Eye Solar to ensure all components such as panels, inverters and wiring are working safely.