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Solar Panels

Solar Panel Care and Maintenance

Comprehensive Guide to Solar Panel Maintenance

Solar Panels Technicians

Maintaining your solar panels is key to ensuring they continue producing energy at maximum efficiency. Although solar panels are durable and require minimal maintenance due to having no moving parts, there are a few essential tips to keep in mind.

First, regularly clean the panels to remove dirt, dust, and debris that can accumulate and reduce efficiency. Next, inspect the panels and surrounding area for shading that may affect sunlight exposure.

Also, monitor the performance of the system to detect any issues early, such as a decrease in power output. Finally, schedule professional inspections and maintenance checks periodically to ensure the system is functioning optimally. By following these practices, you can protect your investment and maximize the productivity of your solar panels.

Sun-Watch: Tracking Your Solar Installation

An effective way to ensure the long-term health and optimal performance of your solar system is by regularly monitoring its energy production. This enables you to quickly detect and resolve any issues that may arise.

According to Brian Lynch, a solar industry expert with 15 years of experience at REC Group, "It's important to check your system at least once a month to spot any inconsistencies or underperforming panels—possibly more often if you use the solar power to charge your electric vehicle." During the initial 3-6 months, you might find yourself frequently checking the monitoring app and sharing its capabilities with others.

Today's solar systems typically come with a monitoring application, such as the Enphase Enlighten app shown below, allowing you to keep track of your system's performance with ease.

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Production variations can occur due to each solar panel's specific placement, angle, exposure to sunlight, and shading conditions. If one panel shows a significantly lower output than others, it's advisable to contact your installer for investigation.

Some apps can alert you to any irregularities in your system’s performance.

Your installer may have access to monitor the system remotely and can often carry out preliminary troubleshooting before a site visit to resolve any issues.

Avoid attempting maintenance on your solar system yourself, as it poses a serious safety hazard and could void warranties from the installer and manufacturer.

What influences the price per watt of a solar system?

Cleaning your solar panels is often a low-maintenance task, especially in areas that receive regular rainfall. According to Lynch, rain naturally washes away dust, soiling, and bird droppings, keeping your panels clean. Additionally, snow melting off the panels can help remove dust and debris.

However, there are situations where rain might not be sufficient to keep your panels clean. These include living in an area with scarce rainfall, having panels installed flat rather than at an angle, or being near construction sites that generate dust. In such cases, periodic cleaning may be necessary to avoid production losses due to soiling.

Guidelines for Cleaning Rooftop Solar Panels: Best Practices and Mistakes to Avoid

If you feel your solar panels need cleaning, follow these guidelines to ensure safe and effective maintenance:

Do:

  • Refer to the installer or manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning your panels.

  • Utilize deionized water for at least the final rinse to avoid mineral buildup from hard water.

  • Use a ladder instead of climbing onto your roof to minimize the risk of damaging the panels.

  • Use a soft cloth for stubborn dirt, such as bird droppings.

  • Allow snow to melt naturally; trying to remove it can damage the panels.

  • Remember, the less you touch your panels, the better!

Don't:

  • Use hot water on cold panels.

  • Scrub or scrape panels with a hard brush or shovel.

  • Allow hard water from a hose to dry on the panels.

  • Apply chemicals like dish soap, Windex, or RainX.

  • Avoiding hard water and chemicals prevents residue and mineral coatings that could diminish your system's performance. Less is more when it comes to cleaning your panels!

Keeping Solar Panels in Top Condition Is Simple

Solar panels offer a unique advantage in their straightforward operation. Unlike other energy sources, photovoltaic solar technology generates electricity without relying on the movement of a turbine.

This characteristic contributes to its appeal as an efficient and affordable option, providing a clean alternative to conventional grid electricity.

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