As people become more environmentally conscious and understand the repercussions of global warming, many are trying to play their part as responsible citizens by adopting sustainable lifestyle habits, such as using solar panels for energy production and relying less on burning fossil fuels.
Installing solar panels on your roof can have many benefits. They provide you with cheap,
renewable solar energy and can last more than 25 years. Solar panels have a long life, but their efficiency can decrease after a certain period. While they don’t require regular maintenance checks like cars, taking proper care of the panels can slow down the degradation process or indicate when repairs need to be made. Here are a few tips you can follow to ensure your solar panels work effectively for a long time.
1. Keep Surface Clean
Keeping the surface of solar panels clean is vital to their effectiveness. When a panel’s surface is blocked, it absorbs less sunlight and cannot produce electricity at its maximum capacity. To ensure the panels work at optimum levels, you should regularly wipe them with a detergent-soaked brush. When cleaning the panels, do it when they are cool because during the day, they emanate heat, and you may risk burning yourself. You can also consider bird proofing the panels, so you don’t have to clean the solar panels too often. Solar panels are resilient against bad weather, but snow storms can cover them with thick flakes that hinder electricity generation. In the event of approaching hail or snow, you can cover the panels with a tarp until the storm passes or clear the snow afterward. When you put in the effort to clean your panels, you will be able to reap the rewards they offer for much longer.
2. Trim Trees
Initially, when your solar provider installs solar panels, they will ensure no shade from
surrounding trees falls on them by trimming branches. However, the branches will eventually begin to grow back. When you feel the panels' energy production is reducing because of the shade, you should trim the trees again. By preventing shadows from covering the solar panels, you enable them to work at their optimum levels.
3. Check Electrical Wiring
If you wish to get the optimum solar energy, regularly check the electrical wiring of the panels. With time, the wiring can corrode or get chewed on by creatures like squirrels. This damage will prevent your solar panels from producing power. When damaged, replace the wires immediately to ensure the panels continue working effectively.
4. Document Performance
To monitor the performance of your solar panels, you may consider keeping a written record of the monthly kWh of power they produce. This record will help you identify when the panels’ performance suddenly drops. You can then contact your solar provider to investigate the matter and make any repairs accordingly. It’s always a good idea to prevent the problem from worsening by making repairs as soon as they arise. If you do not document the monthly performance, you may end up ignoring issues that can heavily compromise the life span of your solar panels.
Endnote
Solar panels are a wise investment, especially in areas that receive ample sunlight. They are environmentally friendly and provide you with cheap electricity. Good solar panels can last for a long period, but their efficiency does decrease over time. You can not stop the panels from dying out, but you can try to extend their life span and effectiveness by following the maintenance tips mentioned above. Performing maintenance operations bi-annually is sufficient to ensure that your solar panels work properly. However, you should frequent your checks in certain situations like hurricanes.
