Solar Panel Maintenance: How to Maximise Efficiency

Solar Panel maintenance is a hot topic these days because of the increase in the demand for sustainable energy. Stats show that the photovoltaics industry in the United States has uninterruptedly grown in recent years. Therefore, the demand and supply of solar panels have seen a global increase.

As more and more people are using solar panels as a means of electricity, many unfamiliar with the use of the latest technology also need help with a few problems and solar panel maintenance is one of the major issues.

Installing a solar panel is way easier than maintaining its integrity because it seems so delicate that any layman feels reluctant to touch it frequently. Therefore, we brought this easy guide for you. In this article, we will explain how solar panel maintenance is done without breaking a sweat.

Solar Panel Maintenance: Why It Is Important?

Maintenance plays a significant role in the longevity of electronic devices. Whether it’s your car, refrigerator, or solar panel, you need a regular check and balance to get the most out of your investment.

Although solar panels are made to withstand extreme weather and work for at least 20 to 25 years, if you clean and inspect them for damage regularly you can extend the life span to 30 years.

However, the sole reason for maintaining a solar panel is the unrestricted supply of electricity. A solar panel is a photovoltaic cell that absorbs solar energy and if there is a barrier in the smooth flow of solar light, it can affect the output of your panel.

Therefore, if you are seeing a lower output, you need to check for cleaning and repair needs.

Solar Panel Maintenance: The Ultimate Cleaning Tips

Cleaning solar panels is not very difficult but it does require some caution to ensure the safety of the panel. Therefore, go through this solar panel maintenance checklist to maximize the efficiency of your solar panel. Remember these are DIY maintenance tips and you do not require any expert for it.

1. If your solar panel has debris and dust after piling up, you can use a water hose to wash it down.
2. Do not use any washing agents or soaps for cleaning solar panels because it will leave streaks on them.
3. Also, try to clean your solar panel while the sun is out because when water evaporates fast, it leaves smudges behind.
4. Whipping the solar panel with a nonabrasive microfiber cloth can also do the trick if there is not much dust.
5. Sometimes birds or other small animals make solar panels their habitat. This can damage the panel. Therefore, it is advised to install any bird or rodent obstacle to avoid this problem.
6. Remember to turn off the solar panel system before cleaning.

Cleaning Solar Panels in Winter

In winter, the major problem for solar panel users is persistent snow that does not melt down or slide off on its own. If you go through this situation, you can spray off the snow with lukewarm water or brush with something non-abrasive. Never use warm water for cleaning a solar panel because it can cause damage to the cells by changing temperature ranges.

These are some basics for solar panel maintenance and cleaning. However, you might want to keep account of any minor or major damage if the solar panel stops working even after regular cleaning.

Solar Panel Maintenance: Inspection and Repair

Here comes the more professional need for solar panel maintenance. If you are cleaning your solar panel regularly and still face any problems with its efficiency, a deep inspection might be needed.

Solar panels are often subjected to damage that has nothing to do with cleaning. Your solar panel can go through natural degradation due to regular exposure to sunlight and you might need to replace it as its life span approaches the end.

However, there are other problems that can decrease the output of your solar panel, such as wiring. Wires can get corrosive over time or overheated. You must look for loose connections and exposed wires if there is a decrease in the output or any fluctuation in the power.

Micro cracks can also develop due to extreme weather such as hail storms so a timely inspection and call for solar panel maintenance services must be considered. Another possible problem that requires a professional solar panel maintenance service is inverter failure.

The inverter converts DC current into AC and if it is not working, the efficiency of the solar panel will be compromised. Luckily, modern solar panels have a monitoring system that alerts you if there is any malfunction in the panel. Always keep an eye on the alert system so that you can take prompt action if something goes wrong.

Experts from solar panel maintenance companies can repair minor damages such as micro cracks or wiring malfunction. If the issue is a major damage, such as broken cells or cracks then you may have to replace your panels. Remember to contact the installer company and check for any warranty to cover the damage cost.

Cost of Solar Panel Maintenance

Solar panel maintenance costs around $100-$1500. It is not a definite range because the ultimate expenses of repair depend on the kind of solar panel maintenance service you want. If you are going for a professional cleaning, it will cost you around 150$-300$ per visit.

However, if your solar panel has minor damage the cost can go to 500$. Sometimes, there is a wiring issue that requires removing a panel, fixing a wire, and then fighting it back, so it can cost even more.

Additionally, you may need an inverter or solar battery replacement so you want to spare some money for that too. If your solar panel is damaged severely, replacing it is the ultimate choice. So, you have to check with the solar panel maintenance companies available in your area for a better cost estimation.

Final Analysis

Solar panel maintenance is not a very difficult task if done right. No matter how much you spend on a solar panel, if you are not doing regular inspections and cleaning, your panel can end up dead long before its original life span.

Therefore, we recommend the habit of regular check-ups, cleaning, and calling the experts immediately if the damage is extensive.

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