A Breakdown of Solar Panel Maintenance
The team at Captain Green know how important it is for your solar panels to undergo regular maintenance. Periodic checks on the efficiency and safety of your solar panels will lead to getting the best results out of your panels, ultimately, achieving the best savings when it comes to your electricity bill.
Solar panel cleaning refers to washing the panels of debris, dirt and any other substances such a bird droppings, which might inhibit the effectiveness of their energy production. Maintenance, on the other hand, refers to technical work completed upon the panels usually provided by a professional to check the actual mechanics of your solar panel system.
Why do my solar panels need regular maintenance?
When dust or debris build-up on the surface of solar panels, it can cast shadows which in turn leads to a decrease in sunlight which hits the panels and can be converted into energy. Even though solar panels are extremely durable, if there is a significant build-up, this can affect the tempered glass, anodised aluminium, and tracking arrays.
Water and seepage, vermin, hail, wind and even sunlight can all cause damage to your system and without regular maintenance may result in deterioration, subsequently reducing the performance of your panels.
Who can undertake regular maintenance of my solar panel system?
We highly recommend that your solar panel system is inspected by an electrician or
Clean Energy Council-accredited solar panel system installer. Whilst it might seem like a fun idea to take this mission upon yourself, solar panels are unlike regular electronics. Simply switching them off does not mean parts of the system no longer pose a safety risk. Furthermore, with panelling often being positioned on roofs, it can be dangerous to start investigating your system without the requisite training and tools.
What is involved during the maintenance of my solar panel system?
You can kill two birds with one stone when having your solar panel system checked by a professional. The accredited professional can clean away any debris which may impact the performance of your system. They may use a leaf blower or simply sweep away leaves. For tougher stains like grime of that bird poo that just won’t budge, they may use lukewarm water or a solar panel cleaning solution with a soft sponge. It’s important to remember that ‘hard water’ which is used in some areas can actually contribute to the build-up of dirt and the minerals and then harden in the sun. Detergents are also not terribly effective as they may leave streaks and attract more dirt when they are drying.
When the cleaning is complete, the maintenance can begin. Regular maintenance of your solar panel system should check:
– Solar panels are clean, secure and not in ill repair
– No components have deteriorated or corroded
– That vents are free of debris
– That switches do not have any defects
– That wiring has not been damaged or corroded
– The electrical elements to ensure all parts are operating as intended and at maximum performance
– All fittings and cables are securely attached and have not been damaged
– The inverter display panel for any recorded faults
– Access to the isolator switches has not been obscured
Does severe weather impact the frequency at which I should have my panels inspected?
Made of durable material, solar panels are specifically designed to endure all kinds of weather conditions, rain or shine. However, they are not indestructible. Extreme weather such as hail or snow can lead to damage which impedes the effectiveness of systems.
If you reside somewhere with heavy rain or snowfall or a place particularly cold, you may have to frequently clean the panels yourself to clear away ice. If this applies to you, make sure the water is lukewarm and use a sponge to gently wipe away any snow or ice. Avoid using hot water as this can result in the tempered glass panels cracking due to the temperature disparity.
If your panelling surfers damage due to hail, lightning or extreme conditions such as hurricanes, it’s usually just a case of bad luck. When deciding on the best solar panel installers, make sure it includes a comprehensive warranty which covers these circumstances meaning you should be able to have damaged panels repaired or replaced.
Funnily enough, the type of weather which most commonly affects solar panels is extreme heat. This is why panels are elevated off the roof or ground, to allow for air circulation, which can help cool them down and maximise energy production.
What should I do if my solar panels are damaged?
If your panels have suffered damage and need to be repaired or replaced, it’s best to hire a professional. Falling debris like leaves of branches can scratch your solar panels which lower the energy output and can decrease the amount of solar energy each panel can absorb as the scratches prevent the sunlight from shining directly on to the solar cells.
If you think your panels may be damaged and their energy output is not at its peak performance, we suggest you speak to your solar company. They can send a licensed professional to assess your solar panels and report on whether they need to be repaired or replaced. In some instances, this may be covered by a warranty and others, under home and contents insurance. By speaking to a professional, they should be able to inform you whether the damage sustained is covered by warranty or insurance. We do NOT recommend you try to repair or install solar panels yourself.
Final thoughts on solar panel maintenance
Whilst you can not really control the weather, you can take steps to prevent the weather from impacting upon the performance and lifespan of your system too much.
Maintaining your solar panels not only enhances their energy output by making sure that they are clean and free of damage to perform at their best but also increases their working life by taking care of damage when it occurs. For more information, call one of our licensed professionals at Captain Green today!
