Investing in solar panels represents an exceptional choice that offers sustainability, cost-efficiency, and the capacity to power your home for many decades to come. Due to these factors, an increasing number of individuals are harnessing the abundance of the sun to power their households through solar energy.
Solar panels are known for their low maintenance requirements, mainly involving only occasional cleaning. It is, however, crucial to maintain the solar panels and offer an unobstructed path to sunlight for their optimal operation.
Solar panels are engineered to withstand harsh weather conditions, such as hail, snow, ice, and strong winds, ensuring their longevity and consistent performance. Typically, solar panels have a remarkable lifespan of 25 years with regular maintenance. However, if you notice a decline in their energy output, it could serve as an indicator that it’s time to perform thorough maintenance.
How to Maintain Solar Panels?
Dust, dirt, and debris accumulate over time on solar panels and start impacting the amount of energy that they produce. Accumulated dust not only reduces the power output but can also create “hotspots” that render the solar panels unfit for further operations.
Typically, a simple and effective method for cleaning solar panels involves spraying down lukewarm water from a hose. It is generally advisable to not use cleaning agents or soap to clean solar panels because they leave streaks that can adversely affect the power output. Spraying lukewarm water and then wiping the water down with a microfiber cloth is enough to ensure that the glass surface is clean to facilitate the absorption of irradiation.
For solar panels with more stubborn deposits, a two-step approach can be employed. Initially, spraying down lukewarm water from a garden hose can loosen the grime, followed by gently wiping them clean using a non-abrasive microfiber cloth.
While cleaning solar panels on a rooftop, it is advisable to always prioritize safety by utilizing a safety harness to avoid potential falls.
How often should solar panels be maintained?
A periodic check is typically sufficient to ensure that solar panels continue to perform efficiently throughout their 25-year lifespan. A check generally involves verifying the cleanliness of panels, checking obstructions, checking the electrical connections, and trying to see if the solar system is performing optimally.
Solar panels require maintenance at intervals ranging from two to four times annually. It is recommended to refer to the solar company’s manual for precise guidelines for safeguarding your solar panels during such maintenance drills. Optimal times for conducting maintenance are during the winter and spring seasons, as they coincide with periods where panel cleaning is often necessary due to debris accumulation, falling leaves, and other environmental elements.
Checklist for Maintenance of Solar Power Systems:
- Regular cleaning of solar panels 3 to 4 times a month.
- Maintain solar energy production records.
- Periodically tighten any loose fasteners.
- Checking all thermal parts.
- Test and up-keep all electrical circuits.
- Continuously monitor and retro-commission faulty parts.
Conducting quarterly checks on solar panels has several advantages, including enhanced performance monitoring allowing prompt problem detection and resolution. Also, regularly maintaining solar panels can decelerate the degradation of solar panels, making it possible to use the solar panels through their intended lifetime.
Typical Issues Found in Solar Panels in a System
While solar panels require minimal maintenance, occasional issues arise. The prominent ones are as given below:
Damage to Solar Panels
Damage to solar panels, like cracked glass surfaces, bent frames, or disaligned solar panels, occurs during severe weather events or due to other external stimuli.
Solar Panel Positioning
This involves changes to the orientation of solar panels due to events like heavy wind, monkey jumping, etc. For ensuring optimum performance from solar panels it is necessary to make sure that solar panels are well positioned with respect to the sun.
Arc Fault
Arc faults occur when high-power electricity generates heat and discharges between conductors within the system.
GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interruption) Problems
GFCI issues may arise due to factors such as excessive moisture in the junction box, broken panels, or damaged wiring.
Vigilantly monitoring the energy output of your solar panels is crucial. Generally, a sustained decrease in production serves as an indicator of the need for maintenance. As solar panels age, their performance naturally diminishes, but during the initial stages of their lifespan, a decline in output is more likely to result from issues such as dirt accumulation or obstructions.
Effect of Extreme Weather on Solar System
Solar panels boast exceptional durability and are engineered to withstand various weather conditions, such as wind, rain, and snow. While solar panels are highly resilient, rare occurrences like hail, hurricanes, and lightning pose a threat to the well-being of solar panels. For prudently covering losses in such incidences, it is advisable to have an insurance policy for a solar system, similar to one that is taken to cover potential hazards to a car. This ensures that the solar panels are promptly repaired and replaced in case of damage in such extreme events.
Conclusion
It is necessary to maintain the solar panels to ensure optimal performance and longevity. By consistently maintaining solar panels, you are not only maximizing the efficiency of the solar energy system but also contributing to a sustainable and eco-friendly future. With proper care and attention, your solar panels will continue to power your life with clean, renewable energy for years to come, making your investment in solar energy both rewarding and environmentally responsible.
About LUBI Electronics
LUBI Electronics is a leading company in India, exhibiting expertise in the automation, solar, and control panel industry.
Our solar offerings include best-in-class solar modules, solar pumps, solar pump controllers and solar inverters.
For more information on our offerings, please reach out to us at lubi@lubielectronics.com.