When you install solar panels on your home, you’re making a long-term investment. Panels come with a guarantee, but the amount of time they last vary by manufacturer. On average, panels last around 25 years, which is likely longer than the length of your mortgage. If you install solar panels, you’ll save on electricity costs and have one less bill to worry about each month. Depending on where you live and how much electricity costs in your area, you can save thousands of dollars over the life of your panels. These panels aren’t something that will need replacing next year or even the year after that ideally, they’ll last for decades.
Keeping your solar panels in tip-top condition is essential to ensuring they continue producing energy for as long as possible. We all know that maintenance is an essential part of owning a home or any other property, but when it comes to solar panel maintenance, what do we need to know? If you’re planning on installing solar panels at home, read on to find out everything you need to know about solar panel maintenance.
Why is Solar Panel Maintenance Important?
Solar panels generally come with a 25-year warranty, but for your panels to live up to that expectation, you need to be sure you’re taking care of them properly. Solar panels need to be cleaned regularly, and you’ll also want to make sure to check for any signs of wear and tear. If you can see any cracks in the panels, they need to be replaced immediately. Cracks let in moisture which causes even more damage to the panels. When cleaning your solar panels, you can use a garden hose to spray off any dust that has accumulated. Make sure to avoid using any acidic sprays; these can damage the panels. You’ll also want to make sure to blow any leaves and debris off of the panels.
Leaves host a lot of molds and fungi that can damage your panels as well. If you ignore these warning signs and don’t perform the necessary maintenance, you could end up damaging your panels beyond repair. If that happens, you won’t have any power from your solar panels, which means you’ll have to rely solely on your power company. That could end up costing you a lot of money, so it’s important to maintain your solar panels.
Check for Leaks
When you’re cleaning your solar panels, make sure to look for any signs of damage. If you see any leaks, you’ll want to contact a specialist immediately to make sure the damage doesn’t get worse. Leaks aren’t uncommon with solar panels, but they can be easily fixed. If you leave a leak unattended for too long, it could cause serious damage to the rest of your panels. If you find that your solar panels have sustained damage, don’t panic. You can schedule an appointment with a solar panel repair service to have the damage fixed. Repairing solar panels isn’t cheap, but it’s better than having to buy new panels altogether.
Change the Light-sensitive Tapes
As you clean your solar panels, you’ll also want to make sure to change the light-sensitive tapes. These are the parts of your panels that detect when the sun is out so your panels can start producing energy. Over time, these light sensors are bound to break, so you’ll need to change them every few years. If you don’t change these light sensors, your solar panels won’t be able to produce energy during the day, which isn’t good. You can find light sensors for your solar panels at most hardware stores. These sensors aren’t very expensive, so it’s worth replacing them every few years to make sure your panels are functioning properly.
Check the Battery
If your panels are connected to batteries, you’ll want to make sure to check the battery every so often. If the battery is dirty or has any signs of corrosion, you’ll want to clean it or replace it. If the battery is too dirty or corroded, it might not charge properly, which can cause the rest of your solar panels to stop working. You can have your battery checked at a solar panel cleaning or repair service. If you find that your battery is dying, you’ll want to replace it as soon as possible. Batteries are expensive, so it’s best to replace them before they die completely. It’s helpful to keep track of the battery’s voltage to determine when it’s time to change the battery. A drop in voltage below about 12.6 volts can indicate that the battery is reaching the end of its life. Many batteries have a voltmeter on the side that can be monitored to see when the voltage drops below a certain point. It’s also important to keep batteries clean and dry to extend their lifespan. If a battery is being used frequently, it’s recommended that it be checked and possibly replaced every six months.
Rotate the panels
If you’ve owned your solar panels for a few years, chances are that they’re facing east. While this is generally fine, if you leave them facing east for too long, they could get dirtier and less efficient. To combat this, you’ll want to rotate your panels every few years. This process is pretty simple and should only take a few hours. You’ll want to bring a stepladder, a bucket, and a scrub brush to clean the panels, as well as a carpenter’s level to make sure they’re straight. You’ll also want to purchase some mounting brackets so you can turn your panels. This process will take some time, but it’s worth doing so your panels stay clean and efficient. It’s important to maintain your solar panels so they can provide the most energy for your household or business. Regular cleaning will extend the life of your panels and keep them running at maximum efficiency. It doesn’t take much effort to keep your solar panels in good shape, and it can provide significant savings for years to come.
Conclusion
As you clean your solar panels, you’ll also want to make sure to check for any signs of wear and tear. Look for cracked or broken panels, loose wiring, and missing screws. If you find any issues, you’ll want to get them fixed as soon as possible. If a panel is cracked or broken, it could fall off, which is dangerous. If the wiring is loose, it could short-circuit and cause a fire. And if a screw is missing, it could fall off and get lost, which would cause more damage. If you spot any of these issues, contact a solar panel cleaning or repair service to get them taken care of. You should also make sure to keep your solar panels clean so they can perform at their best. Dirt, grime, dust, and debris can negatively impact the efficiency of your solar panels and reduce their lifespan. Therefore, it is important to maintain your solar panels and keep them clean. You can do this by sweeping them regularly, hosing them down, or using a Solar Panel cleaning system. Doing so will help your panels work more efficiently, produce more power, and last longer. You can do this by sweeping your roof, using a long-handled brush to knock any dead insects off the panels, and using insecticides to kill off any insects. You can also clean your panels using bleach or water with a bit of bleach in it.
