How to Maintain Your Solar System for a Long Lifespan
One of the best investments you can make for your home or your business is installing solar energy. If you are able to maintain your solar energy, it can last you for decades.
That way, you can easily save enough money from paying electricity bills, avoid constant power outages, while enjoying clean and renewable energy in the process.
However, just like we see in every other system, every component of your solar system will need very good care so that it will be able to give you the longevity you would love to have.
That is why, at Arenahub, it is our belief that providing you with valuable information that helps you get the most out of your solar power system is of utmost priority.
In relation to this, we will try to guide you through the essential maintenance tips you will need in order to keep your solar panel running for so many years.
1. Regular Cleaning of Solar Panels
For your solar panels to work at their immaculate best, you need to keep them clean and free from dirt, dust, and other debris.
As time goes on, these elements have the tendency of building up on the panels, thereby blocking sunlight from reaching the panels.
When enough sunlight is not able to get to the panels, it will inevitably reduce their efficiency.
How to Clean Your Solar Panels
In order to keep your solar panels clean and neat, you need to use a soft brush or sponge.
Please, you should avoid using abrasive materials that could scratch the hard surface of the panels.
Also, make use of mild soap and water and avoid the temptation of using chemicals as they could actually damage the protective coating on the panels.
Rinse with clean water and make sure that there are no soap residues left. If you allow any soap residues, they can attract even more dirt.
Your cleaning should be in the morning or evening; if you clean during the hottest part of the day, it can cause the water to evaporate quickly.
This could leave some streaks behind, and we know you wouldn’t want that.
If you check and clean your solar panels regularly, we assure you that it is going to help maintain their performance and also extend their lifespan.
2. Monitor Your Solar System’s Performance
You need to always keep an eye on the performance of your solar system.
This is very crucial since modern solar systems come with monitoring apps that you could easily use to track energy production in real time.
If there happens to be any sudden drop in power output, it might likely indicate that there is an issue.
It could be dirt buildup, or there might be some faulty components that might need very urgent attention.
What to Check:
Always check your daily energy output. Try to compare your system’s daily app with past records.
This will help you notice if there is any inconsistency. Also, check the inverter display. Remember, the inverter is the heart of your solar system. Make sure it is showing normal readings.
You also need to be alert for warning signals or unusual noises from your inverter that might indicate a potential problem that needs urgent attention.
If you happen to notice any irregularities, it is best you contact professionals like Arenahub to further inspect what might be the problem.
3. Inspect for Physical Damage
No doubt, solar panels are built to be able to withstand very harsh weather conditions, but that does not mean that they are indestructible.
Strong winds, falling branches, and hailstorms can cause serious cracks or other damages to the solar panels, so it is very vital to inspect your panel at intervals for any physical damage.
How to Check for Damage:
To properly check for any damages on your solar panels, always look for visible cracks or scratches that might be on the panel.
You should also check for disconnected or loose wires. Make sure that the mounting structure is still very strong and firm.
If you happen to suspect any damages, you need to get them fixed as soon as possible. That way, you could actually avoid worsening the situation.
READ ALSO:Best Solar Brands in Nigeria (Panels, Inverters & Batteries)
4. Keep the Surroundings Clean
If you allow shading from trees or buildings, or too much dirt accumulates on your solar panels, it could actually reduce the efficiency of your solar panels.
You should always trim bushes that are nearby and make sure that your surrounding areas are clean. That way, it will be easier for your solar panel to receive maximum sunlight.
How to Prevent Shading Issues:
Regularly trim your overgrown trees that are near your solar panels.
Make sure there are no new structures that are blocking sunlight from reaching the panels. Always remove bird nests and leaves that might accumulate around the solar system.
You should also have it at the back of your mind that if you maintain a very clear environment around your solar system, sunlight will get to your system directly, and it will improve the efficiency of your system.
5. Protect Against Pests and Rodents
Don’t underestimate the level of damage that birds, rodents, and other pests can cause to your solar system by simply chewing on wires or even nesting under the panels. The damage can lead to electrical faults or even a complete system failure.
How to Prevent Pest Problems:
You can install mesh wire or even critter guards around your panels. You should inspect regularly for any sign of rodents and also endeavor to seal any entry points.
This is to help prevent animals from getting access to the wires.
If you take these precautions, it is definitely going to help you prevent any costly repair that could be caused by pest damage.
If you follow the instructions in this blog post, we assure you that you can easily maintain your solar panels in order to enjoy a longer lifespan.
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