Solar Panel Maintenance And Cleaning
Why solar panel maintenance and cleaning is important?
Solar panels are very reliable as energy generators but they can lose that efficiency if they are not maintained on a regular basis. You may forget since once the panels are installed, you might not even remember that they are there powering your home. Although they do not require a lot of maintenance, it pays to get them regularly checked. That way any hidden damages can be taken care of before the panels can break down.
Solar panels or PV panels do not come cheap and we are talking about the new ones. Installation is an investment that you make for your future finances. It stands to reason that your investment will not live up to expectations down the line.
A good solar panel maintenance and cleaning service will offer a full suite of inspection and testing services that will include a visual inspection by trained professionals. They should also be capable of checking electrical components of the system for efficiency and re-connect them once they have been repaired. If required they should also be able to provide a solution for recurring issues and implement it on request as well.
Important of a maintenance contract
Ever solar system has its own set of requirements and this includes how it is cleaned and maintained. The installer or manufacturer who installed your panels should offer a contract to this effect. Some of the service levels that can be included in the deal are as follows:
• Yearly cleaning and maintenance that can maximize the efficiency of the solar panels especially for bird droppings or environmental pollution that can degrade the material.
• String test for PV panels
• Visual inspection for all of the solar panels installed on the property.
• Checks on inverter systems
• Inspection of roof conditions
• Repair and replacement of damaged components
• Current and voltage check to ensure maximum energy efficiency
If solar panel maintenance and cleaning is not done at all it can accumulate a lot of dust and debris that can prevent sunlight from reaching the panels. Simply put the more dirt that is on there the least amount of charge your home or property will get. The loss may be as little as 25% or as much as 30% depending on the type of panels you have. The good news is that that dirt can be cleaned easily if it is done regularly. In other words, irregular maintenance can put your panels back at least 5 years.
Do not depend on the rain to keep your solar panels clean. The water might do more harm than good and it is one of the reasons why people get their panels cleaned after a storm. Cleaning the panels yourself is not a wise idea since your ministrations can leave water behind which can damage the panels further. The deposits might stain the solar system and even a professional may not be able to clean them later.