Solar PV Maintenance
Solar photovoltaic systems may be costly to install but the maintenance is an extra step which homeowners and businesses need to add to their ledgers so that the system can be kept functioning to the best of its ability.
Why Regular Maintenance Is Essential?
The general concept is that solar photovoltaic panels are really sturdy and while this is true they still need a bit of help every now and then since the constant exposure to heat can cause various issues. Electrical tests and inspections can reveal if your unit is living up to its potential or not so that you can continue to reap the benefits of free electricity for years to come.
How The Process Is Carried Out
1. The battery is the first component that is evaluated because it takes all the load of storage and is in constant use day and night. Typically either a sealed gel battery or a lead acid battery is used in PV systems. The battery needs to be taken out and cleaned on a regular basis by the user or by a professional. The electrolyte level is then evaluated. In order for the battery to keep functioning properly it needs to be charged at all times so if it is sitting empty or not being able to retain the charge, this could be the indication of a problem.
2. The solar panels come next and while they may seem like they don’t need any help they do need to be cleaned periodically to keep dust and mold from attaching itself to the surface. It is important to not scratch the surface with metal tools or abrasive dish washer sponges. Any number of things like bird droppings and fungus can accumulate on the panel making it difficult for the rays to be adequately absorbed by the cells.
3. The next thing which should be borne in mind is the wiring and circuits of the unit. The wiring needs to be thoroughly checked for any breaks or cracks because these can lead to electrical hazards as well as leakage of the electrical current. If there is any damage to the ground wires then a professional installation specialist needs to be called.
4. The inverters which are attached to the solar cell arrays need to be evaluated from time to time as well as they can get damaged which can make several dozens of solar cells useful and unable to create electricity.
It can be hard to remember to clean out the unit or get it inspected since they are a part of the structure of the building (curtain walls, PV windows, and solar roofs) and they might look like they don’t need it but corrosion is a common issue that comes with negligence and it can take away from the power output that your unit will be generating. By carrying out timely maintenance you can keep enjoying free electricity as well as supplementing the load on the utility grid and cutting your costs in the long run.