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Solar Panel Maintenance: Everything You Need to Know

Solar panel cleaning and maintenance is necessary to ensure that your units are working optimally, regardless of the weather condition it has been subjected to. Unclean solar panels are more likely to be less efficient when it comes to harnessing the sun’s energy to produce electricity. Likewise, solar panels that are not maintained are prone to damage that could have been prevented if the panels were properly inspected. In line with this, below are everything you need to know when it comes to the cleaning and maintenance of solar panels.

Frequency of Solar Panel Maintenance

Ideally, you should have your solar panels checked at least once a year regardless of whether you have photovoltaic (PV) or thermal units mounted. Just make sure that you look for a solar system service maintenance expert who is well-versed with the specific type of panel you have installed on your roof. In this way, you are guaranteed that your panels will have the proper cleaning and maintenance done on them depending on their type.

However, there are certain instances wherein annual cleaning and maintenance will prove to be insufficient, particularly if you live in an area that is exposed to agricultural dust, sand, or pollution. In this case, your panels will tend to accumulate dirt sooner, which means that you need to have them cleaned and maintained more frequently. Aside from your location, the weather condition in your area can also affect the frequency of cleaning your panels.

Ideal Schedule for Solar Panel Maintenance

The most suitable time to have your panels cleaned and maintained is during the end of the winter season because it is during this time that the sun returns. As a result, solar output levels are also on the rise. However, make sure to book a schedule with a licensed solar power system technician beforehand because it is also during this time that there are several installation requests.

Solar Panel Maintenance Operations

  • Inspection

One of the primary ways to know whether your solar panels are due for cleaning and maintenance is by performing a visual inspection. In this case, you will be able to know immediately if your panels are already dirty and remove visible dirt and dust accordingly. It is also through a visual inspection that you will be able to know whether your panels have acquired any damages.

  • Cleaning

Apart from a visual inspection, cleaning your panels is also a part of its maintenance operations. To clean the surface of your panels, all that you need is soft, lukewarm water, as well as a non-abrasive sponge. This means that you should steer clear from using cold water because it can result in a thermal shock when applied to a warm panel. In the same manner, hard water can leave a white residue on the panels, which can affect their performance. On the other hand, an abrasive sponge can cause scratches on the panels.

  • Monitoring

Finally, monitoring the output of your solar power system is another maintenance operation that you should not overlook. In this way, observe closely whether your solar output has decreased significantly or is showing an output level that is lower than normal. This can be due to unclean panels, which signifies that you should consider maintenance services.

The Bottomline

You need to ensure that your solar panels are clean and well-maintained because in doing so, you will be able to maximize the benefits that you can get from it. It will also lengthen the lifespan of your panels, which means that you get more from your investment. Rest assured that in the end, all your efforts in cleaning and maintaining your panels will be worth it.