5 Steps To Provide Proper Care For Solar Panels

If you’re here, I’m sure you have installed solar panels in your home, work, or wherever, so congratulations on that. But do you know that it also requires maintenance? If you want to function with full capacity, you must keep it clean and well-maintained. When it comes to proper care for solar panels, it’s important to consider expert advice from companies like Blue Raven Solar for the best maintenance practices.

Solar panels have become so common nowadays that according to Stanford researchers, there are currently over 1.47 million solar panels operating across 48 US states.

So, here are a few tips on how to maintain solar panels.

1. Keep them under the sun

It is mandatory to always keep the solar panels directly under the sun. As solar panels use solar energy, if they are positioned in the shelter, this will drastically reduce the output of the solar panels and can also result in a power outage.

So if 1/4 of the panel is darkened, you’re not only losing 1/4 of the panel’s output; you’re probably losing more than half. Plus, you’re also losing money if it doesn’t serve the purpose you installed it for.

2. Supervise your panels

Keep a close eye on your solar panels at all times. Regular supervision and inspection can keep future problems at bay and also help you tend to the existing ones at the earliest.

You don’t have to check the panels every day because that is physically impossible. Solar panels come with a long 25-year warranty, so if something goes wrong, you can always call for professional help and get the panels checked for free.

3. Keep track of your panels’ functioning on a daily basis

Write down what your system has created for the day if you want to take it a step further. Make a note or an asterisk for days that are exceptionally overcast, as these will skew your data and aren’t always indicative of a system failure.

For example, make a separate entry for solar panels used for commercial outdoor lighting and record their day-to-day usage. Keeping a regular track of the panel usage can help you check if the system is still up and running and it will be easier to detect damages if there are any.

Monitoring systems are now available in a variety of formats, including those that display readings on a panel in your home, download data to your desktop, and allow you to customize a website with your solar statistics.

For more information, speak with your solar installer. It appears that a new line of green jobs may be on the horizon. There are neighborhoods full of solar panels all throughout your city that may use a nice spring cleaning if you don’t fear heights or slippery heights.

4. Inspect the components regularly

Solar panels are generally installed on the rooftops of multi-storeyed buildings. So there is a chance that the solar panels will get dirty as they’re constantly exposed to dust particles in the air. If there is a power outage, call for professional help, and also ask them to clean the dirt that has accumulated on the panels.

While you are cleaning, don’t forget to recheck the panels for some tiny shards of glass or dust or frayed wires. Check if there is some water leakage or a damaged section to be extra sure. Also, look for broken glass, missing fasteners, and frayed wire.

An early examination can help you avoid several problems that can later lead to hefty costs. If you observe anything strange, you should call your solar contractor right away. Do not attempt to fix your solar system yourself; it is best left to a knowledgeable specialist.

5. Keep your eyes on the energy usage

Many solar panels come with a 24/7 monitoring system which facilitates better supervision on the panels. Installing such devices can be very helpful, as it will allow you to keep an eye on the panels through the system website or the smartphone application.

Notify your Solar Panel Installer if you notice an unexpected drop in electricity production and make an appointment for an inspection right away.

Over to you…

These preventative maintenance techniques can help your solar system last longer and work more efficiently. Going solar is always a good idea because it produces clean electricity, lowers your electric bill, and, in most circumstances, requires very little upkeep.