Solar Panel Installation and Maintenance

Solar Panels are a great way to save money and reduce energy costs. But they also need regular maintenance to keep them functioning at their best.

Solar panels typically come with warranties that cover issues like power output and unexpected damage from weather. If a warranty is included, the solar manufacturer will repair or replace your panels if they don't meet their performance standards. To know more about solar panel installation click here.

Weather

Solar panels can produce electricity in various weather conditions, and the right maintenance routine will keep them running smoothly for years to come.

 

First, the most obvious thing to do is clean your solar panels regularly — especially in dry climates where dust is prevalent. This easy way to maintain system performance will help you avoid expensive repairs.

Second, it's worth noting that the best solar panels can withstand strong winds. Most modern panels are engineered to withstand wind speeds of 90 mph.

 

Despite these perks, the weather can hurt solar energy production, particularly in regions that don't see as much sun. This is why selecting a professional who can handle all of the details during solar panel installation and maintenance is important. This includes designing the most efficient solar power system for your location. The weather may be an obstacle, but with proper planning, you can achieve your energy goals while reducing your carbon footprint.

Dust

Whether dry or wet, rain or snow, the dust that settles on solar panels reduces their power output. It also adds a layer of dirt and particulates that must be removed before the panel can function.

 

If your location is high-dust, you may have to clean your panels more frequently than expected. This can cause a reduction in your energy production by up to 40%, according to research.

 

To keep your solar panels clean, use a long-handled brush and some soapy water to scrub away dust. You should also avoid harsh chemicals that can scratch the glass surface of the solar panel.

While snow and ice don't block the sun's rays, they can create hotspots that cause your system to overheat. Li recommends pouring lukewarm water over your panels before and after they accumulate snow or ice to keep these issues from occurring.

Snow

Snow is often annoying in winter, but it doesn't stop solar panels from generating energy. On the contrary, cold temperatures increase panel productivity, and snow can reflect light onto them, maximizing production.

However, solar systems must typically be maintained when snow covers the roof. This can be done with a soft brush, or if the snow is too thick, you may want to hire professionals to remove it.

Even if your panels aren't covered with snow, they could be damaged by harsh brushes or metal-edged shovels. These tools don't work well for a solar panel and could cause damage or void your warranty.

Falling Objects

Falling objects in the workplace can cause serious injuries, as they can easily slip from a worker's grasp or trip them up. Falling objects are responsible for several OSHA-recordable incidents every year.

 

Fortunately, solar panels are equipped with a tough layer of tempered glass that can take some damage before it breaks. However, extreme weather events such as hail are a big risk since they can crack or break a panel.

If your solar system suffers damage from the elements, you must call in a service team. They'll either repair or take your broken panels to a glass recycling facility for reuse.

 

If you need to get your solar panels cleaned, a good approach is to pour lukewarm water onto them. But don't use hot water, which can warp the tempered glass and make it more likely to crack.