Solar panels are a cost-effective, sustainable, and great investment for powering your home with clean and green energy for several decades. A solar system offers numerous benefits, from reducing your energy bill to preventing global warming. Installing solar panels is an excellent way to switch to renewable energy.
Once installed, a typical solar system usually lasts for about 25–30 years, giving a high return on investment. In order to get the maximum value from solar systems, they need to be maintained. Solar system maintenance mainly involves cleaning the solar panels, so that they perform optimally and are free from any safety issues.
Common Factors that Negatively Impact the Performance of Solar Panels
When it comes to performing solar panel maintenance, here are the main issues that impact the performance of solar panels in a negative way.
- Accumulation of leaves, dust, dirt, and debris
- Solar panel positioning
- Bird droppings
- Vermin damage
- Solar panel fractures
- Heavy snowfall
- Malfunctioned solar power meter
How Frequently Do Solar Panels Require Maintenance?
When installed correctly, solar panels require minimal maintenance to provide power and continue running smoothly. For seamless and safe functioning, solar system maintenance and inspection need to be done at least once every 12–18 months.
Cleaning
- Cleaning is a key aspect of solar system maintenance.
- The solar panels need to be cleaned at least twice a year.
- It helps to reduce accumulated debris, dust, and other pollutants.
- It boosts the efficiency of solar systems.
- If you live in an area that does not have much dust or debris, one cleaning per year may be sufficient.
- For the DIY approach, you’ll need a good quality soft brush, clean water, and detergent to clean the panels.
- You can also get the job done through a professional solar panel maintenance company.
Annual inspection
A professional will inspect your solar system once a year to ensure that it is working properly.
Additional maintenance
If you find any issue with the solar system, you can schedule additional maintenance when required.
Telltale Signs that Your Solar System Needs Maintenance
Apart from the regular cleaning of dust, debris, and leaves and the annual inspection, there won’t be a need for any additional solar system maintenance. However, there may be some potential warning signs or red flags due to which you may need to book an inspection much sooner than scheduled.
- Low energy output
- Steadily rising electricity bills
- Discolouration of solar panels
- Broken solar cells
- Scratches on the glass
- Loose solder connections
- Cracks in the panel
Most homeowners in Australia prefer hiring solar panel maintenance professionals for cleaning and inspection. Since the solar panels are located on the roof, hiring an expert and experienced professional for solar system maintenance would be safer and a wise decision, too.
You can contact Isolux Solar for more information about solar panel and their maintenance.
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