How to maintain solar panels in rain or any weather? This is the question that pops up in everybody’s mind who has installed solar panels or going to install one soon. Solar panel servicing and maintenance is vital to increase its efficiency and life. Use these solar panels maintenance tips and save big money in long term.
A solar energy is a big investment. While the solar panels are designed to last for at least 20 years, the amount of electricity that the panels produce is highly reduced after the first few years. You can ensure maximum productivity by maintaining solar panels correctly. Solar energy is not as carefree as it might sound at first to you. The panels do not require too much care, but you will get the most out of your investment with just a little work.
Clean Your Solar Panels
Your energy panels need to be always kept clean, any dust or snow on the panels prevent the cells from absorbing as much sun as they can. You will get to see a drastic reduction in energy gradually if you don’t keep them as clean as possible. During winters, be sure that you do not forget to brush the snow off the solar panels carefully and completely after every snowfall that takes place.
You may need to dust off any ice particle that forms on the panels, as well. This is possible with the same type of scraper that you use on your car’s windshield. You can also make use of an old credit or bank card that will work perfectly. Do not use water to remove snow or ice, as it will freeze and make the situation worse.
All round the year, if you want a long life of the solar panels, you need to remove any solid particle that might accumulate on the panels. You can also simply spray the solar panels down. This will get rid of dust and leaves in most cases. Four times a year, you should get up there and get ready to scrub the solar panels with a soft squeeze. You can also use a mild soap if there is any residue on the glass that does not go with water.
Nearby trees may leave sap on the panels and this is easier to remove with general dish washing soap and warm water. Do not worry if your solar panels get wet because the electronic parts are specifically sealed inside and cannot get wet anyhow. The squeeze that you will use should have a rubber blade on its back. Use this to scrape the water and the dust off the panels, starting at the top.
Removing the water and leaving the panels dry prevents more dust from sticking and can be useful in preventing streaks. Ensure your energy usage that your solar panel system is putting out at any given moment. Certainly, it will take some time, but soon you will come to know what to expect from a summer day and in a winter one.
Inspect Panels’ Batteries Regularly
If you are storing energy instead of feeding it back into the storage then you will have a battery bank to hold the power. It’s important to keep your solar panel batteries well maintained so that they perform at maximum capacity. The batteries are important for using electricity at night or during heavy storms. Instead of ignoring it, you must visually inspect the batteries on a regular basis at least once a week.
All batteries need to be in good and proper condition. If you find any leaks, replace them as soon as possible to avoid bigger problems. If you keep your solar panels in a great condition, you will get the most amount of energy from them. Care for both panels and the batteries and you will be blessed with a renewable energy source that will work for decades.
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