Tips for Keeping Your Solar Panel System Running Smoothly

By admin July 12, 2024 Solar Saving
solar panel installation

Investing in solar panel installation is becoming a popular way to generate clean and sustainable energy for your home. Investing in solar energy helps in reducing carbon footprint and saves energy cost. But it is important to keep a check that your solar panel works smoothly. In this blog we’ll let you know about tips and tricks that can keep your solar panel running properly. By incorporating these tips you can even increase the lifespan of your residential solar installation.

1. Regular Cleaning

Importance of Clean Panels

Dust, dirt, leaves and other stuff can accumulate over solar panels which reduce their performance as it blocks sunlight. By regularly cleaning them will ensure that they will absorb maximum sunlight and provide optimum energy.

How to clean your solar panels

  • Use Soft Materials: Carefully remove debris and dirt that has emerged on the panels using a hose or a soft cloth. Do not use abrasive materials or harmful chemicals that can destroy the panels.
  • Solar Panel Cleaning Kit: Use a solar panel cleaning kit that consists of a biodegradable soap, a wiper, and a brush. Mix the soap solution in a bucket and then wipe your panel with a wiper. 
  • Maintain your safety: If you are climbing up on the roof, ensure your proper safety. You can even use a long- handled wiper when cleaning panels from ground. 

Cleaning Frequency

You should clean your solar panel installation according to your location and environmental factors. Regular cleaning is required in areas where there is minimal rainfall. 

2. Monitor Energy Production 

Importance of Monitoring

Checking how much energy your solar panel produces helps you to be in the know about its performance so that you can take action when there are any discrepancies or irregularities.

Monitoring Tools

  • Inverter Lights: Make sure the inverters are flashing green lights, if they’re not you might be actually losing money by not getting compensated for your electricity use.
  • Daily Performance Log: Document the consistent day-to-day performance of your solar panels, which will help to indicate a drop in performance or inconsistency.
  • Advance Monitoring Systems: Some monitoring systems also provide in depth analysis of energy production and environmental benefits i.e. CO2 reductions.

3. Trim Nearby Trees

Regular trimming trees and vegetation is necessary to keep unobstructed sunlight falling on the solar panels. Trees or foliage shadow impacts a lot on energy production.

Impact of Shades

Trees or plant foliage casting shadows at the solar panels can significantly reduce energy consumption. One method for preventing this is by removing branches from trees and cutting back shrubs by regular trimming of trees and plants to the extent that they can be seen through the growth of garden vegetation.

Seasonal Considerations

Look at the development of the trees in the neighbourhood and decide when to do the cutting based on that. It may be that seasonal changes cause the panels to obtain less sunlight.

4. Schedule Inspections

Importance of Professional Inspection

An important factor in having a quality solar panel is to have the help of a certified solar technician who will inspect the solar panel installation, electrical connections, and the entire system threshold. By early identification of problems, one will not have to face a larger problem in the future by applying preventive equipment maintenance that increases the life of the solar array.

When to call for help 

If you notice the following issues with your solar panel:

  • Reduced energy production or inconsistent performance
  • Physical damage to the panels, such as cracks or broken glass
  • Loose connections or exposed wiring
  • Unusual noises or smells coming from the panels or inverter
  • Any leaks or moisture buildup near the panels

What to Inspect

  • Physical Damages: Inspect the panels to identify the presence of cracks, chips, or any other physical damage on them. If any of these issues has been found, they should be promptly repaired.
  • Electrical Connections: Go over the wiring and connections to make sure they are properly connected and in good condition.
  • Mounting Structure: Be sure the mounting structure is properly fastened to the roof of your house and still in good shape, and has not been cracked by weather or other factors.

Frequency of Inspection

Although it is good to have regular check-ups, a thorough inspection should be done at least once a year when it is also a great option to have it done more often, especially after natural disasters such as heavy rain and the resulting thunderstorms or if you see the decrease in efficiency of the system.

5. Battery Maintenance

Importance of Battery Care

For best performance and to last long, you need to care for your energy storage batteries that are there in your solar system.

Maintenance Guidelines

  • Regular Checks: Always go through the directions on how to charge or maintain the battery and determine its charge status.
  • Manufacturer’s Guidelines: Should strictly follow the maker’s regulations when caring for the battery. 

6. Educate Yourself 

Understanding your System

Familiarise yourself with how your solar system specifically operates and what it needs to be maintained regularly. Understanding what these technologies are about and their different components is important because it equips one with the power to fix small issues that may come up and make good choices whenever one needs to upgrade or modify the system.

Resources of Learning

  • Manufacturer’s manual: To get detailed information on your solar system installers, start with the company’s manual.
  • Online Course and Tutorials: Solar panel repair and troubleshooting could involve a lot of tutorials and courses offered on various platforms on the internet.
  • Seek Professional Advice: You can always ask for tips from your system expert on how to maintain it.

Summing Up

For longevity and maximum energy production of the solar panel system, it is paramount to keep it maintained. To keep your solar system running smoothly, you need to follow these tips and have an environmentally friendly way that also saves money to produce energy for your home or business. Regular cleaning, monitoring, inspection and professional maintenance are essential factors that ensure that the solar panel system functions properly.

Visit Solar Sky for all your queries regarding solar panel installation.  

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