Home Solar Panels Maintenance
Home solar panels require minimum maintenance as per the manufacturer’s recommendation but sometimes people tend to ignore it, especially when they are mounted on roofs or other high places. In the areas with sufficient rain most of people do not clean their solar panels, but if you are living in a dusty area you have to periodically clean them.
Electric solar panels, a.k.a. photovoltaic panels receive sunlight and convert it into electricity. Any object preventing the photovoltaic cells from being exposed fully to the sun will decrease the panels output significantly. Because they are placed outdoors, you can expect dirt, dust or even bird droppings to settle on top of the glass cover and block the sunlight. SEPA (Solar Electric Power Association) research indicates around 15% – 20% electricity output declines due to this panel soiling – a.k.a. solar clouding – problem.
If the panels are highly placed and you think can’t do it yourself the best way to clean them is to contact a company that offers professional cleaning services, such company is well trained and well equipped to do the job. But if you are comfortable working on your roof and such height is definitely not an issue for you then perhaps you may consider doing it yourself. Here are some tips to clean your home solar panels:
- Never walk on or over the solar panels to clean them. Think and plan your working position ahead especially if you are working in a limited space. Safety should always be your number one concern.
- Never spray water on the glass cover when its temperature is very hot. You may break it.
- With the help of dish washing soap and warm water, clean the glass cover of the solar panel to remove any accumulation of urban pollution, dirt, grime and/or bird droppings. Do not use metal, hard or sharp objects or abrasive methods for cleaning to prevent scratches or damages on the glass cover.
- Pay attention to the panel’s frame as well. Most of the panels can reach more than 20 years lifespan without problem but the framing around them tends to deteriorate earlier. Worn out or damaged frames will shorten the lifespan of the panels. Clean the frame and check thoroughly for defects.
- There are solar panel cleaner available containing high-quality biodegradable surfactants. Try them if dish washing soap does not help.
Your home solar panels shall deliver electricity as per their design specification provided the preventive maintenance is properly done. The biggest common problem is water entry so make sure you detect it at an early stage when occurs.
the SolarCost Admin
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