22
Aug
Once installed, solar panels work entirely on their own to collect the sun’s rays and put them to good use. And while they’re an ideal addition to your home’s electricity system, what about their maintenance? Although most suppliers offer repair and maintenance services, these are mostly meant for highly technical issues, which we hope you won’t have to deal with. Still, there are some things that you can do on your own to ensure your panels will be able to run at their most efficient level, which can make them last up to 25 years.
The first and most important thing is to keep an eye on the green flashing lights, which although aren’t positioned on the panel itself, play an important role. In case they are not flashing, it means that your PV solar panel isn’t compensating for the electricity use and that you are losing money.
Part of the solar panel maintenance also involves checking whether or not the battery terminals are clean and free of corrosion. In order to prevent corrosion from forming, put some commercial sealant on the terminals or petroleum jelly. The batteries should be working at the right temperature as well, meaning that it should be consistent and in the range between 18°C to 23°C, so your solar panel’s work doesn’t go to waste.
Also, make sure to check the solar system’s output twice a year using a multimeter, that way you can easily detect any potential issues and handle them. Check for cracks in the covers and cells and regularly inspect the panel for loose connections and mounting equipment. Document the everyday performance of your PV solar panel by writing down the amount of energy that’s been produced at the exact time of day so that you can keep track of your results.
A buildup of dirt is never a good sign, so make sure to clean your panels with a long hose. However, never use a bar of abrasive soap and go for a biodegradable one as you don’t want to end up scratching the glass. If you have to get on top of the roof to get rid of sticky grime and stubborn dirt, be extra careful and make sure you are using a harness or a safety rope.
If there are leaves and small branches, you can use a leaf blower to get rid of them. If you need to clean the surface by hand, avoid applying a lot of pressure and use a soft rug instead of your regular abrasive sponge as this can damage your panels. This should be done either weekly or monthly which will depend on the area where you live and the weather conditions.
