The demand for clean energy has caused an increase in the use of solar panels in many parts of the world. The roofs of many residential communities, offices, and buildings have become energy producers. But to make the most out of that energy production, it’s important to clean and maintain them on a regular basis. There are many different types of solar panels, but all of them require the removal of dirt, dust, and debris. It will improve their ability to absorb sunlight, which will maximize their energy production.
The Importance of Proper Solar Panel Maintenance
Continuous developments in solar panel technology have made photovoltaic systems more resistant, efficient, and durable. But it doesn’t mean you can’t take care of the equipment. In fact, proper solar panel maintenance can improve their energy production by approximately 15%.
Factors That Could Affect the Lifespan of Solar Panels
Regular inspections and proper cleaning will make sure your solar panels will get better energy production, which can lead to more long-term benefits. But here are some other factors that can affect the useful life of your solar panels:
- Temperature — The efficiency of solar panels that are exposed to high temperatures can decrease over time. It can put thermal stress on the materials, which can cause the photovoltaic cells to degrade more quickly.
- Shade — If parts of your solar panels are shaded by trees, buildings, or other objects, the performance of your entire system may be affected. The panels are connected to each other, so the performance of one could affect all the others.
- Dirt — Dirt, dust, and other types of debris can act as barriers that will keep sunlight from hitting the cells (which will decrease the efficiency of your panels). If they’re not regularly cleaned, that dirt can stick to the surface (which can cause permanent damage).
Be sure to speak to a professional for more information.
How Extreme Weather Can Affect Your Solar Panels
Solar panels are designed with durability in mind, so they can withstand all kinds of extreme weather (including wind and rain). According to the Department of Energy, solar panels can withstand a hailstorm. They can even survive hurricanes.
Despite their durability, solar panels are not completely indestructible. There have been some rare occasions when they have been damaged by hail, hurricanes, tornadoes, or lightning. But as long as you have a good warranty, you should be able to get them repaired or replaced.
The Steps for Proper Solar Panel Maintenance
Regular cleaning and debris removal are the best ways to extend the life of your solar panels, and you should do it at least twice a year (once at the end of fall and again at the start of winter). If they were installed in an area with a great deal of dust, pollen, or dirt, it would be a good idea to clean them more often (such as every three months).
The best time to clean and maintain your solar panels is during the early hours of the morning when the panels are fresher. Cleaning them when they’re warm or have been exposed to direct sunlight may be more counterproductive, because the combination of heat and cold water can create more thermal stress and damage the equipment. You should also avoid cleaning them when there’s a great deal of wind or rain.
Before you start cleaning, you want to perform a visual inspection of the solar panels so you can identify any possible damage (such as cracks, breaks, or loose connections). If you notice any of these issues, you should contact a professional to perform any necessary repairs. Once you have cleaned the panels, you can let them air-dry or wipe them with a soft cloth. Just make sure there isn’t any water residue, because it can affect your panel’s efficiency.
Monitoring the Health of Your Solar Panels
If you believe the efficiency of your solar panels is starting to decrease, it could be because they’re being obstructed by something (which is causing them to not produce as much). If you want to keep a closer eye on your solar panel efficiency, you can add a monitoring system to your setup.
This will allow you to track how much energy your panels are producing on a specific day and over the long term. It will also allow you to identify any external factors that may be affecting their performance and how well they’re maintaining their efficiency throughout their lifespan. It will even notify you if a panel breaks or malfunctions, so you can take steps to repair or replace it.
If you’re looking for one of the best solar companies in Corpus Christi, be sure to get in touch with Solar Power Integrator.