Roof solar panels are a great investment that can offer renewable and cheap solar energy for the next 25 to 30 years. Apart from providing financial benefits, it helps you generate electricity from a natural source. While installing a rooftop solar panel, some maintenance tips are needed to boost the life of your solar panels. When dust or any other particles gather on panel surface, they can block the sunlight, and electricity production can also decrease even in warm and sunny areas like League City, TX.
Solar panels are highly durable and need very little maintenance. However, it is recommended that you clean your solar panel between two to four times a year. Extreme care is needed while cleaning. Here are WABO’s top maintenance tips for the long-lasting performance of rooftop solar panels.
Common Solar Problems Issues and Solutions
Accumulated debris, dust, dirt, and other factors can adversely impact the performance of the solar panels. Regular maintenance ensures your panels are clean and continue generating energy efficiently. Here are professional solutions to fix the issues and enhance longevity.
Shading Issues:
Shading from nearby structures, trees, or other obstructions can challenge the performance of solar panels, reducing energy production. Pruning or trimming trees around the solar panel can reduce the showdown cast. Evaluate the positioning of the solar systems to ensure they are augmented for maximum exposure to sunlight. Adjusting the orientation and angles of the panels may help minimize the shading impact, thereby improving the overall energy generation.
Weather-related Damage:
Solar panels can withstand a range of weather conditions. However, extreme weather conditions like strong winds, heavy snowfall, or hailstorms may still result in damage, undermining the efficiency and structural integrity of the panels. To safeguard it from weather damage, contact specialists who have knowledge of solar panels. If it is maintained properly, the system can survive more efficiently.
Bird Droppings and Debris:
Leaves, dust, debris, and bird droppings accumulating on the solar panels’ surface can obstruct sunlight, decreasing energy production. The buildup can reduce efficiency over time if it is left unattended. Clean the solar panels gently using non-abrasive materials like sponges or soft brushes. Don’t use tough chemicals, as they can damage the surface of the panels.
Damaged or loose electrical connections:
Within a solar panel system, electrical connections are important for energy conversion and distribution. Connections can become rusted or loose over time, leading to performance issues or safety hazards. To combat this issue, regular inspection of setup and wiring is required. Rust must be addressed immediately, and any loose connections must be tightened immediately with a thorough inspection. This can reduce the possibility of unanticipated electrical faults or performance dips.
Tips For Maintenance of Your Rooftop Solar Panel
Solar panels have been designed in a way that maintains their life, and homeowners can enjoy the benefits in the long run with an unobstructed path. Generally, they need a little maintenance. However, over time, if the efficiency of the solar panel declines, it is time for cleanup and maintenance. Below mentioned are some recommendations on how to clean your solar panels properly.
Utilize Safety Measures and Cleaning Kits:
While cleaning solar panels and accessing your rooftop solar panels, use stable ladders, safety harnesses, and appropriate footwear. Utilizing safety measures is important for the functionality of the panels and your safety as well. Invest in specialized that include proper tools like long-handled wipers. For effective and safe solar panel cleaning, follow the instructions properly.
Clean The Panels At Least 2 Times A Year:
It is recommended to clean your PV modules at times two times a year. Depending on the weather and on-site conditions, you may clean the system more frequently. Dust accumulated faster on panels situated near a large construction project. If your panels are tilted, rain can wash away built-up materials like bird droppings and dirt. However, to ensure your solar panels are in good working condition, you must always conduct a visual inspection after extreme weather.
Clean During Late Evenings or Early Mornings:
Clean the solar panels during the cooler times of the day to prevent water from quickly evaporating and leaving behind any residue. Early morning or late evening are the best times to clean your panels as it is easy to clean the moist or wet surface and prevent damage.
Avoid Chemical Agents and Abrasive Cleaning Tools:
You must never clean solar panels with hard brushes, roof rakes, or other tools that can scratch their surface. Avoid using chemical agents as they may also cause damage. Soft squeegees and brushes are best suited for solar panel cleaning. You can also use a garden hose or a leaf blower.
Refrain From Washing Solar Panels When They Are Hot:
Cleaning solar panels when they are hot can lead to potential damage to hot panels and thermal shock. Under the sun, PV modules reach high temperatures, and sudden cooling effects caused by washing may cause cracks on their surface. So, it is recommended to clean at normal temperature, i.e., early mornings or late evenings. Remember that your solar panels may still be warm after sunset, particularly if the weather is hot. Never use hot water while cleaning snow off your panels. As the panels are made of tempered glass, extreme temperature disparity between cold panels and hot water can crack them.
Leverage Monitoring Systems:
Utilize built-in monitoring systems for solar panel maintenance. Integrating a solar panel monitoring system helps track the performance of the solar panels and when efficiency drops, enabling timely cleaning. This allows you to see how various external factors affect the performance of the panels and how well they maintain their efficiency across their life. Solar inverters used in PV systems have mobile apps to help you track the daily productivity. Electricity output will drop if solar panels suffer a malfunction. If you notice low electricity output on sunny days, your panels may be covered with any objects or leaves.
Wrapping Up
Maintenance and cleaning of rooftop solar panels are important for efficiency and good performance. By following the tips mentioned above, you can boost the longevity of your panels. If the roof solar panels of your home are not working properly, are damaged, or need professional maintenance, you can reach WABO Roofing. We are top-notch in maintaining and delivering solar panels for a sustainable future.
