You may already know all the benefits of generating your own electricity using solar panels, from saving on utility bills to protecting the planet. But how should you take care of your solar panels after they’re installed? While you should occasionally call in a professional to clean, inspect, repair, and otherwise care for your system, there are things you can take care of yourself in between those visits. Here are four easy tips for maintaining your solar panel system and keep it performing at its best.
Inspect Your Panels and the Surrounding Area
Every month, take a few minutes to inspect your panels. Look out for dirt, dust, trash, insect or bird nests, and other visible damage. Messy solar panels won’t absorb sunlight effectively. Check overhead for large tree branches as well and trim them. Live branches drop leaves, seeds, and other things onto the panels, while dead branches run the risk of falling and destroying them.
Clean Your Panels
Cleaning off your panels is easier than you may think, but you must use the right tools and do it at the right time. Use only soft cleaning materials. Soft sponges and microfiber cloths are best for wiping down panels. Mild dish soap or even gentler soaps are best used with warm water to gently scrub away any detritus.
Don’t go overboard with harsh cleaning supplies or intense scrubbing. Abrasive brushes, corrosive or strong detergents, and high-pressure washers are guaranteed to damage the cells. Clean on either side of the sun’s greatest height in the early morning or late afternoon. A high and hot sun causes streaks to form. These are just a few ways to clean solar panels effectively.
Monitor Your Panel’s Performance
Your solar panel array should be equipped with a monitoring system that charts energy output. If the performance is dropping, it’s time to clean the panels or call in a technician to see what might be wrong. Regular inspections are the best practice. Stay on top of your panels’ performance to avoid any surprises, lost efficiency, or costly repairs.
Protect Your Investment
Familiarize yourself with your manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines to learn how to troubleshoot any potential issues. Following the proper procedures ensures your warranty remains valid. Furthermore, schedule regular checkups and inspections with the manufacturer or installer.
Those are four easy tips for maintaining your solar panel system. Regular care doesn’t have to be complicated or a major investment of time. A little TLC for your system makes a world of difference in keeping your solar panels working effectively.
Susie Young Baxter, CEO, has published PanoramaNOW Magazine for 31 years. Her hobbies are Camping, Boating, Hiking, Nature, Gardening and Outdoor Activities. She is an Artist, Graphic Designer, an Avid Seamstress, Dabbles in Homemade Crafts and Landscaping. Since her Father was a Health Teacher, she also likes homeopathic Health Solutions. Since blogging started over 10 years ago, PanoramaNow has been added to Newsbreak – a national news affiliate.
