Solar panel installation is a great way to shave some money off your power bill each month. Having them will allow you to give back to the environment, and there are tons of incentives that you can take advantage of.
All of this is only possible if you practice proper solar panel maintenance. It’ll be hard for your system to harness the sun’s rays if they’re covered in debris and pollen.
The good news is that it’s not too hard to keep them clean if you have a water hose. Check out this guide for a complete list of instructions to live by.
1- Regular Inspection
Any solar power maintenance guide you read will tell you that regular inspection is important. Note that you don’t have to buy a ladder to climb on top of your roof. Simple glances will be enough.
All you’re looking for is pollen and debris build-up. If a nasty storm blows through your area, you should also look out for cracked and broken panels. All it takes is a tree branch falling on your roof to do some damage.
2- Cleaning Your Panels
Every once in a while, it will be necessary for you to clean your home solar panels. All you need to get the job done is a water hose. Use lukewarm water, or you’ll risk damaging the cells within the system.
If you must use soap, buy special panel cleaning kits. If you use abrasive cleaners, you may scratch the surface of the panels, and detergents will leave streaks behind.
3- Keep Them Out of the Shade
For your solar panels to do their job, they need to be exposed to as much sun as possible. It’s harder to control this than you may think. Trees grow over time.
Someone may construct a building across the lot that limits how much sunlight your panels have access to. This means you’ll have to adjust the orientation of your system as the years go on. Installers from state Ohio can help you with this process.
4- Keep an Eye on Your Energy Usage
Most people make the mistake of using the meter alone to see how much energy they’re selling back to the grid. The problem is that it doesn’t provide an accurate reading of how much power your residential solar panels are putting out.
For that, you need to install an energy monitor.
5- Tighten Loose Parts
If you have any loose or disconnected parts and wires, it can throw your entire system off-kilter. Not to mention, loose wires can cause a fire if left to their own devices.
If you don’t have any electrical experience, it might be a good idea to hire a professional to handle this problem.
Use These Solar Panel Maintenance Tips to Keep Your System in Tip-Top Shape
Are you tired of expensive power bills? Do you want to give back to the environment while taking advantage of sweet government incentives? Solar panels are the way to do it.
To take full advantage of your system, you’ll need to practice regular solar panel maintenance. If you fail to clean them and tighten loose parts, they won’t work as well as you would like.
Are you looking for more ways to make your home energy-efficient? Check out our blog for tips on how to get started.
