Solar energy is a growing trend in the United States, and for a good reason. It’s cost-effective, it helps our environment by producing clean energy, and it can save you up to 50% on your electricity bill each month! With all the benefits of solar power, there are also some steps that you need to take to keep those panels working at their best. In this blog post, we will give you seven tips for maintaining your solar panels at home so that they’ll last longer and produce more energy!
1. Inspect your Solar Panel Regularly
Sunlight is great for your solar panels, but it’s also bad. Sun rays can damage the cells of your solar panel and, over time, can greatly reduce its efficiency. Sunlight striking your solar panels will heat up the surface area of the panels, increasing electricity generation by about 10% (depending on the quality of glass). Still, this increased energy production can reduce the life of your solar panels. Regularly inspect your solar panel to make sure there aren’t any cracks, scratches, or other damages that could be harmful to the panels. If you notice something wrong with the glass on your solar panels, call a professional right away to fix it before more damage is done!
2. Clean your Solar Panels
Cleanliness is the biggest key in ensuring that your solar panels remain efficient and optimized for as long as possible. Sunlight can heat up a lot of dust that builds on the surface of your solar panels, which reduces its efficiency by about 10% (again, depending on the quality of glass). A clean surface will also allow sunlight to pass through the glass and once again will increase its energy production by about 10%. You don’t have to call a professional; just use a soft cloth with soap and water. Make sure not to get any of the cleaning solutions on the connections of your solar panel. You can also use distilled white vinegar because it kills and removes any bacteria that could be growing on your panels.
3. Make Sure Your Solar Panel is Properly Installed
If you’re thinking about installing solar panels at home, then you need to make sure it’s done properly so that the solar panel will last longer and produce more energy for you! A professional solar systems in Brisbane installer will mount the solar panels on a tilted ground facing south so that they’ll always be able to capture the most sunlight throughout the day.
4. Don’t Overlook Damaged or Faulty Parts
Solar panels can last for over 20 years, but they may only last for 6-8 if you neglect to fix damaged parts on time. Ensure not to overlook damaged parts of your solar panel and have them fixed as soon as possible. Damaged or faulty parts will reduce the energy production of your solar panel and increase your monthly electricity bill because there won’t be any efficient energy production taking place!
5. Sun and Shade Monitoring
Always keep an eye on the sun and shade patterns in your area to maintain your solar panel. If you notice a lot of shade covering your solar panels for longer periods during the day or if it is primarily shady in your area, then make sure to adjust the angle at which the solar panels are facing each time its orientation changes.
6. Reinforce Your Solar Panel’s Frame
The frame of your solar panel is where the support structure of your solar panels are, and it can be made out of either wood or steel. Steel frames are better at resisting harsh weather conditions such as strong winds, rain, and snow. A good frame will help keep your solar panel protected from extreme weather conditions.
7. Check Energy Usage and Voltage Fluctuation
Keep an eye on your energy usage and voltage fluctuations. If you notice that the energy usage is being used up faster than it’s being produced, then it may be time to replace your solar panels. An efficient solar panel produces around 150 watts of power per day, and an average-sized solar panel will produce about 3kW of energy per day which is a lot! Ensure that your solar panel’s battery is fully charged, especially when it’s cloudy or in unfavorable weather.
Conclusion
If you want to make sure that your solar panel will last for as long as possible, these steps are the best way to do so. Using and following these seven steps regularly will guarantee that you’re producing the most amount of energy from your solar panels. If you treat it right, then chances are your solar panel will last over 20 years!
Autobiography
Jim Pulman has extensive knowledge and experience in Home Building, Construction, and Design. He writes articles in his free time and partners with content creators to share his expertise with the online community
