Maintaining your solar panels is necessary to keep them running at their peak efficiency. A solar panel maintenance checklist 2022 can help you remember all the tasks you need to complete to keep your panels functioning well. We have added some of the most important items on that checklist in this blog.
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Do Solar Panels need regular maintenance?
Solar panel systems are far more durable and require less maintenance than traditional energy sources. With a 25-year solar panel lifespan, they will provide you with clean, sustainable power for years to come.
But there is a little maintenance required for better efficiency. If something does go wrong, your system has warranties that cover the replacement of any damage done by an unfortunate event, such as weather-related damages or other acts beyond normal wear-and-tear on the components themselves.
Let’s look into some of the important Solar Panel Maintenance checklist 2022
1. Examine your Solar Panel that they are clean and secure:
To maximize the efficiency of your panels, cleaning them should be an essential part-of bi-annual routine maintenance. Debris and sap can coat solar cells reducing their energy output as well.
Make sure you clean the solar panels well because dirt can accumulate on them over time. Using a soft brush to remove any harder bits of grime gently would be ideal, never use an abrasive cleaning tool like a sponge or cloth that might damage the panels.
It is important to clean your panels in the cooler parts of the day (preferably early morning or late afternoon). Make sure you check that your panel infrastructure is still securely in place with no signs of damage or corrosion.
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2. Check your Solar Panels aren’t Corroded:
You should always check your solar panels for weathering, rust, and damage at least twice a year (more if you live by the coast).
The panels are made to last, but you must keep them clean. If there are cracks in the vacuum-sealed back sheet of your solar panel and they become wet with water or dirt, then rust will likely start spreading through these small gaps, which can cause permanent damages before long.
Solar panels have to be cared to last as long and produce electricity at a high rate of efficiency, but if you neglect it, weathering or rust can cause all sorts of problems – from decreasing production rates up until safety hazards that may warrant contacting an installer sooner rather than later.
3. Check Wiring for any Damages:
You should always check your wiring when it’s exposed to the elements. Ensure you don’t have any damage and that water has not seeped into its cracks or ports, which could lead to short circuits in high moisture conditions like rainstorms.
It’s important to keep your wiring in good condition because a shortage or damage can lead you to serious safety concerns. Electricity and water don’t mix. When a wire is damaged, don’t try to fix it yourself. Call your installer immediately for assistance.
4. Check Access to Isolator Switches are Clear:
A clear path to your isolator switch is essential in case of an emergency. This is the only place to disconnect your solar power system manually, so make sure this area has easy access.
The switch will be used when maintenance, repairs, or upgrades occur. So don’t store anything in front of it.
5. Ensure Regular Electrical and System Fault Checks:
With the help of an inverter panel, you can conduct routine checks to make sure that your solar system is running smoothly and without any electrical faults.
Your solar installer will be able to fix any ground faults that may arise. They are important because they can cause electric shocks if left unattended for long periods.
If you notice that your panel is less efficient or if the inverter light has changed from green to red, it might be time to upgrade. Check up on what Fault Code means to find out where there are some problems with installation and wiring.
6. Maintaining a logbook:
It is always best to record any maintenance work conducted if you want your solar system in good shape. This can include inspections and cleaning or component replacements as needed.
7. Repairing or replacing solar panels:
It is always best to call your solar company if you notice any concerning panel problems. They can send someone out for an assessment, or they may already have the parts on hand and replace them immediately! If not covered by warranty or insurance, it might be best to get new ones – don’t let something small grow into something major.
If you have any questions about your panels or how they are covered for damage, call the company that installed them. Otherwise, don’t attempt the installation yourself unless experienced with home solar systems!
How can you clean Solar Panels on your own?
While there are professional cleaners that can do a great job, here’s how you might be able to clean your solar panels.
- If you want to ensure that your solar panels are clean, it’s best to perform a thorough cleaning after the spring or summer pollen season has passed.
- It’s important to clean the panels on a cooler day or before they heat up.
- The first step to clean solar panels is removing big debris like fallen leaves and branches from trees, cobwebs, etc.
- While cleaning the panels, lightly scrub them with warm or mildly soapy water to remove dust, dirt, and droppings.
- Make sure the panels are rinsed off with water only. Do not use a pressure washer because this can damage them and may lead to leaks or other problems in the future if left unchecked.
- The panels are easy to clean, but it’s a good idea to have them dried out with the window wiper or microfiber cloth before use.
You need to be gentle with the panels. Even tiny scratches or cracks can cause problems later down the line.
Conclusion:
With these tips, you can keep your solar panels functioning well and producing the power they are designed for. If you have any questions about taking care of your system or need an estimate on new equipment installation costs, contact Glyde Solar today! We’ll be happy to help.
