One of the most frequent questions we are asked by our prospect customers is - do solar panels need maintenance? And the answer is a resounding ‘yes’.
Solar panels are a significant investment for any home and, if properly maintained and cared for, are more than capable of providing clean, renewable energy whilst also helping to reduce electricity bills. However, to ensure that your solar panel system operates at its best and lasts as long as possible, regular maintenance is essential.
In this article, we will explain why, and how regular solar panel maintenance is the easiest and cheapest way of preventing damage to your solar investment.
Rain, Dust, Snow….And Even Bird Poop!
Solar panels are exposed to the elements throughout the year, and are regularly dashed by rain, snow, bird droppings, airborne debris, and even sand blown in from the Sahara. And even in fine weather, solar panels are subjected to the same blossoming of moss and algae that affect your roof tiles.
Why this matters is simple; because dirty solar panels do not work as effectively. A covering of grime and dirt will eventually impede the ability of your panels to harvest energy from the sun, with even partially obscured panels resulting in an energy loss of 0.5% to 3%. Even worse, this dirt can cause damage to the solar panels themselves, often leading to system faults.
Bird droppings, for instance, are highly acidic, containing strong concentrations of uric acid that can damage the sensitive photovoltaic panels if not regularly cleaned off. This may not affect your solar panels too much short-term – a stray splatter from a passing pigeon won’t cause you much bother - but if not addressed long term, a lack of maintenance and cleaning could eventually render them ineffective.
Inspecting For Damage
Sand, grit, and airborne particles can also damage your solar panels by causing microscopic cracks and imperfections on the surface which can worsen over time. Check your panels periodically for signs of damage such as cracks, scratches, or discoloration. If you notice any issues, it’s important to have them repaired promptly to avoid further damage and loss of efficiency
And remember that this is just in normal weather! Extreme weather events may cause your panels even more difficulty. Heavy periods of snowfall, for instance – which are not uncommon in many parts of Scotland – can potentially stop your panels from performing correctly, requiring prompt action to prevent critical faults.
Professional Maintenance
While regular cleaning and inspections can be performed by the owner, professional maintenance is also highly recommended. An annual inspection by a professional solar panel installer can involve tasks such as checking the inverter, replacing worn components, and ensuring that the system is properly grounded.
Professionals have the expertise to identify and fix potential issues before they become major problems, ensuring the system continues to operate efficiently.
Additional Maintenance Tips
Here are some quick tips to help ensure your solar panel system operates at its best:
- Trim Trees And Plants: Keep trees and plants trimmed to prevent shading on your panels. Even a small amount of shade can significantly reduce the efficiency of your system.
- Use a Solar Panel Cover: A cover can protect your panels from weather and environmental factors, extending their lifespan.
- Regular Inspections: Besides professional inspections, regularly check your panels and system components yourself.
The Solution
A regular maintenance schedule, such as our Vixen Care Plan, designed to clean and care for your panels, and keep them working effectively through their full working life.
As part of an affordable payment plan, our experienced team will give your solar panels a full MOT, repairing any damage, cleaning the surfaces, and checking your solar power wiring and infrastructure to ensure that everything is working correctly beneath the surface.
Solar Panel Maintenance Services From Greenfox Energy
At GreenFox Energy, we provide a cost-effective maintenance and repair service to help owners keep their solar panels generating energy at full efficiency throughout the year. To find out more or to receive a free quote, please get in touch today by clicking here to book a chat with one of our friendly solar experts. Image Source
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