Solar Panel Maintenance
Maintaining your solar panels helps not only protect the investment you’ve made but keeps them running as efficiently as possible. Poorly performing panels will limit the amount of energy produced and will negatively affect your net energy balance each month. So the question then is, how do you keep your solar panels in top condition?
Thankfully keeping your solar panels in top shape is a simple and straightforward process. The only thing they need is a periodic light cleaning to make sure dirt, leaves, and other debris aren't obstructing the sun's rays. The times you may need more extensive maintenance is during periods of heavy snowfall which will most likely not happen here in California and if you see a significant drop in energy production.
Let's take a closer look at how you actually go about keeping your solar panels clean.
Keeping Them Clean
The most important factor for ensuring optimal energy production for your solar panels is cleaning and limiting shade cover over the panels. Depending on how high your solar panels are installed this will either be an easy job for yourself or require the help from a professional. If you can easily and safely reach your solar panels, then wait for either morning or night time to clean them when panels are at their coolest. Fortunately, if your panels are tilted rainfall will actually clear your panels of dust and other accumulating debris. However, during the dry season or extended periods of no rain, it is important to do this cleaning manually. It is generally recommended that you perform solar panel cleaning between two and four times a year. Good news is that manual cleaning does not require much. All you will need is either a leaf blower or a quick spray with a garden hose, and your panels will be clean and in top condition.
Important to take note of is cold water on a hot panel can lead to cracking and costly damage, and same goes for hot water on cold panels. If there is only a light amount of dirt to be removed, then simply washing the panels off with your garden hose. If a more thorough cleaning is necessary, you can take a long sponge and some soapy water to clean more deeply.
In Conclusion
Solar panel maintenance is easier and quicker than maintaining your car. It requires very little time and effort, but also is crucial to pay attention to because keeping your panels at maximize efficiency saves you money! If you have further questions about how to clean and maintain your solar panels you can call or email in Lifestyle Solar (information located at Footer)to get professional help or one of the many Solar panel cleaning professionals that can be found online and in your local area.
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