Dos and Don’ts of Maintaining Your Solar Power System
If you want to cut your energy costs and reduce your carbon footprint, installing a solar power system is a great investment. Solar panels can last for decades, and during that time, they can save you thousands of dollars on your energy bills and decrease your reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
Like any other technology, solar power systems require occasional maintenance to continue functioning efficiently. While solar panels don’t need a ton of maintenance to stay in good condition, there are a few dos and don’ts you should keep in mind to extend the lifespan of your solar power system and avoid any potential issues.
Do: Regularly Clean Your Solar Panels
Dirt, dust, leaves, and other debris can accumulate on the surface of your panels and block sunlight from reaching the photovoltaic cells. This can decrease the efficiency of your system and ultimately reduce its energy output.
To avoid this, you can hire someone to clean your panels at least once a year or more frequently if you live in an area with a lot of dust or pollution. A soft cloth or sponge with water and a light detergent can gently wipe away any dirt or grime. Fish Window Cleaning is one local contractor you could use to have this work done.
Don’t: Use Abrasive Materials or High-Pressure Water To Clean
When having your solar panels cleaned, it’s important to avoid using any harsh chemicals. These can damage the surface of your panels and potentially affect their efficiency. Stick to gentle cleaning methods such as water and a soft cloth or sponge.
If you want to use a cleaner, make sure to choose one specifically designed for solar panels and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Using the wrong type of cleaner could cause permanent damage to your system. Be cautious with the products you use when maintaining your solar power system.
Do: Inspect Your System for Any Damage or Issues
Make sure you’re regularly inspecting your solar power system for any signs of damage or issues. This could include cracked panels, loose wires, or any other abnormalities. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, contact a professional to have it fixed as soon as possible.
Don’t: Attempt To Repair Issues Yourself
It can be tempting to try and fix issues with your solar power system yourself, especially if you have some knowledge about electrical systems. But it’s best to leave any repairs or maintenance to the professionals. Solar power systems are complex and can be dangerous to handle if you’re not trained in working with them. Trying to repair an issue yourself could also void any warranties on your system.
Do: Schedule Regular Maintenance Check-Ups
While solar power systems require minimal maintenance, it’s still a good idea to schedule regular check-ups with a professional. They can check your system monitoring and ensure everything is functioning properly. Regular check-ups can also help catch any potential issues before they become bigger problems.
Don’t: Neglect Your System for Long Periods of Time
Neglecting your system for long periods of time can lead to issues you could have prevented with proper care. Make sure to set reminders to take a look at your solar array to ensure the longevity and efficiency of your solar power system.
Do: Keep an Eye on Your Energy Production
One of the benefits of having a solar power system is being able to track your energy production. Make sure to monitor your system regularly to ensure it’s producing the expected amount of energy.
If you notice a decrease in production, this could be a sign that something is wrong and may require professional attention. Common causes of decreased energy production include shading from trees or buildings, dirty panels, and faulty equipment.
Don’t: Ignore Warning Signs
If your solar power system is showing any warning signs, such blinking lights, email alerts, push notifications or is not connected to the internet, don’t ignore this. These could be indications of an issue that should be addressed by a professional. Ignoring these signs could lead to unnecessary down time and loss of production.
Don’t: Neglect Your System During Extreme Weather
Solar panels can withstand various weather conditions, but it’s still important to take precautions during extreme weather. The high winds and flying debris during these storms can cause issues like broken panels or damaged wiring. In the event of a severe storm or hurricane, make sure to inspect your system for damage after the storm subsides and call a professional if anything was impacted by the event.
Do: Keep Up With Warranties and Insurance
Make sure to review the warranties and insurance coverage for your solar power system. This can help protect you in case of any damage or issues with your system. Keep all documentation organized and easily accessible so that you can refer to it if needed.
Maintaining your solar power system isn’t very time-consuming or difficult. By taking a few minutes out of your day a few times a year, you can make sure your system is running efficiently and effectively. When inspecting and maintaining your solar power system, keep these dos and don’ts in mind so that you can provide the best care for your investment. When you care for your system, it will care for you by providing clean, renewable energy and saving you money on your energy bills.
Looking to harness solar power in RI? Give Newport Solar a call. Newport Solar is a local, family-owned solar installation company that has served Rhode Island for over 14 years. We offer top-quality solar panel installations and provide ongoing support and maintenance for our customers. Our 5-star Google rating is a testament to our commitment to customer satisfaction. Let us help you make the switch to clean, renewable energy with a custom-designed solar power system for your home. Contact us today for a free consultation!