Solar panels are a great way to offset your electricity consumption. But they also need regular solar panel maintenance to keep them in working order. Typically, it’s recommended that you clean your solar panels between two and four times a year. However, the frequency of this cleaning depends on your location and how quickly dirt accumulates.
Debris Buildup
Debris buildup interferes with a solar panel’s ability to absorb sunlight, producing less energy. It is especially true if you live in a dusty or polluted area, as dirt is easier to get trapped on the panels. It also makes it much more tempting for birds and other creatures to make a home under your solar panels, which can cause scratches to the top of the panels or damage your system’s electronics.
Solar panel maintenance should be done about twice a year. However, you may need to do this more frequently if you live in a drier or more polluted area.
Deterioration
Solar panels’ efficiency declines with time, lowering the quantity of electricity they can generate. This degradation may not be noticeable initially, but it will eventually become a concern. Degradation can be due to several factors. For example, the quality of the components used in a panel can affect its performance.
These components include silicon wafers, encapsulant material, connecting busbars, and glass or polymer backing sheets. Over time, they can degrade due to thermal expansion and contraction, UV exposure, and damage from windblown particles.
Damage
Solar panels are an excellent way to reduce energy costs and carbon footprint. But they also require regular maintenance to extend their lifespan. While the panels are made of durable materials, they are still vulnerable to damage from extreme weather or age. It includes things like hail and lightning. However, a damaged panel doesn’t affect the entire system’s performance. Generally, you can expect a drop in power output of 10 to 20%.
The best way to protect your solar panels is to keep them out of the rain and snow. You can also use protective covers to protect them from specific weather conditions, such as hail and tornadoes.
Overheating
When a solar panel overheats, it reduces its efficiency. As a result, it causes a reduction in electricity production and can even lead to system failure. Solar panels need regular maintenance to ensure they perform correctly. But, typically, they only need to be cleaned two or four times a year.
But if your solar panels produce less energy than they should, they may need solar panel maintenance sooner than planned. Checking your energy output with an app will help you to determine if the issue is with your panels or something else. Solar panels can overheat if exposed to high temperatures for prolonged periods. It is especially true when they produce their most powerful in the summertime.
Electrocution
Electrocution and electric shock are serious injuries that can leave victims with life-changing damage. They often result in severe burns, muscle contractions, respiratory distress, cardiac arrest, and neurological damage. The body is a natural conductor of electricity, so avoiding contact with electrical sources is essential. It can include a power line, faulty electrical equipment, and improper grounding.
Learning how to treat any electrical injury you may receive is also essential. For instance, if you’ve been injured by a high-voltage shock (over 500 V), you should call 911 immediately to get help.
