You’ve done it! You’ve gone solar! After much research you found solar panels for sale, installed them yourself and now you’re producing your own electricity. Now, make sure your investment keeps paying off by taking good care of your solar energy system.
Solar panels are designed to capture the sun’s light and convert it into electricity. Each panel has many solar cells. The panels are linked up to each other to form a whole system. They’re installed in groups of three or four in places where they can capture sunlight, often on the roof of homes and other buildings. You need to make sure that your solar panels are properly maintained so that they continue to operate correctly and produce enough power.
The good news is that these systems do not need much upkeep. The only breakable part is the glass on the solar panels. The only component that has any moving parts at all is the heating pump. Even though maintenance will be light, it’s wise to stay on top of it.
Inspecting your solar panels periodically is the first step. To prevent damage, remove dirt and any other pieces of debris. Check them as often as the manufacturer’s manual says to or whenever the glass appears particularly dirty. Panels that are installed in exceptionally dusty environments will need to be inspected more often. If it helps, create a schedule or mark your calendar to keep track of the device’s maintenance.
Now that you’ve discovered that your solar panels are dirty, you need to clean them to remove the dirt and grime that has accumulated. Soap and warm water can loosen the dirt. Wipe it away with a clean soft cloth to avoid scratching the glass. Bird droppings are commonly found on solar panels, since they’re usually located on roofs. These to, will need to be thoroughly removed. One you’ve removed the dirt, cool down the panels with room temperature water before drying. This will prevent streaks and water spots.
It’s far too much of a hassle to uninstall the panels during their cleanings. You will have to use a ladder and some safety gear to climb up to them. Take every safety precaution as you inspect and clean the panels to avoid the accidents that frequently occur when climbing on roofs and using ladders.
A solar panel must be completely clean in order for it to function properly. Dirt and debris keep sunlight from reaching the panel, rendering it useless. Cleaning them is not just cosmetic. It’s necessary if you want your solar energy system to perform its job.
There are other options besides climbing to the roof of your home. You could clean your solar panels from the safety and comfort of the ground using a tool designed for that purpose. The long metal pole is able to powerfully spray a steady stream of water much like the devices used at self serve car washes. Most of the devices are intended to hook up to the water spigot in your yard.
You could also consider hiring professional solar panel cleaners. These workers are experts and safely inspecting rooftop panels and have the tools and know how to keep them working properly. Look in the phone book or online for local businesses that offer this service. Or ask the contractor that installed your system. Shop around and get prices from a few different companies. There’s a wide range in pricing.