How to Keep Your Solar Panels Performing at Their Best
Solar panels are a significant investment, and like any investment, you need to make sure you’re caring for them properly. However, the good news is that as far as solar panels are concerned, they’re relatively low maintenance. But low maintenance doesn’t mean none at all. There are still some tasks you need to perform, or you’ll notice over time they’ll deteriorate and cost you more money in the long run.
Here’s what you need to stay on top of.
Cleaning Your Panels
Dirt, dust, pollen and bird droppings all reduce the amount of sunlight that can reach your panels. And when this is impacted, it directly affects how much energy your panels can produce. In the majority of cases, panels should be cleaned at least a couple of times a year, more often if you live in a particularly dusty area or somewhere with heavy tree cover.
The method matters as much as the frequency, and using abrasive materials or high-pressure washing can scratch or damage the panel surface, so you need to be cleaning it with the right equipment. If you don’t know how best to clean your solar panels, you can hire a company such as Cheetah Solar Panel Cleaning and Pigeon Control to take care of this properly for you.
Watch Out for Pest and Bird Damage
Your solar panels will be a target for pests and wildlife in your local area. Birds can nest under panels, which is a significant problem for many homeowners. Pigeons, in particular, are drawn to the sheltered space panels created, and they can cause damage via nesting materials, droppings and pecking at wiring. And if this is left unchecked, it’s not just an efficiency issue, it’s a safety and repair one too.
You can use deterrents such as mesh guards fitted around the panels, which prevent birds from getting under the panels in the first place, so you’re taking proactive steps, not dealing with the aftermath of damage.
Monitor Your System’s Output Consistently
Most solar systems come with monitoring software that lets you track how much energy your panels are generating. Checking this regularly is one of the simplest ways to catch a problem early. A gradual dip in output might point to a buildup of dirt, shading from a tree that’s grown over time or a panel that’s underperforming for another reason.
The key to using this method is knowing your system’s typical output so you can account for any deviation that stands out immediately. If it drops considerably and cleaning doesn’t account for the difference, it’s a sign your system needs to be checked before things get worse.
Check Your Roof and Mounting Equipment
The panels themselves aren’t the only thing that needs attention. It might be that you’re experiencing issues due to the mounting hardware that’s supposed to hold them in place. Over time, these fixings can loosen, rust and degrade. And if your panels aren’t properly secured, then it’s a safety risk as well as an efficiency concern.
Don’t forget to also check the roof around the panels too, as moisture can collect here if they are not fitted properly, and this can cause damage to the panel system and the actual roof too.
