If you neglect your system and it gets covered in dirt, it can definitely degrade performance as much as 20 percent. Other than dust storms, you shouldn’t be worried about different weather scenarios when it comes to keeping your panels working in great shape. If you are concerned about the effect of snow or other weather conditions on your panels see the article about how solar panels are durable and take what nature throws at them. If you live in an area that has frequent dust storms, you are probably checking the panels after storms anyway, so just keep it up. If you have neglected cleaning your solar panels for quite a while, you may want to clean the glass surface with a damp sponge or cloth. Solar panels are waterproof, so water or mild detergent can safely be used whenever necessary. Try to avoid strong solvents or abrasive detergents as they may damage the panels and void your warranty.
If you use a string inverter then it is a lot easier to check and make sure it is working properly. If you have a solar system where the panels are not all connected on a string, it can be more difficult to check and maintain microinverters that are mounted below each solar panel. Wiring should also be checked for any corrosion, cracking, or breaking. If any evidence of deterioration is found, the installer of the system should be contacted immediately. Installers are trained to handle these problems, and anything that converts electricity from DC to AC current should always be left to professionals. The last thing you want to do is electrocute yourself or damage your solar system.
If you rely on a battery for the backup power you will need to periodically inspect the battery to make sure it remains functional. Even so-called “maintenance-free” batteries require regular inspections of the case, terminal connections, voltage, and wiring a couple times a year. Just make sure everything is fairly clean and there is no corrosion. The bottom line is a clean solar system performs better. Basic upkeep of a solar system will keep you on top of any problems. We do not suggest fixing any of it yourself, but if you do see something wrong or weird during inspections, then please call the installation company that built the system.
Today, all solar panel manufacturers provide warranties that guarantee coverage in situations that result in unforeseen damage, such as hail, falling tree branches, or system malfunction. Usually, solar panel warranties last 25 years, inverter warranties last at least 10 years and many of them are growing to 25-year guarantees. All those warranties and guarantees cover the cost of repair and replacement. Remember that regular preventative checks can help you address any issues with your solar panel system before they become real problems.
If you want to take the leap and see how joining the solar revolution can help you, please visit the HahaSmart Price Checker Tool yourself. You can see how much solar would cost in your area, and we can also help find local installers that can help you with every step. Enter your information and stop paying the utility your hard earned money. For information relating to going solar don’t forget to visit our solar blog section for more handy guides and articles.
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