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Making the best use of roof solar panels

Your investment isn't quite as set and forget as you might think if you want to get the best bang for buck

By Dale RodsonPublished 4 years ago 3 min read
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With the rise of sophisticated green technologies, it is hard to come up with a valid reason not to switch on them for your homes. If you have finally decided to switch to solar power, you might be wondering what solar panel maintenance practices that you can follow to ensure effective, efficient, and lasting solar energy system for your home.

The great news is that solar panel maintenance and cleaning is as important as almost any other aspects of your home. It will not require special cleaning tools to accomplish this. It will not also need a lot of your time to do so. Whether you are looking to save on your utility bills or you just want a greener world, these simple cleaning tips will help you maintain your solar panels in tip top shape.

Regular Cleaning of Your Panels and Roof

One of the most crucial maintenance you have to do to make them absorb a lot of solar energy if to keep them clean always. A film that is dirty on your panels will minimize the amount of solar energy that will penetrate. As solar panels are installed on a steep way, rain often washes down the dust and dirt off the panels. But, when you live in a very dry and hot climate, it is a good idea to often check back for cleaning.

A lot of homeowners rinse their panels with garden hose to help get it rid or dust and debris. If you have some buildup that is hard to remove, you can use some soap and warm water to clean it and use a dry cloth to clear any stubborn dirt.

You do need to be careful with the types of chemicals used when cleaning however, as corrosive hard chemicals can potentially damage your panels and your roof. Roof restoration and painting expert Grant Sommers from Best Price Roofing says that a common issue many DIY cleaners used on their roof is that it build up from insufficient rinsing can lead to the deterioration of the paint membrane on your roof which can lead to the roof surface being porous to water leading to long term damage during rain.

Inspect Wirings and Frames

Take some time to occasionally check the solar panels wiring and frames. The distressed wirings can lead to major electrical problems, and can lead to other major problems later on when left unattended. Make sure to check the frames for cracks or gaps where water and dust can seep into the panel system. Check for water damage to your electrical connectors and fuses or any signs of corrosion. Place The Panels In Direct Sunlight

The panels will need prolonged access to sunlight each day. Although they are installed with this in mind, the sun’s pattern can slightly change every day. So, you have to make sure the panels are getting direct sunlight. Typhoon or Storm Damages Inclement weather can post some risk to your panels leading to scratches and pockmarks. Inspect your panels after each typhoon or storm for any damage. Surface damage can impact solar power absorption.

Monitoring Energy Supply

You can keep a closer look at the performance of your panels by adding an energy monitor. They are available in various models from straightforward displays to the most complex app-based systems. You can monitor energy metrics using these. When you are looking to a great way to go green and reduce your carbon footprint, solar panels are your perfect choice. Their maintenance is less time consuming that any other energy sources and they guarantee great savings for a lifetime.

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