Solar Panel Maintenance: 7 Issues That Need Expert Attention
Long-term savings and a constant source of clean energy are only possible through systematic maintenance of solar panels. As time goes on, dirt and dust fall on the solar panel surface along with other debris. Rain and snow may wash away the dirt, while wind can cause corrosion to some areas on the surface of the solar panels. There are seven major aspects of your solar panel system that must be evaluated by a professional solar panel maintenance provider in order to sustain maximum power generation. All aspects of solar maintenance services should be completed by professional service providers.
1. Cleaning Solar Panels to Remove All Dust, Dirt, and Debris
Dirt, dust, fallen leaves, bird droppings and airborne pollution are deposited on your solar panels and act as a barrier preventing sunlight from reaching them. The result is a reduction in production without your knowledge. Regularly cleaning your solar panels is the most essential maintenance procedure to keep your system operating efficiently, as contaminants will decrease power output from your system, even with a small amount of residue.
Solar panel cleaning companies only use the proper cleaning methods for solar panels; they clean using special tools designed for cleaning glass solar panels, wear safety harnesses, and also use demineralised water. The professionals working for a solar panel cleaning service are highly trained and experienced to perform the job safely and thoroughly; this is especially true when dealing with solar panels located on rooftops or in industrial environments.
2. Cleaning Services for Solar Panels That Have Water Staining and Mineral Deposits
Due to rainwater, mineral deposits get built up on the surface of your solar panels and will eventually leave behind limescale that obstructs sunlight from reaching your solar panel. A solar panel cleaning company has the tools, products and experience necessary to safely remove the mineral build-up from your solar panels without damaging the solar panels or glass.
In addition to cleaning the top of the solar panels, your solar panel maintenance professional will check for pooling water around the solar panel frames (blades) and if there is any sign of corrosion due to extended periods of time being exposed to moisture, such as pooling water. Early solar panel maintenance will help avoid costly repairs later.
3. Hot Spots and Cell Damage
Dirt patches or small obstructions can cause areas to overheat, which leads to cell damage, cracks, or discolouration.
During regular cleaning of solar panels, these hot spots can be detected early. Hot spots are one of the most popular issues with panels. If hot spots are found, new cells or modules should be replaced immediately to protect the other parts of the system from failure.
4. Wiring, Connectors and Loose Mountings
Solar panels are installed outdoors with exposure to wind, vibration, and changing temperatures. These conditions can loosen mounting hardware and affect the electrical connections. A technician will assess the following during solar panel maintenance:
- Insulation of cables
- Grounding connections
- Junction boxes
- Structural fasteners
Tightening the components at the time of service prevents hazards and maintains the proper performance of those components.
5. Inverter Issues and Monitoring Failures
Inverters are used to convert DC electricity to usable AC energy. If a fault occurs within an inverter, it will drop the output immediately. Technicians frequently identify faults on inverters during cleaning.
Firmware updates, checking cables, and diagnosing inverters are part of the regular scheduled cleaning and maintenance of solar panels. If a technician does not check the inverter, there are many small faults that can turn into large problems, leading to failed generation.
6. Environmental Damage from Weather and Location
Weather patterns, hail, storms, high amounts of rain or exposure to salt water can cause damage to a solar panel. The faster evaporating salt in coastal areas leads to more rapid levels of corrosion on the panels. Early assessments through the professional services of solar maintenance can identify the risk of external sources of damage.
Actively identifying instances of physical damage can help minimise replacement costs and prolong the life of a solar system.
7. Energy Output Testing and Solar Panel Efficiency
Although systems will continue to have a small decrease in energy production while they age, sudden drops in output indicate that a problem may exist. The methods for measuring the energy output will determine whether the energy generated from the solar panels is on par with what was expected from them.
If energy production is below what would be expected, the technician will look for any connection problems, dirt build-up, shading, etc., as well as any faulty inverters.
A performance review establishes the overall solar panel efficiency, allowing the owner to determine if repairs or upgrades are necessary. Monitoring tools aid in long-term solar maintenance and provide a safeguard to the return on the investment made in solar panels.
Why Professional Services are Essential
Professional service teams are highly trained to work safely at extreme heights, use specialised equipment and avoid inflicting damage to solar panels. Attempting to clean solar panels with improper methods could void warranties on the panels. The professional cleaning services for solar panel problems will follow methods approved by the solar panel industry and will utilise only non-abrasive cleaning tools, in addition to ensuring compliance with safety protocols.
If you are the owner of a system established in the home or a commercial solar array, following a robust solar maintenance programme will ensure continued reliability and peak performance over the life of the system.
Partnering with an established service provider is essential for long-term efficiency, safety, and ultimate power production. Waaree RTL provides expert-level cleaning and maintenance of solar systems, combined with years of industry knowledge and experience, allowing customers to protect their solar system’s performance and longevity through Waaree RTL’s professional service.
FAQs
1. How often do I clean my solar panels?
You will want to clean your solar panels at least two to four times a year, depending upon where you live, the amount of dust/grime that gathers and the climate.
2. Can I clean the solar panels myself?
Yes, it is possible to clean your panels yourself; however, for overall safety and to prevent you from obtaining scratches, causing leaks and/or creating an electrical hazard, you will be better off hiring a professional solar panel cleaning service.
3. What are the most frequent problems with solar panels?
The three most common types of problems with solar panels are hot spots, loose mountings, and inverter faults.
4. Will cleaning my solar panels increase their output?
Yes, a good cleaning of your solar panels will allow them to absorb more sunlight and ultimately will aid in maintaining maximum generation of energy.
5. When do I schedule my maintenance?
For all systems to operate efficiently for the long term, proper maintenance requires regularly planned inspections, annual service and continual maintenance of your solar panels.
