Whether it’s for your home or workplace, installing solar panels is the best investment you can make. Reason being

Solar panels are cost-effective; although it might seem expensive due to the initial cost of purchasing and installing solar panels, in the long run, this option is cost-effective. That is because you only buy and install solar panels once. After that, you will not have to pay monthly or annual electricity bills. The only other expense you will have to deal with is a small maintenance cost.

If you are reading this article, you probably installed solar panels in your home, and you are wondering the best way to maintain them. Read on to the end to find out.

1. Keep Your Solar Panels Clean
Over time, dirt, dust, mold, leaves, bird droppings, and other unwanted solid particles may accumulate on your solar panels affecting their ability to generate electricity. The worst part about this is that the dirt doesn’t necessarily have to cover the whole glass panel for it to have an effect. No. even a small patch is enough! Regularly cleaning your solar panels is the only way to ensure that they are 100% efficient at all times. And because solar panels are delicate, it is recommended that you hire solar cleaning Perth for professional help. However, if you decide to DIY, below are factors to consider;

➔ Do Not Clean Your Solar Panels from the Rooftop
Cleaning your solar panels from the rooftop is risky because you can easily fall and injure yourself or cause unnecessary property damage. That is one luxury you cannot afford. For your own good, bring the solar panels down for cleaning.

➔ Consider the Cleaning Material
Avoid using metal and any other rough objects when cleaning your solar glass panels. Instead, use a soft brush to sweep off the dry particles, and then use clean water and a sponge to remove any other remaining dirt. Rinse with clean water. Other things to remember include:

● Water containing excess minerals or even hard water is harsh and can cause damage over time on your glass panels. Deionized or distilled water is ideal.

● Avoid using abrasive powders or detergents. They may cause corrosion on your solar panels.

➔ Consider Your Timing
Like any other type of glass, the optimum time to clean your solar panels is very early in the morning, late in the evening, or on a cloudy day. Not on a sunny day because you will end up smearing the dirt on the glass panel instead of cleaning it.

➔ How to Deal with Oily Stains
If you live near a highway, an industrial park, or an airport, your glass panels might get oily stains. In this case, use isopropyl alcohol as your cleaning agent.

➔ Automatic Solar Panel Cleaners
Sometimes you might be way too busy to get time to clean your solar panels. In that case, you can choose to install automated solar panel cleaners. These are more like sprinkler systems and will automatically sprinkle water on your solar panels according to how you set them.

2. Check Your Wiring
Everything wears and tears eventually, and that includes solar panels. In particular, the wiring system can cause severe electrical issues if it's chewed or worn out. Inspect your solar panels to identify the presence of dirt and animal nesting that may interfere with your wiring system.

Remember to check for cracks, holes, or gaps on your frames that may have allowed in such kind of unwanted material.

3. Consider the Positioning of Your Solar Panel
Ideally, your solar panel should face the sun directly for long periods to enhance its ability to trap rays as much as possible. Trees and tall vegetation might grow to create a shade over your solar panel. Trim them regularly to maximize your benefits.

4. Protect Your Solar Panels from Extreme Weather
In general, solar panels are durable and can withstand extreme weather, but there is still a slim chance of damage. Inspect them to identify any presence of pock markings and scratches on the glass, especially after a hailstorm, and fix them accordingly.

Ironically heat is another common cause of damage on solar panels. When the temperatures reach 90, your solar panels will lose 1% efficiency for every additional degree unit. As you can see, this is a situation best avoided. Raise your panels above the ground, preferably on the roof, to allow enough circulation of air. That will help your solar panels to cool down and maximize their overall efficiency.

5. Install a Monitoring System for Your Solar Panels
Your manufacturer should advise you on the best solar panel monitoring system to install in your home. But why is this important?

● It allows you to conduct daily performance documentation for your solar panels to improve the maintenance.

● Allows you to monitor the amount of carbon dioxide you are releasing into the environment

6. When is the Best Time to Replace Your Solar Panels?
Everything has a lifespan. Solar panels can last for as long as 25 years or even up to 40 years, depending on the situation. Either way, immediately after 25 years, it would be wise to start preparing to replace them.

Conclusion
According to research, for every three months, you go without maintenance, your solar panel loses its efficiency by 5%. That is a total of 20% efficiency loss in one year and is a luxury you cannot afford. Make sure you schedule a regular maintenance plan to get the best out of your solar panels.