This is no doubt one of the most effective ways to power your home without drawing from the grid. That’s why investing in home solar maintenance is a great choice for environmentally-conscious people.
But like any investment, it’s essential to address key maintenance issues. If you don’t know how to maintain your home solar panels, your investment may fail.
Here are the 7 common errors in home solar maintenance people make during home solar maintenance as well as some tips to avoid them.
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1. Over Cleaning
Home solar maintenance is an important aspect of home ownership as it ensures the solar panels and systems are lasting and in good working condition. One of the most common home solar maintenance errors is over-cleaning. Over-cleaning can damage the protective layers of solar cells and the lubrication of design components.
It is important to know that some solar cells do not need to be pressure washed. Doing so can cause erosion of protective layers. Cleaning too often can reduce their performance by causing them to become scratched or stripped of the silica-based protection that gives them the ability to absorb sunlight.
To prevent this from happening, it is important to do regular maintenance on the panels, not too often or too aggressively.
2. Using Abrasive Materials
If you are removing built-up rust and corrosion on solar panels, you must use different grades of abrasive material. Course material should not be used if it is a thin layer or requires gentle polishing. The wrong material can scrape off the anti-reflective coating of the panel and lead to permanent damage.
When using abrasive materials, wear safety gear like safety glasses, hearing protection, and leather gloves. Improper usage of the correct abrasive material can result in scratching the panels or destroying mounts. To avoid such an error, always use non-abrasive materials when cleaning solar panels.
Soft cloths and lint-free cleaning sprays are great alternatives to abrasive materials. Proper maintenance of solar energy units is vital. And using non-abrasive materials greatly reduces the chance of causing errors while caring for the solar cells.
3. Forgetting to Check the Batteries
Batteries are essential to solar systems. They store energy generated by solar panels and allow solar-powered systems to run when there is no direct sunlight. Failure to check the batteries regularly can cause them to be undercharged and overcharged.
It can reduce their life expectancy and result in a higher energy bill. To avoid this, check the batteries and keep an eye on their performance on a regular basis, ideally once a month. Have the batteries and the system inspected periodically by a qualified technician.
This will ensure that the batteries are working optimally and help to extend their lifespan. Taking proactive steps like these can help to save you money and reduce the risk of future maintenance issues.
4. Not Switching the System Off
Not switching the system off can lead to shock hazards, impact current flow, and cause other system-related issues. As a precautionary measure, the solar panel should always be disconnected before attempting to do any maintenance. This is especially true for any major repairs, as the system may remain in a state of operation and cause further complications.
To prevent this type of error, people should take the necessary time to understand the system and all its components. And people should always double-check and make sure the system is switched off. This will ensure the safety of the system and all those working on it.
5. Not Using Enough Water
The solar panels should receive a thorough cleansing at least once a year, and during this process, no less than 5 gallons of water should be used. When cleaning the panels, it is essential to cover the entire surface so that all dirt, dust, pollen, and other particles can be removed. If too little water is used, there will be spots on the panel that will not be completely clean.
It decreases the efficiency and power generation of the panels. To ensure that enough water is used, a garden hose with an adjustable sprayer may be employed, ensuring the panels are evenly rinsed.
Using a microfiber cloth or a soft brush may also be helpful in removing any debris that remains. Doing so will not only help keep dirt and residue off the panels but also ensure they are working at optimum efficiency.
6. Not Hiring a Professional
These errors can come in the form of improper installation, damage, or a lack of the proper cleaning and upkeep required. Some of the more serious mistakes that can be made include a failure to ground the system, wiring errors, or failure to use UL-approved components. To avoid these errors, it is important to consult an expert when purchasing and installing any solar system.
A qualified technician should be sought out to review the installation and address any other issues that may come up after the initial installation. Doing so may cost more upfront, but it can help to eliminate costly mistakes down the road. Hiring a professional is the only way to ensure that the system is properly maintained over time and is performing up to standards.
If you are looking for certified residential solar system company services and don’t know where to get find them, you can visit the premier solar company or other solar company available in your town.
7. Not Trimming Trees and Shrubs
Not trimming trees and shrubs around the home is an issue for any homeowner with a solar panel system. Unkempt foliage can cause damage to solar cells and impede their efficiency. Issues arise if branches impede direct sunlight or they cast shadows on the panels. Keeping trees and shrubs pruned and trimmed is one way to avoid this error in solar maintenance.
It should be done carefully, as panels can be damaged or destroyed by falling or errant branches or limbs. The debris and leaves need to be regularly cleared away from the system, as clogged panels can create overheating and short-circuiting issues.
Here Are the 7 Common Errors in Home Solar Maintenance and How to Avoid Them
In conclusion, home solar maintenance can be a difficult responsibility but is important for the optimum functioning of the system.
Being knowledgeable of common errors in home solar maintenance, such as inadequate cleaning, lack of wiring inspections, and insufficient monitoring, can help prevent them from occurring.
Make your solar investment last, and consider a maintenance plan to ensure your solar system stays in top-performance condition.
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