As awareness around sustainability grew, several people across the country are opting for solar power panel installations. Not only are solar panel systems cost-effective, efficient, and renewable, they are an investment as they can sustain your power requirements for an average of 25 years. However, one factor that still prevents people from opting for solar power panels is their maintenance.
While you may assume that solar power panels require constant and high maintenance, it’s quite the opposite. Instead, maintaining solar PV panels is as easy and simple as maintaining other electrical equipment in your home. So, this comprehensive guide will answer the most common questions about solar power panel maintenance, helping you determine whether switching to solar is a viable option. Let’s get started.
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- How Much Maintenance Do Solar Power Panels Require?
Contrary to popular belief, solar power panels require little to no maintenance to function efficiently. All you need to do is give the photovoltaic (PV) modules a light cleaning to ensure there aren’t any leaves, debris, or dirt on the panels, as it can hinder the energy production process. However, you might have to put in some extra work to clean the panels during harsh weather conditions like dust storms and snowfall as they can reduce the panels’ output levels.
- How Often Should the Solar Power Panels Be Cleaned?
Since even leaves and dust can hamper the solar system’s power production capacity, giving the panels a light cleaning at regular intervals is vital. It can be once every few days, weeks, or months, depending on the weather conditions and where you live. However, it is essential to get the PV panels thoroughly cleaned once every 3 months, preferably by a professional. Additionally, it would be best to opt for plant check-ups twice a year to ensure everything is running smoothly.
- What Is the Best Way to Clean the Solar Power Panels?
Although there are several ways to clean solar power panels, the best way to do so is by using a water pipe, a hose, or even a leaf blower, as it will help remove any accumulated dirt and debris. However, it is crucial to remember that solar panels should never be washed with hot water as they are made of tempered glass, and extreme temperature disparity can result in cracks or breakage. This is extremely important if you’re living in an area with heavy snowfall.
- Will Harsh Weather Conditions Affect the Panels?
Solar power panels are durable and designed to withstand harsh weather conditions such as rainfall, snowfall, and heavy winds. As per several studies, solar panels can even survive a few natural disasters such as hurricanes. Therefore, you don’t need to be worried about weather conditions affecting the quality of the PV panels. However, since solar power panels are not indestructible, it is crucial to purchase an insurance plan. And you can also make use of the warranty provided by the company/brand if repair or replacement is required.
- What If the Solar Panels Need to Be Repaired or Replaced?
If your solar power panels get damaged, or their output level is low, you might have to repair or replace them. However, it is best to do so by hiring a professional as they will be able to evaluate the situation better and offer the right solution. Additionally, check if the panels are under warranty or covered with insurance as the manufacturing company will then cover the expenses. Either way, it is crucial to seek professional guidance and avoid doing the repairs by yourself.
Now that we know how easy and simple it is to maintain solar power panels, you can consider investing in them. But it is also essential to look for a reliable and reputable brand like Luminous that offers high-quality and high-performance solar products. Better yet, Luminous provides complete assistance for solar panel maintenance, repairs, and replacements. Visit their website today and make the switch to clean energy!
