Solar PV panels are becoming a popular investment in India each passing day. While the shift to solar energy production started with commercial and industrial sectors, now even residential areas are all for solar panels. According to an International Energy Agency report, the world’s renewable energy capacity saw a massive increase of 45% in 2020 alone, for which India has majorly contributed.
However, one thing that still troubles many people who are interested in installing solar power is solar panel maintenance and the steps it involves. People have some misconceptions that maintaining PV panels requires a lot of effort. So, if you want to know some tips for solar panel maintenance, keep reading.
Solar Panel Maintenance Tips
Here are the essential solar panel maintenance tips you should keep in mind:
- Since solar panels are exposed to the elements, the most basic step is to clean solar panels using a water hose or a bucket of soapy water. However, it is crucial to ensure that the water is at room temperature and not too warm or cold.
- If you are using detergent or soap for solar panel cleaning, make sure they are free of any harsh chemicals. Doing so is important as some washing solutions can leave behind stains, which attract dirt & debris.
- Since PV panels are installed on the rooftop, it is not uncommon to find bird droppings on them. However, you should clean them as soon as possible as they tend to solidify if left for longer periods.
- If you are using a hose or water pipe for cleaning the PV panels, ensure the water pressure isn’t too high as you might end up damaging the panels.
- Drain away all the water to prevent any stains or damaging the electronic circuit. Please remember you must never spray water on the underside where the circuit is located.
- Avoid over-cleaning the solar panels, as there is a risk of scratching the glass surface. A thorough wash once every week should be sufficient.
- It is best not to scrub the panels too hard as you might scratch off the anti-reflective coating, which will render the panels’ warranty void.
- The best time for solar panel maintenance is during the evening or early morning, as during peak hours, there is direct sunlight, and using water at that time can cause thermal stress, which can further lead to panel breakage.
What is the Standard Warranty for Solar Panels?
A great benefit of investing in solar panels is the extended warranty period, which typically lasts around 10-15 years, but this varies from one manufacturer to another. In addition, some PV panel manufacturers have a 25-year performance warranty. Another key point to remember is that storage batteries wear out quite soon so you check their life regularly to know when you upgrade your solar battery.
However, these standard warranties only cover manufacturing defects such as mechanical wear & tear, damaged cell connections, loose junction boxes, defective back-sheet, etcetera, while the performance warranty covers the amount of solar power generated. If the manufacturer finds any such defects, they will replace or repair the solar panels. However, it is possible that your warranty might be ruled out if there has been any intentional damage to the panels or there is a lack of proper solar panel maintenance.
How Does Extreme Weather Impact Your Solar Panels?
When it comes to solar panel maintenance, extreme weather conditions are not much of a concern. While PV panels produce less energy during cold weather, they won’t stop functioning. However, if you live in an area where snowfall is common, make sure the solar panels aren’t covered in snow for too long. As far as rain is concerned, solar panels can withstand them easily because of their durability.
Are Solar Panels Hard to Maintain?
Contrary to popular belief, maintaining a solar panel is not hard. However, if you don’t feel up for it, you can always seek professional help occasionally. In addition, you should ensure that you purchase only high-quality, durable, and efficient PV panels from reputable brands like Luminous. However, remember to keep these solar panel maintenance tips in mind.
Author bio – A guest blogger has contributed this advertorial
