How to Maintain Your Solar Panels During the Summer? You’ve probably heard your fair share of solar panel tips in the past, but now that summer is here and temperatures are soaring, it’s the perfect time to make sure you’re doing everything you can to maintain your solar panels. In this blog post, we will offer some advice on how to best maintain your solar panels throughout the summer so that they last for as long as possible.
Wider adoption of solar energy requires us to become more conscious about how we use it; taking some simple steps to look after your solar panels this summer will go a long way towards ensuring they last as long as possible. Keeping your solar panels in good shape isn’t just about making them work better — it also helps them last longer and saves you money in the long run. That’s why we’ve compiled some useful tips on how you can keep your solar panel working optimally all year round.
Check Your Solar Panel Warranty
If you’re wondering what might go wrong with your solar panel, you might be surprised to discover that most solar panel damage is actually caused by people, not the elements. That’s why it’s crucial to check your warranty so that you know what you are covered for and what is not covered. This will help you to make the right decisions when it comes to maintenance.
Make sure that you keep your receipts and document any repairs. You might be able to claim these back under your warranty. If you live in an area with particularly inclement weather, though, you should be especially careful to keep your solar panels in good condition. Solar panels in particular can be damaged by high winds, heavy rain, and hail. Solar panels are also quite sensitive to temperature changes, so extreme heat or cold can also cause damage.
Put On a Solar Panel Cover
Another tip for keeping your solar panels in good shape is to put on a solar panel cover over them. This is a relatively inexpensive way to protect your solar panels from the elements, and you can find some for under $100. There are two main kinds of solar panel covers: lightweight and heavy-duty.
Lightweight covers will be less durable, but they are also easier to install and remove as needed. They are also much cheaper, and they are a great option if you only have a small solar system and don’t need something too heavy-duty. Heavy-duty covers are better suited if you have a larger solar system, if you have pets or children, or if you live in an area with extreme weather.
Go Through a Spring Tune-Up
It makes a lot of sense to go through a spring tune-up for your solar panels just as you would do with your car before putting it in storage for the winter. For your solar panels, this means making sure that everything is clean. You can do this with a garden hose or by using a pressure washer. Your solar panels are solar-powered, so it’s important that they stay clean to maximize their efficiency.
Dirt and grime can significantly reduce the amount of power your solar panels generate, so it’s important to keep them clean. You should also make sure that your panels are properly leveled and that they are installed on a surface that is structurally sound. If your panels are not properly positioned, they might not be able to collect energy from the sun as efficiently. This could reduce the amount of power they generate by as much as 25%.
Change Out Your Old Batteries
Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, which is then stored in batteries. The older a battery, the less effective it is, meaning you’ll have less solar power to use at home. It’s a good idea to replace your batteries every five years or so, especially if you’ve had your system for a while. You can usually find the model number of your panels and the model number of the batteries on the sides of each one.
Some batteries are even recommended to be replaced every two years; however, they can vary depending on the manufacturer. If you have a larger solar system and your panels are older, you might benefit from upgrading to newer batteries. This is a significant purchase, though, so you may want to consider hiring an electrician to perform an evaluation of your current system before deciding.
Try These Short-Term Fixes
If your solar panels are old but still functional, you might be able to prevent damage by doing a few simple things. First, clean your solar panels regularly to keep dirt and grime away from them. You can also tint your panels to protect them from heat and UV rays. You can also consider covering your solar panels during extremely hot or cold days.
If something goes wrong and your panels break or get damaged, you can always call a professional to come out and repair them. You can also buy solar panels on sale from stores like Amazon. When it comes to solar panels, prevention is key. By taking care of your solar panels and performing maintenance on them regularly, you can keep them in good condition for years. Doing so will ensure that you get the most power out of your panels and that they last as long as possible.
As you can see, maintenance is a lot of work. There are some things you can do yourself, but there are others for which you should better hire a professional.