The cleaning, inspection and maintenance of solar panels after installation can be left to a qualified installer but there are simple checks to be made on an occasional basis to check for any damage or wear and tear.
Clean Panels Gently and Regularly
Dust, bird droppings and even moss can block solar radiation on solar panels. They should be cleaned gently with clean water and a soft brush or squeegee. If possible use a pole with a brush or squeegee on the end to clean the panels from the ground. Clean the panels when they are cool, ideally in the morning. Do not use abrasive cloths and avoid using detergents as they may leave residue on the panels. Solar panels should be cleaned twice a year but coastal areas such as Weston may need to clean the panels more frequently as salt can deposit on the panels.
Check Your Inverter Display Often
Keep an eye on the inverter display, typically located in the homeowners’ study, living room or office, on very sunny days and take note of the typical power output. If an error code is displayed, lights are flashing or power output appears to be low for the conditions, then investigate the cause as soon as possible as minor faults can develop into larger problems over time.
Carry Out a Visual Roof Inspection
Look from ground level for signs of damage such as cracked glass, loose or even shifted mounting brackets and damaged cabling. With many homes having solar panels fitted to their roofs as part of a new build it is worth inspecting the panels each year following a particularly stormy winter. Binoculars can provide a good view.
Monitor Your Generation Data
The majority of modern Inverters also link to apps that allow you to look at the daily, and monthly amounts of power your panels have generated. This also means you can very easily compare the amount of power you are generating from one season to the next, to quickly pick up on any loss in performance, approximating 10% – 15% decrease in performance on sunny days is normally worth investigating.
Book a Professional Service Every Few Years
A full service from a qualified engineer can test the electrical connections, check the solar panel installation for signs of water ingress and check that the frames are securely fixed to the roof. He can also check that all installation work is complete in line with MCS certification for solar panel installations. There is more on Solar Panel Installation Weston at https://redbridgeandsons.co.uk/solar-pv-panels/solar-panel-installation-weston.
It’s a simple matter to maintain your panels to keep generating for years to come.
