The reason why solar panels are one of the best alternatives to sustainable energy is because it can last up to 30 years with minimal maintenance. As long as you take good care of it by being sensitive to minor problems and cleaning it from time to time, there is not much work to do.
However easy it may seem to maintain them, solar panels need to be inspected from time to time especially if you notice that something has really gone wrong. Here are some of the signs that you may need to call your solar panel repair company:
1. DETERIORATION
Solar panels can also wear out physically over time for various reasons, such as changes in weather, debris, tree branches and so on. Since they are normally placed up in the roof, they get the most out of the extreme weather conditions which may cause them to crack or break. Trees and other debris can also contribute to breakage. When this happens, water will enter the small cracks and cause damage to the panels. So it is a good idea to schedule your solar maintenance guy once in a while to ensure that your solar panels are in great shape and repairs, especially minor ones, will be attended to immediately.
2. OUTPUT OF VOLTAGE AND CURRENT
Nearly all solar inverters have an online monitoring system that you may view even using your mobile phone to view current and historical performance and status of your solar system. By checking it regularly, you will be able to see if your system is under-performing, or if there are error codes and warnings. It is normal for your system to perform a little lower if the weather is bad but when you notice that the performance is consistently low despite good weather, then it’s time to have it inspected.
3. AGE OF THE PANELS
Even though it lasts for up to 30 years, solar panels deteriorate as they age. It may still continue to produce electricity but the output will be significantly reduced. Over time, the photovoltaic efficiency slowly changes, reducing the panel’s efficiency of converting light to usable energy. If your panels have been around for 20 years or so, and you have noticed the decline in electrical output, then it might probably be worn out. Have it inspected so you can discuss your options with your solar panel supplier.
4. OTHER COMPONENTS
Though solar panels are very important in the entire solar system, this system has other components as well that are connected to each other in order to produce electricity for your home. The inverter, for example, is also very important as it is responsible for converting light to energy. When one of these components is not functioning well, the entire solar panel suffers too. So if you have already gone up the roof to check your solar panels only to find them in great shape, perhaps there are other components that need to be checked. Don’t hesitate to have it inspected and repaired to prevent further damage.
In general, solar panels do not really need heavy maintenance, and in fact, it only needs to be checked from time to time. However, as solar panel owners, it is also our responsibility to check if our system is working properly. A little bit of attention goes a long way to make sure that your solar panels are always in good working condition so you will enjoy their optimal performance.
