The Truth About Solar Panel Maintenance
Solar power continues to grow by leaps and bounds across the world. From domestic power solutions through to commercial solar farms, effective solar power solutions rely on a combination of solar panels and efficient battery technology. Based on photovoltaic technology, solar panels are responsible for capturing energy from the sun and transforming it into usable electricity. Whether you have a small or large installation, solar panel maintenance is an essential part of electricity generation and management.
Modern solar panel technology
Modern solar panels consist of photovoltaic modules, with an array of cells connected together to generate and supply solar electricity. A single module can only produce so much power, which is why most installations consist of a module array. The technology itself consists of crystalline silicon, with some new products manufactured with new generation thin-film cells to provide a higher conversion rate. Regardless of the technology used, solar panels provide a low maintenance experience for the end user.
Along with solar cells, working solar systems also require an inverter, a number of batteries to store the electricity, and wiring running between the panels and batteries. While not necessary, most solar systems also include tracking technology, so people know how much power is being generated, used, and stored. The modern solar power market mostly consists of households who are connected to the electrical grid, with off-grid systems also widely available. Generally speaking, self-sufficient off-grid systems will require greater battery capacity and more regular maintenance.
How are solar panels maintained?
Solar panel maintenance is limited and fairly straightforward, with most maintenance schedules limited to regular cleaning and tracking. The durable nature and high-quality construction of solar panels is a significant benefit of this technology. While there are differences between panel manufacturers and products, most solar panels should last for 25-30 years before they need extensive repairs or replacement. Even then, many products are likely to stay in perfect working order for years to come.
Solar panel efficiency is typically around the 20 per cent mark, with this figure known to drop due to the accumulation of dirt and grime on the panels. If you live in a high-pollen, desert, or high-dust area, power generation can be reduced by as much as 30 per cent over time. Regular cleaning is a good idea, either carried out by yourself or as part of a solar panel maintenance plan. Along with cleaning, it’s also important to keep track of how much electricity you are generating, using, and storing.
Regular cleaning and tracking are the only two tasks that should concern the end-user.
- By removing leaves from the panels, and scrubbing dirt and grime from the solar cells, you can make your power system more productive and efficient. Regular cleaning is also likely to improve the lifespan of your panels and ensure trouble-free use year after year.
- Tracking simply means checking how well your panels are performing over time. Photovoltaic technology is more productive at different times of the day and year, so it’s important to understand your system in relation to the surrounding weather and environment. If production levels drop for any reason, it may be time to call in the experts.
Solar power is an excellent option for any home or business owner who wants to save money on electricity bills and reduce their carbon footprint. If you’re looking for the best solar panels maintenance in Australia, please call our friendly team at Arise Solar today.
