Solar panels in a solar system do not have any moving parts and their makeup is such that they will easily last for two or more decades. Problems do occur with these solar systems, but mostly it can point to defects in the inverter or power supply and other components. This presumes that the installation has been properly located and fixed during installation.
It is important that a solar panel system producing electricity be given some regular attention in the form of maintenance if it is to operate safely and efficiently. Solar panels have to be installed in exposed conditions so that they can get full advantage of the sun shining on them. This leaves them exposed to the dirt and dust that is always part of the environment. This can build up on the panels and reduce their capacity to absorb the light from the sun, which is so essential for power. As a part of maintenance, it is needed to clean the surface of the panels of this accumulation.
This maintenance needs to be carried out on roofs and often other higher places, which in itself can be a risk for the average homeowner. This does require the proper tools, equipment and attention to safety that solar panel installation and service experts will be able to easily put together.
During any maintenance carried out on panels it is important the panels be cleaned and inspected for any defects. Defects can occur in the form of cracks and hot spots on the glass cells of the panels. This may require the attention and repairs to glass cells. All other parts need to be inspected to ensure that they have not been corroded in the outdoor atmosphere. Any vents must be free of debris.
Maintenance procedures need to look at the electrical systems associated with drawing power from the cells. All switches must be checked for defects. Wires that show deterioration must be replaced, and all connections must be checked for their looseness, and it must be ensured that they are securely attached. If your solar system is linked to batteries and inverters, this is a part of the system that requires careful attention, as most defects in solar systems start with the inverters. Systems that are directly connected to the existing electrical grid may not need these inverters and batteries.
While the maintenance expert is up on the roof, it is will be of great help if the fastenings, any automatic orientation devices are also checked if they have been installed. These devices are a sophistication that allow the panels to move so that the sunlight always falls on them perpendicularly, which is known to help the most efficient working of the photo voltaic cells in the solar panels.
Learn More
- 3 Things You Should Know About Oregon Solar
- 5 Surprising Solar Energy Facts You Probably Don’t Know
- The Process of Installing UK Solar Panel Installers
Other defects and problems in solar systems can often be attributed to the production of the PV modules, bad handling of the panels during installation, and extreme weather conditions that affect its structure. These will often come to light after the first inspection is carried out by experts, before maintenance and must be repaired as soon as they are noticed. Voltage fluctuations can occur due to poor earthing connections and lead to panel degradation. A proper check with the right instruments can bring the problem to light, so that it can be repaired.
External factors play a large part in a solar system having a need for repairs. Hail, storms, and lightning can cause damage to solar panels and require them to be repaired or replaced. These factors could lead to breaking or cracking of the glass that covers the PV modules, scratches on the modules that will lead to reducing their efficiency to produce power. Lightning can scorch junction boxes and affect voltages. If a house has a fire, this can damage any panels that are exposed to the fire.
Besides the regular maintenance of, cleaning and checking all the components and wiring, minor repairs to the panels can often be carried out on the roof. However, there are some defects that may need to be carried out in adequately equipped repair shops. In such a case it can be required to dismantle the installation, take it down carefully, carry it to the repair shop, correct the defects and arrange for their reinstallation of the panels.