Solar panel installation is one of the smartest investments you can make for your home to ensure energy cost savings and efficiency. The best part about solar panels is that you can benefit for years to come without worrying about replacing them.
However, if you want to keep your solar panels working at their peak efficiency, you have to put a little effort into regular cleaning. While solar panel installation companies such as Red Oak Exteriors suggest that solar panels require little maintenance, they need to be cleaned regularly to ensure they absorb maximum sunlight.
At the same time, the racks used to mount solar panels need to be inspected to ensure the safety of the solar panels and the roof. Not to mention the electrical components that carry electricity from the solar panels to different appliances in your home also need to be inspected. So if you are looking for guidance about how to care for your solar panels properly, then we suggest you read this article until the end.
Solar panel installation companies in Colorado recommend regular cleaning of solar panels
Even if your solar panels have been installed for less than a month, they may already be collecting debris and other buildups. That is why solar panel installation companies in Colorado and all over the US recommend cleaning the solar panels if it hasn’t rained for a long time. Most high-quality solar panels installed at an angle can be rinsed off with rainwater. So if there has been a prolonged dry season in your area, it is recommended to clean the solar panels 2 to 4 times a year.
While ground-mounted solar panels can be cleaned using water and a non-abrasive cloth or a soft sponge, roof-mounted solar panels are different. Since roof-mounted solar panels require you to climb on top of the roof, it is recommended to hire professionals to clean, inspect and maintain solar panels. Since solar panel companies are experienced and equipped to handle the Solar panel installation process, cleaning and inspecting roof-mounted solar panels is best left to them.
Note: If you are thinking about using a pressure washer to wash away dirt from solar panels without getting on the roof, solar panel manufacturers recommend against using pressure washers. That is because pressure washers can damage solar panels. Instead, professional solar panel installation teams use non-abrasive materials and water while following proper safety precautions to clean the roof-mounted solar panels.
Getting the frame inspected regularly
Whether you have roof-mounted solar panels or ground-mounted ones, they are supported by racks to keep them elevated from the ground. While inspecting the frame of ground-mounted panels is easy, and most homeowners can do it independently, checking a roof-mounted solar panel frame requires expert help.
The frame is secured to your roof, and your roof can crack in the spot where bolts of the rack are fitted. These cracks can cause leaks in your roof, and therefore it is essential to get your solar panel frame regularly inspected to make sure the roof and the frame itself are in good shape.
Keep an eye on the output of the system
The most important indicator of whether your solar system is working correctly or not is its energy output. A solar-powered system operating at its maximum capacity should have an output equal to or close to what it is rated for.
Most solar systems allow homeowners to view daily and weekly power generation results using smart apps or manually through the system itself. If you notice a drop in efficiency or a fluctuation of output, you should contact the solar panel installation company.
By investing in the best solar panels, you can ensure that your system will require as little maintenance as possible.
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