by Emily Newton
Professional engineers and manufacturers have a responsibility to craft high-quality solar panels. They must adhere to code and withstand the elements to minimize consumer maintenance responsibilities. Manufacturers need to convey necessary information to buyers so they can stay on top of cleaning and preventive upkeep. What are the essential components of a healthy solar panel maintenance schedule and how can makers make them last as long as possible?
1. Plan a Solar Panel Maintenance Schedule
Engineers and buyers must envision the ideal solar panel maintenance schedule for what they create and purchase, respectively. Sellers communicate requirements to buyers so they know how to get the most out of the life of their panels. Otherwise, entire grids may fall into disarray. Recently, a rural region in India only has 5% of panels in operation due to poor maintenance practices.
Sticking to a yearly schedule means the panels work efficiently at all times of the year, no matter the weather. Marking reminders in a calendar is essential for staying accountable, or you can call a local provider to assist with regular operations and maintenance (O&M). These suggestions may change depending on the climate where you live:
- Clean and sweep modules quarterly with temperature-appropriate water.
- Check connected apps and smart tech daily or weekly to review power generation.
- Hire a professional for an annual audit.
- Check for unblocked access to the manual isolator switch for emergencies and maintenance.
- Review for corrosion, rust or wire damage twice annually.
Areas more prone to wind or dust storms need to wipe panels multiple times a month, whereas locations with consistent hail should review for impact damage more frequently. Commercial panel owners require more aggressive schedules depending on the heft and size of their array to dissuade reliability concerns and justify the high upfront investment for installation.
2. Familiarize Yourself With the Components
Manufacturers know solar panels inside and out, but the buyers enter a new realm of energy independence and previously unknown jargon. Energy professionals should translate terms and educate customers so they know basic diagnostics, and can convey concerns to contractors.
For example, the average consumer may need to be more familiar with what the inverter is or what the transformer looks like. Installers cannot assume a client knows everything about panel maintenance once they leave.
Informing panel owners helps makers because fewer households claim replacements through warranties, more solar panels hit new buildings and wait times for parts are reasonable. Here are some tips you can pass along to buyers:
- The largest part of the panel is the module, which requires the most upkeep.
- Inverters are in charge of converting currents and the areas get dusty frequently.
- Leverage remote monitoring and connected apps to support education and cleaning reminders.
- Solar panel check-ins also require roof inspections. Ensure an absence of leaks or cracks where mounting racks are. If you have a ground-mounted system, check stability.
Assert familiarity with solar components saves money for businesses and households in the long run because they will be better equipped to assess potential concerns.
3. Inspecting Tracking Mounting Systems
If a solar array is on a fixed mounting system, this will not apply. Many are automated tilting systems that adjust the angle of the panels with the sun’s movement. Tracking mounts are usually on rooftops with less-than-ideal angling, where a fixed mount system would not net much energy generation.
Sometimes, the effectiveness and seamlessness of the tracking system worsen over time. Now is the time to schedule preventive maintenance for the motor and racking system. The sensors might be off, animals may be burrowing under the modules or the mounts may have rust. It is essential to stay aware of influences so a client does not see a drastic reduction in power generation.
4. Employ Autonomous Monitoring and Cleaning
Solar panel owners may employ automation and monitoring whenever possible. Autonomous cleaning tools are on the market to reduce the number of times you manually climb onto the roof.
Gadgets do not replace manual reviews and cleaning to ensure those technologies work efficiently. A cleaning robot or remote sprinkler may go faulty, or its programmed path gets warped. It is as important to review resources as it is the panels themselves, especially when attentiveness improves panel efficiency by 30% or more.
Additionally, it is vital to notice any changes in performance through smart systems. Apps and connected devices collect analytics to inform users how the panels work. Gradual dips in performance over time may signify mechanical concerns or necessary maintenance.
Getting in the habit of checking these remote systems allows panel workers to tackle problems before they exacerbate them. Meters and equipment must be accessible to installers and energy professionals so communication remains transparent and clear.
5. Review Cabling Connectors
Most maintenance focuses on the modules, but cables are as crucial to monitor as cracks in the polycrystalline structure. Cabling connectors are vital to check because gaps, dislodged wires, or elemental interference start fires or catalyze additional safety hazards for the building. Engineers can work to improve the durability of cable jackets with sturdier materials.
Customers assist professionals by conveying information about cables correctly. For example, an exposed wire differs from an exposed cable — installers must explain that wires are individual conductors while cables have a casing to protect a group.
Experts should review issues with each, but the types of concerns vary slightly between them. Additionally, check meters examine the efficacy of main meter connections. If they have a minimal allowance, then the cables work well.
6. Read the Fine Print of the Warranty
Solar panel warranties are unique and energy experts will clearly provide that information to buyers. Some warranties cover only the panels, while others cover installation and maintenance issues. A few cover rooftop health and solar panel peripherals like external battery storage. Warranties are critical when considering your maintenance schedule, primarily when the warranty is nearing termination.
The Best Solar Panel Maintenance Schedule and Regimen
Quality solar panel maintenance comes from the work of manufacturer and customer communication. Buyers must feel empowered by their purchase to take ownership of checking the panels’ health. Engineers and energy experts should do everything they can to provide households and businesses with resources to learn and execute doable maintenance.
With a social solar panel maintenance schedule, essential tasks become second nature. People and corporations develop relationships with contractors and productive habits for keeping panels operating optimally.
