Adding solar tiles to your roof can save you a lot of money over the lifetime of those panels. Depending on the number you install, you could cut your utility bills down by 90 percent. You’ll find that the money you save is well worth the installation costs.
Residential renewable energy solutions such as solar tiles are an important way to save the planet and your wallet. Taking care of those panels ensures they last even longer. Here are some tips on maintaining your solar panels.
1. Keep an Eye on the Energy Output
An easy way to monitor your solar panels is by watching the energy output. If there’s a sudden decrease in energy, then it’s likely that you have a dirt buildup on your panels. Smog and dust from a nearby highway or airport can also cut your power by up to 20 percent.
2. Rinse Off Any Dirt Buildup
It’s normal for dirt and dust to accumulate on your panels. A pollen buildup can also decrease the amount of sunlight reaching your panels. When this happens, use a garden hose to rinse the accumulation off of your panels.
3. Watch Out for an Accumulation of Branches and Leaves
Debris from the trees such as branches and fallen leaves can also build up on your panels and block the sunlight coming in. Use a leaf blower to clear them away.
4. Brush Off Any Snow Buildups
Buy an extendable snow brush and clear up any buildups of snow on your solar panels. Do this regularly to make sure plenty of sunlight hits your solar panels. You can also use a squeegee to clear off the snow, and it won’t damage the panels.
5. Avoid Using Cleaners
Harsh cleaners can damage your solar panels. Never use car wax or rock salt or other cleaners on your panels. Instead, use water to rinse them off or just brush off the snow.
6. Watch Out for Trees and New Construction
In order for your solar panels to work at their optimum best, they have to have full sunlight throughout the day. Over the years, trees can grow to the point where they block the sun that could have reached your solar panels.
New construction nearby can also block the sunlight that used to reach your panels.
Check your solar panels a few times each year to make sure they are still in an optimum spot where they can get the most sunlight. You may need to rent a ladder to properly check your solar panels and your surrounding neighbors, you can check out this site for more information: www.lakeside-hire.co.uk.
7. Check the Other Equipment
Also, check the cabling to make sure it’s secure. Also, inspect the mounting hardware to make sure there’s no danger of your panels coming loose. Make sure there’s no water buildup by the junction boxes. Finally, make sure the inverter is working and the DC voltage is still coming through.
Installing solar panels on your house is an expensive investment. It does pay for itself over the long haul, but you can save even more money if you take the time to inspect your panels to make sure they’re working properly.
