A solar system has many benefits, most based on the financial impact of the savings from using solar energy instead of electricity. Like other appliances and upgrades, solar panels need maintenance. Some solar panel maintenance procedures require expert skills, while others are simple DIY tasks for the owner of the system.
5 Benefits Of Solar Panels Aftercare
Solar panels may not need frequent upkeep and maintenance like other home appliances. Most of the time, solar panels require cleaning about thrice yearly with no major care required.
However, other special maintenance tasks comprise part of the annual or biannual servicing. Licensed A-Grade electricity technicians conduct solar system service. Even with the perception that solar systems do not need frequent maintenance, consider the benefits of their regular aftercare.
1. Aftercare as Part of the Installation Package
When paying for the purchase and installation of a solar system, some of the best dealers offer maintenance services as part of the deal. By engaging the dealer to perform maintenance work, the buyer gets value for money. This aspect helps save on future costs for maintenance, considering that installing a solar system is a long-term and expensive investment.
2. To Avoid Risky Damages
While servicing the solar system, the technician can notice risky damages such as loose cabling and cracks on the solar panels. If not checked and repaired, such damages lead to the deterioration of the condition of the solar system and its performance.
Such damages could cost much more to repair if not caught on time, and resulting malfunctions can put the home and the occupants at risk. Consider, for instance, that an exposed DC isolator or corroded wires can get wet and cause a fire.
3. To Avoid Accidents
Part of the maintenance of a solar system involves cleaning the solar panels to remove debris and dust. Even the basic cleaning work requires some knowledge. For instance, among the dos of cleaning the solar panels, someone should use a hose pipe, not a high-pressure washer, as it could cause micro-fractures on the solar panel’s glass.
The cleaning also requires someone to climb up on the roof to the location of the solar panels to clean them effectively. This work is risky, especially for someone without the appropriate safety equipment, and can lead to falling off the roof.
4. Not To Lose Warranty Rights
Damages from negligence or mishandling and maintenance activities can void a solar system’s warranty. Some dealers do not allow customers to outsource cleaning and aftercare services to independent technicians or solar cleaners. Such independent contractors could be a cheaper option.
Most dealers will not honour claims made on warranties arising from any subsequent damages or mishandling of the solar system by independent cleaners and technicians. It is also wise to bring in a qualified technician who will know which checks to conduct.
The technician will devise an inspection and maintenance schedule and the best solutions and recommendations to keep the system functioning well and for longer.
5. To Maintain Efficiency
Lack of adequate and regular cleaning of solar panels can reduce the solar system’s efficiency by as much as 20%. Sometimes a simple wash with soap and water may not remove the grime and dirt building up on the panels, and they may suffer damage from the wrong cleaning methods. That is when to call maintenance professionals to clean the panels and check the state of the other parts of the solar system to increase its efficiency.
Keeping A Solar System In Optimum Condition
Buying and installing a solar system in Australia is wise and profitable. It is prudent to read and understand the owner’s manual and the warranty document to know the best options for the care and maintenance of the solar system. Make sure to engage trained and accredited technicians to conduct the maintenance of solar systems.
