Did you know that the space industry was the first to use solar energy to power spaceships?
Residential solar energy systems are environmentally friendly and have become increasingly popular over the years, to the point that they are even tax-free in some states. Solar systems are pretty durable, but when problems with maintenance are ignored, it can threaten the reliability of the system.
If you don’t want to risk everything going bad, you’re going to have to learn about the preventative maintenance needed for your system. Keep reading to learn more about the residential solar maintenance mistakes you should avoid and find out how you can maintain your solar system properly.
1. Not Cleaning Your Solar Panels
Do you know what solar panels do? They absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity that we can use in our homes. But when dust, dirt, or debris gets stuck on their surface, they can’t absorb as much sunlight as they should. This means that they won’t be able to make as much electricity as they could if they were clean.
You don’t need any special equipment, just a hose, a soft brush, and some soapy water. You should be gentle when cleaning solar panels, though, so you don’t scratch their surface.
2. Not Trimming Nearby Trees
Trees are great for providing shade and keeping your house cool, but they can also block the sun’s rays from reaching your solar panels. If a tree is blocking the sun from hitting your solar panels, they won’t be able to generate as much electricity as they should.
It’s like trying to read a book in a dark room — it’s really hard to see what’s on the pages! That’s why it’s important to trim any trees that are near your solar panel system.
If you’re not sure how to trim trees safely, it’s best to call a professional to do it for you. That way, you can be sure that the trees are being trimmed in a way that won’t harm them or your solar panel system.
3. Not Monitoring Your Energy Usage
If you’re not monitoring your energy usage, you might be using more electricity than you need to, and that means you might not be taking full advantage of the electricity your solar panels are generating. For example, if you leave the lights on all the time or you leave your TV on when you’re not watching it, you’re using more electricity than you need to.
That’s why it’s important to monitor your energy usage. You can do this by keeping track of how much electricity you’re using each day, either by looking at your electricity bill or by using a special device called an energy monitor.
4. Ignoring the Inverter
The inverter is a really important part of your solar panel system because it converts the electricity that’s generated by your solar panels into a form that can be used by your home.
If something goes wrong with the inverter, your solar panel system won’t be able to make electricity that you can use. That’s why it’s really important to check on the inverter regularly and make sure it’s working properly.
If you notice any issues with your solar panel system, like a sudden drop in the amount of electricity it’s generating, it could be a sign that there’s a problem with the inverter. It’s important to get it checked out by a professional as soon as possible so they can fix it before it causes bigger problems.
Ignoring the inverter is like ignoring a warning light on your car’s dashboard. If you ignore it for too long, it could lead to bigger and more expensive problems down the road. So, make sure you keep an eye on your solar panel system’s inverter and get it checked out if you notice any issues.
5. Not Protecting Your Solar Panels from Weather Damage
Solar panels are designed to withstand a lot of different weather conditions, like rain, wind, and snow. However, if they’re not protected properly, they can still be damaged.
That’s why it’s important to protect your solar panels from weather damage. One way to do this is to make sure that they’re installed properly in the first place. This means that they should be mounted securely and at the right angle so that they can withstand different types of weather conditions.
If you live in a place like Virginia, where the weather can be unpredictable, it’s important to take extra precautions to protect your solar panels from damage. Click for more info about how to care for your solar panels in your specific location. Also, you can reach out to your local solar panel installation company or do some research online.
6. Not Checking for Bird Nests
Birds are great creatures and they like to build their nests in cozy and safe places, and solar panels can be one of their favorite spots. While it’s great to have birds around, it’s important to make sure that their nests aren’t interfering with the efficiency of your solar panels.
If you do find a bird’s nest near your solar panels, it’s important to take action to remove it. This can be done in a safe and humane way, like by hiring a professional to remove it or by gently moving the nest to a nearby tree.
7. Not Scheduling Regular Maintenance Checks
Just like any other piece of equipment, solar panels need regular maintenance to keep them working properly. When you schedule a maintenance check for your solar panels, a technician will come and inspect them to make sure that everything is working as it should be. This includes checking the wiring, inverter, and other components to make sure that they’re all in good condition.
Solar maintenance routine checks are important because they can help you catch any potential problems early on before they become bigger and more expensive to fix. For example, if the technician notices that there’s a loose wire or a damaged panel, they can fix it right away before it causes any further problems.
Don’t Make the Same Residential Solar Maintenance Mistakes
Taking care of your solar panel system is important to ensure that it is always working at its best. Strive to avoid these common residential solar maintenance mistakes.
By following these tips, you can keep your solar panels in good condition and enjoy the benefits of clean, renewable energy for years to come. Act now to take advantage of the economic and environmental benefits solar power offers.
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