We are all experiencing continuously increasing utility bills and combined with the current economic situation, we all need to look to ways to save more money. Solar panels are a great way of doing this and, funnily enough, if you fit enough and are generating more electricity than you use, you can actually earn money from them. The main thing that puts most of us off, however, is the initial cost of installation. Granted, it may take a few years to pay for itself, but when it does you will be laughing.
This means that if we do go to the expense of fitting solar panels, we need to ensure that they will remain efficient and effective for that time. Taking care of solar panels is not a particularly difficult task, but it does require a little prior knowledge that any supplier would be able to help you with. If you do need some advice as to what you should be doing, the guidelines set out below will see you through.
It is important to check your solar panels at least once a week and especially after a storm. Although each solar panel is covered with a strong layer of glass to protect the photovoltaic cells, this layer is obviously still susceptible to damage from other objects coming into contact with the panel. It is particularly important to regularly check the panels if your house is adjacent to a large tree as branches could strike the glass in gusty winds.
Along with regularly checking your solar panels, you should also remember to clean them on a regular basis. Over time, dirt, dust, leaves and other objects can build up on the surface of the solar panels and restrict the efficiency, cleaning them regularly guarantees that you are at least doing your bit to keep them working as they were meant to. To clean your solar panels, first wipe any dirt, grime or animal droppings that have built up with a soft brush, being careful not to scratch the surface of the panels. Then using a sponge and some water, wipe the panel clean.
Visually check any cables or wiring connecting to the solar panels and if there is visible damage, call a technician to repair the wiring for you. Although the voltages coming from the solar panel may not be that high, there is still a risk of electrocution, so unless you are a registered electrician, leave it to the professionals. Also, make sure no tree branches or shrubs are blocking the sun’s rays from hitting the panel and if so, trim them down or remove them completely.
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