Many people think that keeping a solar inverter and a photovoltaic panel in good working condition requires a lot of work. It's why some homeowners are having second thoughts on getting the technology. But, maintaining them is actually a pretty simple task. With only a few tools and a bit of patience, you can ensure that your modules function properly and efficiently. Here are tips that can help you do that:
Clean Them Regularly
The bulk of maintenance work involves inspecting your panels regularly and making sure they're free from dirt and debris. The piece of equipment works by harnessing sunlight and converting it into energy, so anything that covers it limits the amount of solar power it absorbs.
Seasonal rain and snow may wash off dirt and some animal droppings, but you still have to scrub your panels every so often. It'll be easy to do this on ground-mounted systems, but not so much for rooftop arrays. You have to work with a soft-bristled brush with an extended handle for hard-to-reach areas. And, while you're at it, use an environment-friendly soap as well.
Check the Frames and Wiring
Solar arrays are made to withstand harsh weather and built to last a long time. So, if you have problems with their maintenance early on, it probably won’t be because of wear and tear. The culprit will more likely be the critters gnawing on your wires or running around your roof, causing the frames to misalign. Many homeowners occasionally find animal nests under the panels.
Frayed wiring may cause major electrical issues; plus, it's a fire hazard to your property. Make sure to check it, along with the frame and mounting rack, when you inspect your solar system.
Keep Them in Direct Sunlight
Photovoltaic panels work best if they're exposed to direct sunlight. Though they're mounted on your property with this principle in mind, there are several factors that diminish the amount of solar power they receive over time.
One of these factors is overgrown trees or bushes that cover solar inverters and panels. They cast a shadow on the array, compromising its efficiency to produce clean electricity. So, a part of the equipment's maintenance includes trimming the greenery surrounding your solar system.
Another factor that causes the same problem is the sun's position. It frequently changes throughout the year, particularly in high-latitude areas. To solve this, you can either move your equipment every now and then or install a solar tracker in your system. The latter would be an extra step in the maintenance process, but it ensures the optimal placement of your array.
Track Its Performance
You may not feel the need to check the daily performance of your solar system, but it's best that you do. Noticing changes in its output is the easiest way to tell if there's something wrong with it. You can quickly troubleshoot and resolve issues that prevent your equipment from producing the most amount of energy.
Don’t worry; you don’t have to jot down how much power your panels produce every day since there are energy monitors that provide feedback on your usage. They’ll tell you how much energy you’re sending back to the utility grid.
When purchasing solar panels and a Fronius inverter for your home, maintenance should be the least of your concerns. Keeping these pieces of equipment in good condition isn't as hard as you think. Get in touch with The PowerStore Inc. to learn more about this innovative technology.