After your solar panels have been installed, it is a good idea to give them the odd clean to keep them working at their best and extending their life.
Rinse the Panels a Few Times a Year
Regular cleaning of the panels to remove dust, bird droppings and moss will improve performance. A gentle rinse with a soft brush and water (hosepipe preferably not a pressure washer) every few months should be sufficient. However, anyone considering Solar Panel Installation Cirencester must be aware that the damp winters and over hanging trees of the Cotswolds can cause lichen and moss to grow on the panels quicker than in drier parts of the country.
Check Your Inverter Readings Regularly
Your inverter will show you how much electricity your system is generating. Check the reading every week or so. A sudden fall in the amount of electricity being generated by your system when the weather is good could indicate a fault with your system. It’s better to check it out before it becomes a more serious problem.
Look for New Shading
Trees and hedges grow rapidly and what didn’t cast a shadow when your panels were installed can soon start to do so a couple of years later. Check for new shading during the day when the panels are at their most efficient.
Inspect the Mounting Fixings Annually
This inspection can be done without climbing a roof. Using a pair of binoculars from the ground, inspect the fixings for signs of rust, loose or missing bolts, or evidence that the panels have lifted at the edges.
Review Your Generation Data Each Month
Most modern solar systems record all of the electricity that they have generated over time. g. January to the end of March) you can tell whether your system is performing well. As the government guidance on solar panels notes, a well-maintained domestic solar panel system will perform consistently over time. If you notice a decline in performance then it’s worth getting an expert to come and investigate the problem.
There is more on Solar Panel Installation Cirencester at https://www.precisiongreenenergy.co.uk/renewables/solar-panel-installation/cirencester/.
Make these checks a part of your routine and your system will keep on providing you with loads of reliable and affordable electricity for years to come.
