Solar power has become one of the preferred types of renewable energy because of its reliability and sustainability for commercial and residential purposes. Harnessing in Kerala is ideal due to its ample sunlight. Solar systems, however, require more than simply setting them up; their maintenance is paramount to ensure their longevity and efficiency. A solar system in good condition can provide clean energy for many years to come whilst minimizing electricity costs and helping achieve an eco-friendly future.
Regardless of whether you possess an on-grid, off-grid, or hybrid solar power system, appropriate maintenance ensures that you maximize your ROI. Here you can find the five tips for maintenance to guarantee that your solar installation in Kerala functions optimally.
1. Keep Your Solar Panels Clean for Maximum Efficiency
The function of a solar panel includes receiving sunlight for it to be converted into electricity. Consequently, dust, dirt, bird droppings, leaves, and other debris may also settle onto the panels, affecting their efficiency. Furthermore, a slight layer of dust can cover sunlight and decrease your system’s power output.
How to Clean Solar Panels Properly?
- Use a Soft Brush or Cloth: As for the use of a cloth, a microfiber cloth or a soft brush would best work. Gentle means scrubbing does not damage the protective coating on the panels.
- Use Clean Water: Using clean water like plain water is sufficient when dealing with dirt. Avoid using any cleaning agent that could pose a risk to the glass.
- Avoid Cleaning During Peak Sunlight Hours: One schedule for cleaning would be during non-active hours to avoid rushing water turning into steam.
- Consider a Professional Cleaning Service: If your panels are difficult to reach, consider hiring a solar company in Kerala, as they specialize in professional maintenance, which is a safer and more effective option.
How Often Should You Clean Your Solar Panels?
This depends on your region of residence. For those living near construction sites or highways, they should expect cleaning every couple of months. Regardless, biannual maintenance is needed in less populated regions.
2. Monitor Your Solar System’s Performance Regularly
Tracking the performance of your solar power system enables assessing potential problems along the way. Many newer solar installations come equipped with monitoring software that enables users to assess energy production during the day.
Steps to Monitor Your Solar System
- Check Your Energy Production Daily: Monitoring daily output against expected figures should provide alerts on if there is any underperformance from the panels.
- Use a Solar Monitoring App: Most solar companies in Kerala provide mobile applications that showcase real-time data regarding the energy produced, batteries, and even the grid.
- Watch Out for Sudden Drops in Output: A significant decrease in energy generation could indicate panel malfunctions, inverter issues, or shading problems.
- Schedule a Professional Inspection: Reach out to a solar company based in Ernakulam should you notice persistent power output oscillations.
3. Inspect Wiring, Connections, and Electrical Components
The performance and safety condition of your solar power system will deteriorate when wiring is inadequate or connections are loose. Environmental conditions such as heat and moisture, together with pests, gradually weaken electrical connections through which the system faces power reduction and additional security risks.
What to Check During a Routine Inspection
- Look for Exposed or Damaged Wires: Wires that show exposure need insulation protection from scratches or wear. Rodents and birds create ruptures in cables when they bite through the cables.
- Ensure Tight Electrical Connections: Excessively loose electrical connections create overheating problems that lead to system inefficiencies and potential breakdowns. A periodic inspection identifies and resolves any loose connections.
- Inspect the Inverter Display: Solar inverters have indicator lights or digital displays which show the system performance to users. When an indicator displays red or begins blinking you should handle any potential system issues.
- Check for Corrosion or Rust: Immediate action is necessary for connector repair as the presence of rust indicates water intrusion has occurred.
When to Call a Professional
Homeowners can perform basic tasks. But they must rely on professionals for electrical troubleshooting and repair work. Hiring an established solar installer from Kerala brings both safety measures and effective maintenance services.
4. Minimize Shading and Environmental Obstructions
Sunlight access remains restricted by dust particles, trees, and buildings standing in the path. Shading remains an extremely significant factor in reducing energy output, especially in on-grid systems that require steady electricity production.
How to Prevent Shading Issues?
- Trim Overhanging Tree Branches: Trees that are located around your home tend to grow over time and may cast shade on the panels. Regular trimming keeps panels free from any obstructive sunlight.
- Be Aware of New Constructions: New constructions around the area may obstruct the available sunlight for your solar panels if you live in a metropolitan area.
- Check Panel Alignment and Tilt: The tilt of the panel is equally important in terms of exposure to sunlight. If you need it, a solar company in Ernakulam will be able to assist in changing the position of your solar panels.
5. Schedule Professional Maintenance and Servicing
While periodic checks and cleaning are helpful, doing them regularly is not ideal. A qualified solar maintenance technician is required to maintain the health of the complete system. Certified solar technicians greatly simplify this task by offering in-depth inspections, complex diagnostics, and comprehensive evaluations of the system’s operational efficiency.
Benefits of Professional Solar Maintenance
- After thorough assessments of the systems, professionals can identify issues related to the efficiency of the solar panels, inverter, and even the battery. Advanced instruments are used for the assessment.
- Due to reduced wear and tear, maintenance helps the solar panels produce power for at least 25 years and increases the system’s life cycle.
- Loose wiring, overheating parts, and surge protection issues are some of the potential safety risks technicians look for while servicing your system.
How Often Should You Schedule Professional Servicing?
Most professionals recommend getting your solar system serviced once a year for homes. If you notice a significant drop in performance, consider doing it more often.
GSL Energy Solutions is now the leading solar company in Kerala. If you need a maintenance service provider, they boast quality servicing for residential and commercial solar systems.
Conclusion
Effective maintenance of your solar system ensures that you optimize your investment by reducing electricity expenses and aiding in combating environmental issues. Following these five simple but powerful tips will help keep your solar installation in Kerala working at its best for years: keeping your panels clean, monitoring performance, inspecting the electrical components, reducing shading, and scheduling professional solar maintenance.
GSL energy Solutions is the best solar company in Kerala and offers complete servicing and maintenance. They have an expert handy for every task, be it routine checks, inverter troubleshooting, or panel cleaning.
For the best solar maintenance services in Kerala, reach out to GSL Energy Solutions today if you are looking for a dependable, high-performing solar system.
