Rising electricity bills is a common concern amongst homeowners. Even after trying a lot, you will not be able to lower the bill much since most of your household appliances and gadgets run on electricity. After all, life without these appliances can be pretty difficult. The best alternative is to go for solar energy. Although the installation part of the solar energy source at home can get pretty costly, it will help you save a lot in the long run. One of the several benefits of solar panels is its durability. Normally, these solar systems come with a warranty period of around 20 years and the panels come with a warranty period of around 40 years. Nonetheless, there is a need to maintain and clean the panels occasionally to extend their lifespan.
Need to Clean Solar Panels
The angle of the solar panels and the location of these panels create a lot of difference in the amount of energy they create. The more the panels can absorb direct sunlight, the more will be the energy creation. With time, bird droppings, debris, dirt, and snow can accumulate on these panels and restrict the sunlight from reaching the panels. According to a data released by the National Renewable Energy laboratory, solar panels can lose up to 25% efficiency due to the accumulation of various types of dirt on them. Thus, it is important for you to ensure that your solar panels are clean and highly efficient.
Frequency of Cleaning the Panels
When it comes to cleaning the solar panels on the roof of your house, there is no standard timeframe for the job to be done. It basically depends a lot on the geographical location of your house. On an average, it will be a good idea for solar panel owners to clean the solar panels of their house once or maximum twice a year says Solar Adelaide MDB. You can set a reminder for yourself to inspect your solar panels seasonally and evaluate the accumulation of debris on them. If you think that the dirt and debris pile has increased a lot, then clean the panels.
However, it is important for you to remember that there are some exceptions to this general maintenance rule or guideline. If your house is near an airport or a freeway, it will mean that buildup of pollutants and oil on the panels will happen faster than normal. This will result in more frequent panel cleanings. Even if you live in a place where severe cold climate prevails during most parts of the year, you will have to clean the panels more frequently. This is because snow may accumulate on the solar panels and restrict their efficiency.
Ways to Clean Solar Panels
When it comes to cleaning your solar panels, there are basically 2 options. Firstly, you can ask a professional to do the cleaning for you and secondly, you can do it on your own. However, cleaning the panels on your own may involve a lot of risks and there are also some strict steps to be followed. Thus, hiring a professional may seem like a better option.
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