Guess how many homeowners had solar panels installed on their homes in 2022? 700,000!
What are you waiting for? This lucrative method to make money from your home passively and without hassles won’t last forever.
But there are absolutely some errors with residential solar care that you must avoid. It’s not all rainbows and sunshine (pun intended!).
Keep reading to find out what these errors are.
1. Neglecting Regular Cleaning
One of the most common errors homeowners make is neglecting regular cleaning of their residential solar system. Accumulation of dirt, dust, leaves, and bird droppings can significantly reduce the efficiency of solar panels. You don’t want to miss out on potential earnings, because you were too lazy to clean your solar panels.
It is essential to clean them at least twice a year. You might need to clean them more frequently in areas with high levels of airborne pollutants.
Use a soft brush or sponge with mild detergent and water to gently remove debris. Avoid using abrasive materials or high-pressure water as they can damage the panel’s surface.
Additionally, consider installing self-cleaning mechanisms. You can even invest in professional cleaning services. This will ensure thorough maintenance without putting yourself at risk.
2. Ignoring Shade and Obstructions
Another common mistake is failing to consider shading and obstructions when installing solar panels. Even a small amount of shade, such as from trees or neighboring buildings, can significantly impact the performance of solar panels. If your neighbor’s tree is encroaching upon your solar panels, speak up immediately!
It is crucial to conduct a shade analysis before installation to identify potential shading issues throughout the day. If shading is unavoidable, consider repositioning the panels. Or use micro-inverters or power optimizers to mitigate the effects.
Regularly trim any trees or foliage that might cast shadows on the panels to maximize sunlight exposure.
3. Skipping Professional Inspections
Homeowners often underestimate the importance of professional inspections for their solar systems. While a solar panel installation is durable and requires minimal maintenance, it can still experience issues such as:
- Loose connections
- Faulty wiring
- Degradation over time
Schedule regular inspections with certified solar technicians to ensure that your system is functioning optimally. They will check for any potential problems, perform electrical tests, and clean the panels effectively.
By addressing small issues early on, you can prevent larger and more costly problems down the line. This will ensure the longevity and efficiency of your solar panels.
4. Overlooking Inverter Maintenance
The inverter is a critical component of the residential solar system. It converts the DC electricity generated by the solar panels into AC electricity for household use.
However, homeowners often overlook inverter maintenance. Some things to do on a regular basis are:
- Regularly check the inverter for any error messages
- Check for indicators of malfunction
- Clean out dust and debris accumulated around the inverter
- Ensure proper ventilation
If you notice any issues or suspect a malfunction, contact a professional to inspect, repair or replace the inverter as necessary. Maintaining the inverter will help optimize the efficiency of your solar system. This will prevent potential energy losses.
5. Failing to Monitor Energy Production
Monitoring your solar system’s energy production is crucial for identifying any drop in performance or efficiency. Many solar systems come with monitoring software that allows homeowners to track energy production. This will help you quickly detect any deviations from the expected output.
Regularly review the monitoring data to ensure your system is operating as intended. If you notice a significant decrease in energy production, it could indicate a problem with the panels, wiring, or inverter.
Promptly contact a professional to assess and resolve the issue. Again, this will help you avoid prolonged energy losses and potential system damage.
6. Disregarding Extreme Weather Precautions
Extreme weather conditions, such as hailstorms or hurricanes, can pose a threat to solar panels. It is important to take necessary precautions to protect your investment.
Before severe weather events, check your homeowner’s insurance policy to ensure it covers solar panels. Additionally, consult your solar installer or manufacturer to understand the panels’ resistance to specific weather conditions.
If a storm is approaching, consider covering the panels with protective shutters. You can even remove them temporarily.
After the weather event, inspect the panels for any damage. Contact professionals for repairs or replacements, if necessary.
7. Failing to Update or Upgrade
Solar technology is continually evolving, with advancements in efficiency and performance. Homeowners often overlook the benefits of updating or upgrading their solar systems.
Keep yourself informed about the latest technologies. Consult with professionals to determine if your system would benefit from updates or upgrades.
For example, installing energy storage systems or adding more panels to accommodate increased energy needs can enhance the functionality of your solar system. Take these steps:
- Regularly assess the performance of your system
- Evaluate your energy requirements
- Consider making appropriate adjustments to optimize the benefits of solar energy
If you are unsure of what you can do to update or upgrade your system, contact a professional solar panels Palm Springs installer.
Dont Be Neglectful – Avoid These Errors With Residential Solar Care
You get a regular solid income every month from your solar panels. The least you can do is treat them right.
If you avoid the errors with residential solar care stated above, you are golden.
There isn’t much to it. Stay vigilant, perform regular maintenance, and hire a professional whenever things get beyond your capacity.
Did you find this article useful? Check out related articles on our website. Subscribe to our articles so you never miss out on any trending topics.
