How To Get The Most Out Of Your Solar Panels

Do Solar Panels Require Maintenance?

Solar is a great alternative energy source that is growing in popularity, but it’s not perfect. We are still working out some of the kinks. In addition to saving you money in the long run, there are some simple maintenance tips to can increase lifespan and efficiency.

How Do I Clean Solar Panels?

It’s important to keep in mind that there are prime times to clean up your solar panels, and other times that are not.

You’ll want to avoid cleaning your solar panels when the sun is out. The heat from the sun will quickly evaporate any water you’re using to clean the panels, leaving unwanted streaks that could compromise the efficiency of your panels. Try cleaning them when it’s overcast to avoid dirtying your panels even more. The best time to clean your solar panels is in the early morning or after a rainfall. Doing so allows you to take advantage of the excess water from morning dew or rainfall. That way, you can use less water to clean them, and it’s a lot easier if they’re already a little wet.

You don’t need much when it comes to cleaning your solar panels. But, it is important you use the right stuff. The main tools and materials you will need include water, gentle soap, and a soft brush. It’s also extremely important that you use a soft brush. Using harsh or rough material will damage your panels and scratch them. The scratches can create shadows on your panels, which decreases their efficiency. You’ll want to stay away from harsh chemicals and power washers when cleaning your solar panels to avoid damaging them.

Seasonal Usage

If you live somewhere with many cloudy days, you might think that solar is not an option but you may be surprised to find out that even in these places it can still be a good investment. Companies like Tesla are close to cracking the code for solar storage batteries. They already have some batteries available with plans to make better ones. This means that even on cloudy, stormy days, you can use the energy from your solar panels to put on your favorite rainy day film.

What about in the snow? Do solar panels work in the winter? According to some, solar panels actually run more efficiently in the winter due to cooler temperatures and more light reflected from the snow. In previous years solar power was extremely limited, but that will continue to change over the next decade as technology advances.

Save Money And Our Planet

You might be reading this thinking, “How does this affect me?” The answer, because whether you are a solar supporter or not, it’s about to become a big norm. Some states have begun passing new legislation on solar roofing to be a requirement for new homes and with a big movement towards renewable, clean energy, it seems likely that almost all homes will be soaking up the rays very soon. These simple tips can help you save money while saving the planet.