Category: Solar Panels Maintenance

Solar panel maintenance

February 7, 2023 / Blue Solar Panel Staff / 0 Comments

Solar panels have great resistance and durability, however their production can be reduced if we do not carry out proper maintenance on them. This maximum production of solar panels is only reached under ideal conditions, since in reality there are losses caused by a multitude of factors such as poor orientation and inclination, shadows or accumulated dust and dirt.

The solution to these setbacks lies in a correct and methodical maintenance of the photovoltaic solar panels. The maintenance of these solar panels must be carried out taking into account a series of conditions to reach the maximum production of these devices. We explain it to you below.

What happens if I do not carry out correct maintenance of solar panels?

The loss of performance caused by the lack of cleaning of the photovoltaic solar panels could reach up to 8% in places where a lot of dust is produced. This means that special attention must be paid in industrial warehouses or areas heavily used by vehicles.

This loss of performance of solar modules is explained because these photovoltaic solar panels are made up of silicon cells, which react to the impact of photons, producing electrical energy. Therefore, keeping the surface of solar panels clean is essential so that the cells are able to receive the maximum possible radiation.

These losses can be reduced if we carry out a good cleaning frequently, keeping losses below 1% during the useful life of the solar panels.

How is the maintenance of solar panels carried out?

The cleaning of solar panels is very similar to the one we can do on the windows of our house. It will be necessary to use water with a small amount of soap to make it easier to rinse later. It is not recommended to use detergents or harsh cleaning materials as we can permanently damage the surface of the panel.

Bearing this in mind, the best way to clean the module is using a soft sponge and a small amount of dishwashing liquid, pre-wetting the dirt so that it is easier to remove later. Finally, rinse the panel abundantly with water without leaving soap residue.

As a general rule, it is recommended to carry out this cleaning 3 or 4 times a year, or more frequently if it is an area with a high level of dust and dirt.

When performing maintenance on any type of equipment, it is important to put safety first and foremost. Before carrying out any maintenance or repair task, it is essential to read the instructions of the manufacturer and become familiar with proper procedures and safety precautions.

In addition to this, the owner of the solar panels must be attentive to the other elements of the photovoltaic system and replace them if they are already defective.

Some advice for the maintenance of solar panels

The maintenance of the solar panels is essential to ensure the good performance of the installation and to be able to benefit from the maximum production of the photovoltaic modules. The following tips may be helpful in ensuring proper maintenance:

1. Visual inspection: It is necessary to periodically carry out a visual inspection to detect any defect that may exist in the installation: broken or damaged panels, broken cables or accumulation of dirt and dust.

2. Cleaning: It is essential to periodically clean the solar panels, especially in dusty and sandy areas. This must be done with a soft brush, avoiding the use of any type of chemical product.

3. Orientation and inclination: The orientation and inclination of the solar panels should be checked periodically to ensure that they continue to point towards the sun. If the panels are not correctly oriented, it can decrease the production of the installation.

4. Electrical Connections: The electrical connections of the solar panel should be checked periodically to ensure that they are secure and that there is no risk of electrical shock.

5. Temperature: The temperature of the solar panels should be checked periodically to ensure that it is within the recommended operating temperature range. If the temperature is too high, it can reduce the efficiency of the array of panels.

Regular maintenance of solar panels is key to guarantee optimal performance, thus ensuring that you can benefit from the maximum production of photovoltaic modules. Keep in mind that the larger the photovoltaic installation, the more attention will have to be paid to the maintenance of the solar panels and the system components.

By following these tips you will make sure you get the most out of your solar panels and prolong their useful life.

Solar panel repair: all you need to know

February 7, 2023 / Blue Solar Panel Staff / 0 Comments

What should I do if my solar panel breaks?

A solar panel has a useful life of more than 25 years. However, it is likely to experience minor problems at times during its life cycle. Switching to solar energy has many benefits, but it can also open the door to many unknowns. Can the panels break? What do I do if a panel breaks? Will I have to change the entire installation? Is there any danger to my house? Do not worry, from the team of Blue Solar Panel, we present the answers to all your questions on how to repair a solar panel.

The most effective way to keep solar panels in optimal condition is through proper maintenance. Here are some tips on how to maintain solar panels:

It will be necessary to make sure that the solar panel glass is free of debris that can damage the system.
While cleaning the panels, always use lukewarm water as the solar panel is already hot due to exposure to sunlight. The use of warm water will also be more effective in removing dirt and dust. Solar panels are more prone to breakage if rinsed with cold water due to the sharp temperature contrast between the water and the panel.

We explain more about solar panel maintenance in this post and how to clean your panels in this post.

There are a wide variety of factors that can damage your solar panels. Situations such as hurricanes, high winds and large hail storms can cause damage to your solar panel. Fortunately, in some cases solar panels can be repaired and you may avoid having to buy new ones.

What to do if the panels are broken?

The first thing to do is to examine the extent of the damage to the affected solar system. Absolutely check the entire installation, including the wiring, glass components and mounting frame. Be sure to inspect every inch so that you don’t miss any damaged parts.

The first repair that can be made is to repair the mounting frame if it is damaged in any way. Make sure that the bolts and wires holding the frame are in the right place and are not damaged because if there have been strong winds, they could have damaged the mounting frame. Therefore, the solar panels will be tightened to confirm that the mounting frame is secure. On the other hand, we will have to make sure that the damaged cables are replaced with new ones.

Before repairing broken solar panel glass, we have to make sure that the photovoltaic panel is working. To do this, we will have to make the solar panel work for 24 hours in a row and check if it generates energy. Broken panels do not generate as much power, but as long as they produce some power they do not break down. If the panels still generate power despite their condition, the damaged glass should be repaired and in the case of minor glass breakage, the glass does not need to be replaced.

To proceed with the glass repair, first, we must make sure to trim the tape so that it only covers a small portion of the glass. If the glass has cracks on the surface, it will need to be replaced by removing the glass from the support and replacing it.

On the other hand, if loose connections are found during the initial inspection, they will need to be repaired immediately by cutting into the silicone that is embedded in the solar cells. Once you have exposed the cells, you will want to reach behind the cells to resolve the loose connections. Another way to solve the problem is by impregnating silver to reattach the loose wires or by using wire bonding elements.

Another reason why solar panels would have to be repaired is because of burnt terminals. Therefore, the terminals of the solar system should be tested to make sure that they are working and if we find one that is not working, it should be replaced immediately. This action is simple and will only take a few minutes (remember to work without power).

Another factor that can cause damage is lightning strikes on the solar panels. To prevent this from happening, install the panels away from tall trees if the installation area is prone to this type of weather phenomena. If the solar panel is damaged by lightning, the solar energy supplier and installer should be called because it is difficult to repair a solar panel damaged by lightning. It is advisable to require a complete replacement of the panel or system.

The repair of solar panels can cost between 100 $ – 1500 $. The most common repair problems are cracked panels, broken glass and loose connections due to poor installation. It should be noted that the solar installation provider should be responsible for the repair and replacement of a broken solar panel. Therefore, it is advisable to choose the right solar panel installation company.

How to repair a solar panel?

A solar panel has a useful life of about 25 years or more, but over that time it can be affected by external factors that affect its performance.

If you think your panel is broken, the first thing you should do is to examine the type of damage that is affecting your solar installation:

Check the wiring.
Check the glass components.
Inspect the mounting frame.

It is important to look at all the small parts of the solar panel so as not to overlook any element that may be damaged, no matter how small.

How do I know if my solar panel is broken?

If you think your solar panel is broken, you can check it in the following way:

1. Read the manufacturer’s specifications and take note: output power, single voltage and optimum current.

2. Use a multimeter to take measurements: these are devices used to measure voltage and current values. The figures of our installation should be very similar to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Connect the tips of the multimeter to the terminals of the solar panel and make sure that the sun is shining on it. The positive (+) terminal will have the red tip and the negative (-) terminal will have the black tip.
Connect the wires to the multimeter. The red wire should be connected to the terminal with the VΩ symbol, and the black wire to the COM symbol. This way we can measure the voltage. You should also measure the DC current.

What to do if a solar panel needs to be repaired?

When we want to repair a solar panel we need to inspect well the whole installation in order not to skip any damaged part. It is important to perform all the checks without power.

Mounting frame: make sure that the ports and wires that hold the frame are in the right place and are not damaged.
Solar panel performance: to know if the glass is broken, we must check that the solar panel is capable of operating for 24 hours. A broken panel does not generate as much energy, so this way we will see if they all perform equally.
If you find loose connections or burned terminals you will have to repair them urgently.

To fix a solar panel you must consider if the repair can be done on site or if it must be done in a repair center.

Solar panel repair centers will know how to fix your solar panel faster and will replace damaged photovoltaic modules without any problem. However, the replacement of bypass diodes found in junction boxes, plugs, damaged solar cables, among others, can be repaired at the installation site.

In the end, in order not to lose neither the warranty nor the functionality of the solar panel, it is best to hire professional solar energy services, thus improving production efficiency and avoiding a possible long-term failure.

The most common problems with solar panels repairs

Like any other device, solar panels can suffer inconveniences that end up causing a decrease in performance in the medium to long term, making a repair more than necessary.

Here are the most common problems that a solar panel can have.

Solar panel with broken or cracked glass

It is one of the most common and very easy to notice. It may be due to a bad transport, the impact of a hard object with the solar panel itself, or any other similar option that causes a crack in the plate is getting bigger and bigger.

Solar panel with defect in the cables

This failure can occur as a result of bad connections between some cables and others, which produce overvoltages or overcurrents. Or it can also be due to a bad assembly of ground wires, that is to say, to the system that protects us against any defect in the insulation.

My solar panel gets too hot

Hotspots or hot spots cause too much heat to be generated inside the photovoltaic module, which can cause a fire or destruction of the panel. This problem is caused by:

Inadequate soldering.
A break in the photovoltaic cells.
Prolonged shading in a certain area.
Dirt on the solar panel.

What do I do if I see a failure in the solar panel?

The best thing to do if you see any of these faults is to call the company that has provided you with the solar panels to send a technician to make an assessment and define the damage.

How to take care of a solar panel?

If you want to keep your solar panel in optimal conditions, the best thing to do is to use water and a little soap for a simple rinse.

To clean a panel, it is best to use a soft sponge soaked in a small amount of dishwashing liquid and remove the dirt. As always, you have to rinse it very well so that no soap residue remains.

In any case, it is always advisable to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and repeat this cleaning 3 or 4 times a year, depending on whether the area where your solar panels are located tends to accumulate more or less dust and dirt.

Tips for the maintenance of the solar panel

If you clean it with soap and water, make sure that no residue remains.
Do not use pressurized water as this may damage the panel.
Avoid cleaning on windy days.
If the solar panels are located at high altitude, it is better to call a professional to avoid possible occupational hazards.

FAQS

How long does a solar panel last?

A solar panel has a lifetime of more than 25 years. To achieve optimal durability conditions, it is necessary to follow and respect the maintenance instructions.

What do I do if I break a solar panel by accident?

Solar panels are strong and built to last, however, in case of an accident the solar panel can continue to generate energy. If you notice any problems, contact the company that provided you with the solar panels and have them send a technician to evaluate the situation.

Do I have to clean my solar panels?

Solar panels should be cleaned 3 or 4 times a year. They do not need to be cleaned daily as they are designed to withstand all types of weather. You can find more information on how to clean solar panels in this post.

What happens if the solar panel gets wet?

Solar panels are built so that you don’t have to worry about this, as the panel technology itself has been assembled with a strong frame and tempered glass that can be exposed to weather and rain.

How to clean solar panels in 2023

February 7, 2022 / Blue Solar Panel Staff / 0 Comments

How to clean your solar panels?

Run away from dirty solar panels! We teach you the keys to maintaining and cleaning your facility

Reading this article will take you less than 9 minutes

Solar panels must be exposed to sunlight to produce energy, therefore, they are also exposed to inclement weather. However, unless you live somewhere with a high level of pollution, dust, sand or snow, your photovoltaic solar panels do not need to be cleaned frequently .

In most cases, the rain is more than enough to keep the solar panels clean. Although it may be a good idea to “water” the photovoltaic panels occasionally if you live in beach areas or areas with high pollution. Below, you will find the answers to the main questions that the owners of self-consumption facilities have about the maintenance of solar panels and the cleaning of photovoltaic modules .

Maintenance of solar panels

Photovoltaic panels have a high durability and resistance, therefore, it is not necessary to pay much attention to the maintenance of solar panels in residential solar self -consumption installations.

With the exception of photovoltaic panel installations with trackers, an installation has no moving parts, which means that the risk of breakdowns and problems decreases significantly. In order to be able to observe any live variation of your installation and anticipate immediately in the event of an incident, installers recommend placing performance monitoring devices .

In most cases, the solar panels are cleaned directly with the rain. However, in areas with a lot of wind, high pollution, dust or dirt, production can decrease by up to 15% throughout the useful life of the solar panel installation. This percentage may increase or decrease depending on three factors:

The type of dirt , since a bird droppings will not be the same as a little dust.
The type of installation , if it has optimizers or not, if it has been installed in series or in parallel .
The inclination of the panels , for example, some panels with more inclination better receive rainwater and this natural cleaning, and vice versa.

To mitigate this effect, it is necessary to clean the solar panels.

In the case of solar panels on sloping roofs , it is advisable to hire a professional maintenance and cleaning service . Many local installers offer these services or recommend professional solar panel maintenance companies they trust.
If the panels are easily accessible , you only need warm water and low pressure.

Products to clean solar panels

The most important aspect to take into account if you are cleaning your solar panels is that you should not scratch or damage the glass , since doing so will reduce the energy production of that panel to a greater or lesser extent .

The best way to clean solar panels is:

With warm water and carefully, in the same way that you would when cleaning your windows. Try to use only water , and if you use a product, make sure it is one that does not leave residue, such as dishwasher soap.
To remove dirty water or excess lime , you can use any utensil that does not press or scratch the panels. For example, a scraper or glass cleaner.

IMPORTANT! CLEANING MUST BE DONE FIRST THING IN THE MORNING

Clean the panels before they begin to shine, to avoid temperature contrasts that can cause glass breakage.

And remember, avoid damaging or scratching the glass of the plates at all costs . If you live near a highway with a high frequency of trucks or close to an airport , oily stains may appear on your license plates. It is easily and simply removed using a little isopropyl alcohol and a rag. However, the use of “strong” cleaning products is not recommended , as they can damage or even scratch the glass.

How often do you have to clean the solar panels?

At least once a year , at most two. As we mentioned, this will depend on the area in which you live. If you live in an area that is regularly affected by dirt caused by sand, trees or birds, the panels should be cleaned more frequently.

Is it worth paying for a photovoltaic solar panel cleaning service?

Just like going to a car wash, there are professional options that will take care of cleaning and maintaining your solar panels for self-consumption for you. Some solar panel installers include cleaning options in their maintenance fee. They could also budget them separately or recommend a company specialized in this work.

If your installation is on your deck or roof and it is difficult to access , it is advisable that you hire the services of a professional for security reasons. You’ll only have to do it once a year or every two years, so it won’t be a big outlay and you’ll avoid unnecessary risks . Cleaning services won’t do a significantly different or better job than you can (they’ll simply make your solar panels stop being dirty), but they are equipped to clean and maintain the cells in a safe way.

In the event that you have the photovoltaic panels installed on the ground, it is not worth hiring the services of a cleaning professional, since you can clean the solar panels yourself with a hose.

Cleaning of photovoltaic modules

Special cases

HAIL

The photovoltaic cells that make up the solar panels are made of silicon. The panels, in turn, are covered by glass, and although this material is quite resistant, a weather phenomenon that is too aggressive could cause serious damage to your installation. For this reason, we always recommend including the panels in your home insurance. This should not lead to an increase in the fee, although it depends on your insurance.

In any case, the probability that the hail impact affects the solar panels is minimal . In the event that something went wrong, there are guarantees that cover these incidents.

SNOW

In areas where snowfall occurs periodically, it is only necessary that your solar panels have an inclination greater than 15º so that the snow does not accumulate . In addition, the melting process is usually fast and favors the cleaning of the panels as if it were a natural maintenance.

Generally, it is not necessary to remove snow from solar panels as it will move on its own. Most solar panel installations are tilted at a certain angle, and the snow will naturally move by gravity as it melts.

If you notice snow lingering on the panels, you can purchase a roof rake specifically for solar panels. The use of this type of tools allows you to safely remove snow without damaging or scratching them and consequently reducing their energy production. For this reason, it is important not to use a standard broom, shovel or any other non-specialized tool to remove snow from solar panels.

If you need any information or want to know how much your installation of solar panels would cost, do not hesitate to contact us , the experts will be happy to answer all your questions and offer you a free fully personalized study.

Solar Panel Warranties

Manufacturers offer different guarantees on their solar panels to provide support and coverage in the event of an unlikely incident , such as a breakdown due to hail or falling branches or other objects.

Production guarantee: refers to the fact that the performance of the nominal power of the solar panels will not drop below a certain level throughout the useful life of the installation. This guarantee lasts up to 25 years. A large part of the manufacturers use the 80th percentile as a guarantee, that is, at 25 years they deliver 80% of the power of the solar panels in year one.
Additional guarantee: directly related to the previous one, it is the same as the production guarantee, but in a much shorter period of time. Some manufacturers guarantee panel performance will not drop below 90% of year one power rating for the first 10 years.
Labor guarantee: although it has nothing to do with the operation of the panels, it protects the client’s roof and the materials on the work of the installers; wiring, conduits, electrical protections, sealing of roof anchors, etc.

At Blue Solar Panel we can advise you from the first moment so that you don’t have to worry about anything, we will help you choose the best solar panels and we will advise you on what type of maintenance you should do depending on where you live.