Solar Panel Maintenance in Pakistan: Best Practices for Clean Energy
You have chosen your solar systems. Now, how much attention do you pay to solar panel maintenance? Indeed, like almost every other device, solar systems require proper maintenance to deliver their best outcome. Solar panels are always at high risk since air pollution is rising in Pakistan. Hence, it is vital to make sure that you carry out frequent solar panel maintenance so that your system can live long and be healthy.
This blog will describe why it is necessary to sustain and clean solar panels, explain how to do so, and suggest other measures to take in this process.
Why Solar System Maintenance is Important
Anyone who desires cost-saving and maximized energy output from their solar systems must know this is impossible without proper maintenance. A tidy and shipshape system can do much more than increase energy efficiency.
It has the ability to:
- Prevent major breakdowns
- Save you the repair cost.
- Can reduce your hefty electricity bills.
In Pakistan, where dust, heat, and electricity outbursts are every day, by following a maintenance routine, you can:
- Ensure that your solar systems get enough sunlight.
- Prevent dust and dirt, as it blocks energy absorption.
- Avoid frequent solar repair expenses caused by damage or inefficiency.
How to Install Solar Panels (Quick Overview)
For effective solar panel maintenance, let’s start with the basics. Here is a brief guide on how to install solar panels:
- Site Assessment: Place the panels where they can get the maximum sun exposure. In Pakistan, for instance, rooftops are ideal, but there are also ground-mounting opportunities.
- Mounting: Place the panels at a certain inclination to generate the maximum amount of energy and ensure proper air circulation.
- Wiring: Fix the panels in a manner that would connect to the inverter and the battery and observe the wiring standards.
With installation basics covered, now moving on to maintaining your solar system.
Routine Solar Panel Maintenance Tips
1. Cleaning of Solar Panels
One of the most important aspects of solar panel maintenance that cannot be overemphasized is cleaning the solar panels. Sometimes, the weather in Pakistan may be challenging, especially when it is dusty. This dust and pollution also spoil the system. Cleaning the solar panel is important because if the sun is obscured by dirt, it cannot penetrate the panels.
How to Clean Solar Panels at Home:
- Clean the panels’ surface with a soft sponge or brush to remove all the dirt and dust.
- Do not use hard materials, as it will cause the glass surface to scratch.
- Wash out with clean water, preferably running water from a hose. Do not use high-pressure washers, as they are likely to harm the panels.
- Clean the panels when they are still cool, either in the early morning or in the evening. If the panels are hot with sunlight, the water used to clean them will evaporate quickly, leaving streaks.
To answer the question of how to clean solar panels without a professional, the above tips should give you a clue on how to clean them yourself.
2. Inspecting for Physical Damage
Another measure that should be taken is cleaning the panels and keeping a visual check for any signs of damage. Search for any cracks or discoloration in the wiring or any signs that the wiring is loose.
As for the negative impacts of weather, hail, heavy rains, or extreme heat, you will not remain indifferent to the panels’ condition for a long time. By detecting the damage earlier, you avoid possible problems that could lead to solar panel repairing.
However, if the situation is not critical, you may handle some repair work at the local level, for instance, tightening some wiring cables or small cracks. Nevertheless, getting an expert’s help is advised if the crack looks big or if one cannot determine the best way to go about it.
Monitoring System Performance
If you want your solar system to operate efficiently, it is crucial to monitor its power generation frequently. Many solar inverters incorporate a display that indicates the amount of electricity produced by your system. Any marked decline in efficiency can indicate issues with the panels or other connected components like the inverter or battery.
If you notice that your system’s energy yield is low, there may be dust on the panels, or they may be shaded or damaged. If the problem persists, it is advisable to contact solar repair service providers, who will rectify the issue with the solar system.
Solar Panel Repairing: When to Call a Professional
Most solar panel cleaning and maintenance can actually be done by the homeowner; however, there are times when professional services will have to be sought. Here are some common signs that you may need solar panel repair:
- Damages like cracks and breakages of panels caused by hail or debris.
- There is a dramatic decline in energy production while the panels are clean.
- Loose wiring or bad inverters.
- Messages on your inverter that include frequent system shuttling or error messages.
Professional advice and help are essential to avoid misdiagnosis and to ensure the system is repaired correctly. For regular system operation, professional inspections, at least once or twice a year, are advised to assess your system’s condition and avoid unexpected damage thoroughly.
Seasonal Considerations for Solar System Maintenance
Pakistan is known to experience all kinds of weather, including extreme heat, rain, and even the coldest winters. All these seasons bring unique sort of challenges to maintaining solar panels.
- Summer Maintenance: In summer, clean your solar panels more frequently because there is more dust and buildup. Also, make sure your system is getting all the ventilation it needs.
- Monsoon Season: Prevent moisture from getting to the solar panel wiring and check for leaks in the mounting system.
- Winter Months: Readjust the angles of solar panels to ensure sunlight is reaching them. Also, clean it frequently in winter to avoid damage from fog or smog. In depth read our solar panel maintenance.
Conclusion
Cleaning your solar system gives it a longer life span and improves the efficiency of the energy produced by the system. Some signs that indicate you need a repair include; dirty solar panels, routine visual inspections, and monitoring of the system to identify any issue that may affect the system’s performance and its longevity.
Get in touch with Feroze Power to find out more about solar panel maintenance in Pakistan or to request a quote. Our staff is dedicated to working with you to find the best solar and sustainability solutions from start to end. Contact Feroze Power right now for commercial, industrial, and residential solutions. Let’s move toward sustainability together!
