Are you tired of your solar system breaking down all the time? Do you want to save money but don’t know where to start? You’re in the right place! In this article, we will teach you everything you need to know about solar system maintenance so you can keep your investment alive and functioning smoothly.
How Long Does It Take For Solar Energy To Pay Off?
The payback time on a solar-powered system is highly dependent on your usage levels and investment. Let’s say you put in a 200-watt solar system and get 12 hours of use out of it every day. It will take around four years to pay off the cost of buying the system and another three years to start seeing a profit. You will, however, save a substantial amount of money in the long run.
How Do I Maintain My Solar System?
The best way to maintain a solar system is by having it serviced by a professional once or twice a year. However, this can be expensive, so it’s important to be able to do some servicing yourself when needed. Luckily, most solar system components are simple and easy to fix. Here’s a list of the most common problems and the associated fixes:
1. Dirty Panels
Wondering what all the fuzz is under your solar system’s roof? It’s mostly just dust and debris that has accumulated over the years from the wind and ultraviolet rays. Regular cleaning will keep your panels looking new and ensure that they are working at their optimum capacity. It’s also important to clean them with the right equipment so you don’t end up causing any damage.
There are a few different ways to go about cleaning your panels. Some people use brush cleaning, while others might prefer an air filter and blowing agent. It really depends on the make and model of your system. If you’re not sure which one to use, ask an expert or the manufacturer for help.
2. Overheating
You wouldn’t expect your house to heat up overnight, would you? The same goes for your solar system. If it’s been more than a few hours since your panels have been exposed to direct sunlight, they will start to overheat and cause serious damage. Your system will work less efficiently, and you will end up spending more money in the long run. Always ensure that your panels are not overheating by keeping an eye on the temperatures around them. If they start to climb, cover them up and turn down the system a bit so it doesn’t strain itself too much.
3. Light Focusing Problems
Ever wonder why your solar system only produces electricity in the morning and around the edges? The reason is that the sun’s rays are usually focused on those areas, so it becomes easier for the solar panels to convert them into energy. You can help by ensuring that your solar system is set up in the right way and located in a spot where it gets direct sunlight throughout the day. Additionally, you might want to move it to a spot where there’s more space between buildings so more light can enter the tank. It could also be a problem with your lenses or mirroring surfaces. Cleaning these will help improve light transmission and maximize the output of your system.
4. Energy Loss
The amount of energy your solar system produces is far greater than the amount you actually use. The rest is lost in some form or another, mostly in the form of heat. This is where things get a little bit tricky. You will need to determine how much energy you are losing and try to reduce it as much as possible. Be sure to check all of your system’s components for energy leaks including your roof, walls, and floor. You can do this by opening up all of your windows, turning on a couple of your appliances, and measuring the energy use over a few hours. Once you determine the source of the energy loss, you can start working on fixing it. Sometimes it’s as simple as finding a good seal for your walls and fixing your roof, while other times it might mean replacing a few key system components.
Other Considerations
In addition to the above, you will want to make sure that your solar system is safe and reliable. To do this, you will want to perform regular inspections, read up on how to maintain it correctly, and practice regular maintenance. Additionally, you can ask the experts at homeadvisor.com for help with any problems you might encounter along the way. They can provide you with a free phone consultation and help you find the answers you’re looking for.
Keeping your solar system clean and functioning well is not an impossible task but it does require some effort. Luckily, you can do this with a little bit of effort and some cash to spare. By regularly cleaning it and having it serviced by a pro, you will be able to maximize its productivity and keep your money in your wallet for a much longer time.