Blog

5 Maintenance Tips for Your Solar Panels

6 Comments
We are aware of the fact that solar panels convert the sun’s energy into electricity. But the question that ponders is- do solar panels require maintenance? If yes, then how many times? The ground rule to harness maximum solar energy is by keeping the solar panels- clean. Proper maintenance ensures that they perform effectively throughout their lifespan.
 
Fortunately, Solar Rooftop System have very low maintenance costs. Unlike other machinery, solar panels do not have moving parts that need lubrication or a process that involves getting rid of the rust.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind for maintaining your solar panels efficiently:

1. Time-to-time inspection:

Solar rooftop panels are placed in high locations. These are prone to damage or accumulation of waste particles flowing in the air. Keep inspecting your solar panels frequently. Clean up the dirt or pollen accumulated to ensure that there is no loss of power.
 
Inspect your solar panels during uncertain climatic changes. Certainly, this will help you to secure the loss or damage that has occurred.

2. Cleaning & taking care of your solar panels:

  • To maximize the effectiveness of your solar panels, firstly you need to keep them free of dust, dirt, leaves, and snow.
  • Since these panels are made of glass, you don’t need to shop for specialized solar panel care or cleaning tools. You can use a soft cloth to wipe the panels.
  • Avoid using detergent-based cleansers. They can leave streaks and smudges that may decrease the light that passes through.
  • Rubbing alcohol partly mixed in water can take care of any oily residue or other stubborn dirt.

3. Ensuring ample sunlight is available:

Solar Rooftop System is installed in a location where they receive maximum sun exposure. However, trees & buildings can grow over the years around this location, which then affects the pattern of sun and shade. To make your solar panels to lasts longer it is very necessary to make sure that they are located with the best possible sunlight orientation.

4. Examining the components on a regular basis:

During cleaning, you should take a look around at all your wiring, components, and mounting rack. Check for any signs of water damage, leaks, or drainage issues around the panels.

Look for missing bolts, broken glass, and frayed wiring. An early inspection can prevent serious issues that turn into costly repairs. You should contact your solar contractor immediately if you notice any similar issues. Don’t try to repair it yourself as your solar system can be best repaired by a trained professional.

5. Keeping a check on energy usage:

Installing an energy monitor is your most direct way to make sure your entire system is performing effectively. These monitoring systems usually provide output data on the website or the app of your smartphone. You can check the production totals of each solar panel. This comes handy in spotting any “dead” panels that aren’t producing electricity. This can be due to a problem with the panel itself or with the connection between the panel and the inverter.

Report an unexpected loss in electricity production to your Solar Panel Installer. Schedule an inspection immediately.

Conclusion:

Using these preventative maintenance tips will go a long way towards the longevity and efficiency of your solar system. Going solar is always a great option as it is clean electricity, saves your electricity bill, and in most cases, it hardly costs you a penny for maintenance.

Blog

Solar Rooftop Systems: All You Need To Know

No Comments


India is home to more than a billion people with huge energy needs. But, when it comes to renewables, the country has set some ambitious targets over the next decade. Do you know ‘Indian renewable energy sector is the fourth most attractive renewable energy market in the world?’ And we feel proud of it! However, harnessing the energy present in nature to meet everyone’s demands is quite a challenge. Because, knowing the benefits of harnessing solar power is not enough. You need to know more about the ‘Solar Rooftop System’, its types and its respective functionality.

1. Types of solar rooftops: 

Stand-alone solar rooftops

These kinds of solar panels are not connected to the grid; instead, they work on diesel generator or batteries.

The solar power generated from the rooftop solar system charges the battery which is then used to power various applications. This system is suitable for a place that faces frequent power cut and breakdowns.

Grid-tied solar rooftops: 

The on-grid system has slightly different functionality. In this case, the rooftop solar system is integrated with the main grid supply. This system allows power to be used from the grid supply only when the rooftop solar system is unable to supply the required power. 

Related Read: Grid Connected Solar PV System: An Overview

Hybrid rooftops: 

A hybrid solar system gives the advantages of both- grid-tied system and on-grid system. This system is connected to the grid as well as the batteries that store power. Hybrid solar solutions supply continuous power and are suitable for locations where the restricted power consumption is less than the generated energy.

2. Materials used in making solar panels?

Solar panels are usually made using key components like silicon, metal, and glass. And the standard panels are either made from monocrystalline or polycrystalline silicon.

3. Solar rooftops are eco-friendly:

While generating energy, the solar panels of the rooftop do not release any kind of harmful greenhouse gases; thus, marking them as a ‘green’ energy.

4. The cost:

Costing of a solar rooftop system completely depends on the size, type, location and quality of the product. The cost of 1kWp solar rooftop PV project could be around Rs.50,000 (including installation but excluding the cost of batteries).

Note: kWp stands for kilowatt ‘peak’ of a system. It is the peak power of a solar PV system.

5. Subsidy offered by the Government:

According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, the Central Government pays 30% of the benchmarked installation cost for rooftop PV systems.

Other benefits offered by the government for installing a rooftop PV system:

In addition to the subsidy, people can avail various other benefits by installing a rooftop solar system:

  • Those planning to install rooftop PV systems can avail priority sector loans of up to 10 lakhs from nationalized banks. This loan shall fall under the category of home loan or home improvement loan.
  • Consumers will be eligible for generation-based incentives and will receive Rs. 2 per unit of electricity generated.

6. Net Metering

Net Metering is a system that gives solar energy owners credits for the power that they add to the grid. Sometimes solar panels might generate excess power. In this case, the surplus power is sent back to the grid for later use.

Related Read: What is Net Metering and How it Works?

Bottom Line:

Installing solar panels for electricity is always a great idea. The electricity you generate from solar energy is green and clean. Moreover, harnessing the power of solar decreases the carbon emissions, this ultimately reduces the dependency on the fossil fuels.

Contact us today to get a free solar panel installation quote or call us at +91 772-199-4477