Maybe you don’t want to hear this, but yes! Solar panels do lose efficiency over time. Although this happens slowly, a certain response from your side is needed. After investing thousands of dollars in installing them, it is normal you want everything to function perfectly. However, have in mind that after 25-30 years of life span, there will be a drop in the efficiency of your solar panels. Peak Services will offer long-term solutions to any of the potential problems that you may experience with your solar panels. Instead of trying to guess what the problem is, make sure you hire professionals to provide practical advice and assistance, so you can improve the efficiency of your solar panels.
What causes your solar panels to lose efficiency?
All solar panels will lose efficiency over time, and this is called degradation. It is expected that 0.5 – 3 % of degradation each year is normal. However, there are four main causes of efficiency loss, and they are:
- Dramatic changes between temperatures
- High humidity
- High humidity mixed with sudden freezing
- UV exposure
Now that you know what causes your solar panels to start working slowly, it is time you learned how to deal with it.
Plenty of things can cause a drop in the efficiency of your solar panels, including sudden temperature changes
Start with cleaning your solar panels
Solar panels require very little maintenance because they don’t have any moving parts. However, it is best to clean your solar panels on a regular basis because dust and dirt can accumulate on the surface and reduce efficiency. The frequency of cleaning depends on many factors, including how often it rains, and how much it costs to clean them. Moreover, bad weather conditions will probably require regular cleaning at least twice a year. If you notice your solar panels’ efficiency is reduced, make sure you arrange a commercial solar panel cleaning as soon as possible. Removing dirt, leaves, and birds’ excrement will increase efficiency by at least 20 %.
Check for birds or other uninvited guests
Solar panels are a real attraction for pigeons, crows, and other types of birds. When they build a nest, they bring a lot of straws, twigs, and grass that can affect the normal functioning of your solar panels. Once you notice that your electricity output is lower than usual, it is time you checked for some uninvited guests. Installing a solar panel bird guard will permanently solve this problem. It is steel meshing that perfectly protects from birds, but it also gives your panels a modern look. Moreover, it will not rust and discolor, which makes it eye-pleasant. The best of all is you can remove it any time you want without any complications, but it would be a good idea to consult with professionals about the matter.
Birds may influence the proper functioning of your solar panels, by making nests and releasing droppings.
Remove unnecessary tree branches
Since solar panels generate electricity from sunlight, it is logical to assume that shade reduces electricity output. However, many people are unaware of the impact of shade on the majority of solar panels. Even if only one photovoltaic cell is shaded, the efficiency of your solar panels will drop drastically. Tall trees and buildings are two of the most common reasons for creating shade. Therefore, once you notice the change in your solar panels’ output, check whether nearby trees have grown too long. Trim all the branches that you think are causing the problem. If you are not sure how to do it, ask a professional to help you out.
Contact a professional to check the problem
If cleaning, trimming, and bird control device don’t work, maybe you need a professional to solve the problem. Have in mind that installing solar panels requires good skills and knowledge, therefore, an expert is there to analyze the situation and estimate potential damage. Perhaps there was a gap between the roof and solar panels, a sudden temperature change, overheating, or the solar panel pigeon control Henderson makes stopped working. In any of these cases, professional assistance is required, to increase the efficiency of your solar panels as soon as possible.
Install energy management software to detect a drop in the efficiency of your solar panels
Most solar panels come without this software, but the best way to follow their efficiency is to monitor the amount of energy generated by your panels. Connecting your solar panels to energy management software will allow you to see any unexpected decreases or drops in efficiency. Along with the device, you will get an analytical tool to track any changes that may come up. In case you notice the generated energy is smaller than expected, it is time you clean or replaced your panels.
Hire a professional to properly maintain your solar panels and avoid malfunctions and efficiency drops
How to choose good solar panels?
With plenty of manufacturers on the market, choosing solar panels with good efficiency is not an easy task. Solar panels differ in quality, cost, efficiency, durability, and other features. Finding the right panels depends on many things, such as your location, the size of your house, your budget, and so on. Moreover, there are many types of solar panels that suit different needs and requirements. Whether you choose a solar panel with good heat tolerance or the one made from silicon, this is an excellent way to preserve the environment and help your planet.
Solar panels are the best choice for preserving the environment
More and more people decide to install solar panels as a way of saving money and protecting the environment. However, when they are not maintained properly, you may notice a drop in the efficiency of your solar panels. Regular cleaning, installing a bird control device, and trimming additional tree branches will greatly help increase efficiency. Moreover, to keep your mind at ease, you can install energy management software, and track the changes in your energy output. Whatever you do, if you are careful enough, your solar panels will have a long life span.
