Solar power is becoming increasingly popular due to its clean energy benefits. Solar panels are pretty durable, but they don’t last forever. It’s important to keep in mind that solar panels are still just like any other appliance—they require proper care and regular maintenance to maximize their lifespan. If you don’t take good care of your solar panels, they could eventually break down and cause you financial loss.
They’ll start to degrade over time, especially if you live somewhere where there isn’t much sun. Here are some tips for you on how to extend the life of solar panel.
What Causes Degradation of Solar Panels?
Solar panel warranties typically cover 25 years, but it doesn’t mean that your panels won’t fail during that period. But there are many factors that can cause the degradation of solar panels over time.
This is because the panels are designed to work well during the early part of their life cycle. Once the panels reach the end of their lifespan, they start losing efficiency. As a result, it becomes harder to generate electricity from them. In fact, many homeowners find that their panels lose up to 15% of their initial power generation capacity every five years.
Here are some of the causes of solar panel failure and damage over time.
Solar panels typically last about 25 to 30 years. However, there are some exceptions. For example, most residential solar panels are rated for 20 years.
1. Improper Maintenance
Proper solar panel maintenance is essential to extend the life of solar panel. Some common problems include dust buildup, dirt accumulation, and cracks in the glass. These issues can lead to decreased efficiency and increased power loss. To prevent these problems, make sure to clean your panels regularly. You can use a regular vacuum cleaner or even a handheld brush to do this job.
2. Poor Storage Conditions
If you store your panels outside, they can experience extreme temperature fluctuations. This can damage the cells inside your panels. Make sure that you keep your panels indoors where temperatures remain constant. Also, avoid storing your solar panels near water sources. This can increase corrosion and decrease performance.
3. Broken Glass
Your panels are vulnerable to broken glass. If you notice any cracks or dents in the glass, immediately contact a professional solar panel installer. They can replace the glass without damaging the rest of the system.
How to Extend the Life of Solar Panel?
1. Check for Damage
If you notice anything wrong with your solar panel system, immediately contact a solar service technician. This includes physical damage such as cracks, dents, missing parts, and damaged wiring. Broken panels can lead to serious safety hazards and even structural damage.
2. Get a Performance Warranty
A performance warranty covers the entire lifetime of your solar panel system. It ensures that your system is working properly and provides protection against defects.
3. Keep Them Dry
Make sure to store your solar panel system in a dry place away from moisture. Moisture can cause corrosion and short circuits.
4. Don’t Overload Your Solar Panel
Overloading solar power systems can cause damage to them. If they are overloaded, then the cells will break down, which can lead to fire hazards. Solar power systems need to be well maintained at all times, and if they are overloaded, they may start malfunctioning. This will affect how much energy you generate from the sun. Hence do not overload your solar panels. They won’t work efficiently if you do.
5. Adjust Your Angle
The panels should face south. They should be angled slightly downward toward the ground, facing directly towards the equator. This helps maximize sunlight exposure.
6. Install Sunshades
You can install sunshades to shade your panels from the hot rays of the sun. These shades come in different shapes and sizes. Some even include built-in fans to circulate air around your panels. Shading the panels help you extend the life of solar panel.
7. Take Care of Your Electrical System
Your electrical system needs to be well maintained. You should regularly inspect your home’s wiring and test your breaker box to ensure everything is operating correctly.
8. Clean Your Solar Panels Regularly
Solar panel cleaning is important because dust and dirt build up over time. Debris around your home can affect how efficiently your solar panels work. Leaves, twigs, grass clippings, and pine needles can block sunlight from reaching your panels. These materials can also reduce airflow and increase heat retention.
This lowers efficiency and increases maintenance costs. If you are having trouble keeping your solar panels clean, consider hiring a professional solar panel cleaning technician. They are trained to handle delicate equipment like yours. You don’t want to risk damaging your panels during regular solar panel cleaning. Regular solar panel cleaning helps you extend the life of solar panel.
9. Don’t Leave Sharp Objects Near Your Solar Panel
Sharp objects such as nails, screws, and metal shavings can damage your solar panels. Keep sharp objects away from your panels and keep them out of reach of children.
10. Get a Regular Solar Inspection of the Panels
A regular solar inspection will help maintain the performance and extend the life of solar panel. If you don’t know what to look for, it’s best to bring in a solar service professional. Here are some common problems that might occur with panels and how to fix them.
11. Shelter Your Panels in Extreme Weather Conditions
Covering your panels with tarps is one of the best ways to protect your solar panels from external factors like inclement weather. There are many different types of tarps you can use. Some are designed specifically for covering panels while others are general-purpose tarps. If you want to cover your entire solar panel system, it’s important to consider how much shade you need. You don’t want to block too much sunlight because that could reduce the amount of electricity produced by your panels.
If you live in a region where there is severe weather, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, etc., you might want to invest in a storm shelter. These shelters typically come with a roof, walls, and a door. They are usually built into the ground and covered with dirt or sand. Storm shelters aren’t cheap though, so make sure you know what type of protection you need before purchasing one.
Another option is to simply put up a tarp over your panels. This method works well for protection against light rain showers, but you won’t be able to stop heavy downpours. If you do decide to go this route, be sure to place tarps over your panels in areas that receive less sun exposure.
12. Utilize a Backup Battery for Your Solar Panel System
When it comes to solar power, there are many different ways to generate electricity. Some use photovoltaic cells while others use wind turbines. However, one way to generate renewable energy is to harness the sun’s rays and convert them into usable energy. This process is known as solar power. While solar power is still relatively new, it has gained popularity due to its cleanliness and efficiency.
However, solar power isn’t without its drawbacks. One drawback is that it requires a lot of space. Another is that it doesn’t work well on cloudy days. To overcome these problems, some people install a backup battery. These batteries store excess energy generated during sunny days and release it later when needed.
In addition to storing extra energy, a backup battery helps prevent damage to your system. If your solar panels fail, your house could lose power. A backup battery ensures that your house stays powered even if your solar panels don’t produce enough energy. By keeping your house running, you’re able to keep your appliances working and avoid costly repairs.
Conclusion
If you properly maintain your solar panel systems and get a solar panel annual maintenance contract, you can extend the life of solar panel system. It’s also recommended that you have a backup battery installed in case your solar panel malfunction.
Frequently Asked Questions on Solar Panels
Do Solar Panels Degrade?
Solar panel degradation occurs because of exposure to extreme temperatures, soiling, and poor installation. For example, some people install solar panels without properly sealing the glass against moisture, wind, snow, rain, and dust. This causes water vapour to condense on the surface of the glass, which eventually leads to corrosion and discolouration. If you live in a region where severe weather conditions occur frequently, you might want to consider installing a protective cover.
What is the solar panel degradation rate?
Solar Panel degradation rate is based on how many watts per square meter (W/m2) a solar panel produces over the course of 25 years. A degradation rate of less than 2% is considered excellent.
What factors impact the efficiency and performance of solar panels?
The efficiency of solar panels depends on several variables, such as the quality of cells used in the panel, the number of cells used, the size of the panel, and the angle at which sunlight hits the panel. The performance also varies based on temperature and humidity.
What is meant by “shading”?
Shading occurs when sunlight hits the surface of a solar panel directly, causing heat loss. This happens most often because panels are placed too close together.
How do I know if my panels are facing the correct direction?
You can check this yourself by looking at the sun. Your panels should be facing towards the rising sun unless you live somewhere where the sun sets in the winter. In that case, your panels should face the setting sun.
When does a solar panel generate more electricity?
A study found that solar panels generate electricity best when the amount of UV radiation falling on them matches the amount of sunlight reaching the Earth. This happens during daylight hours. During nighttime hours, however, the amount of UV radiation is lower than the amount of sunlight. So, solar panels produce less electricity at night.