As sustainability and climate change continue to become an increasingly important topic both here in Australia and around the world, more and more people are investing in solar power systems to reduce their environmental impact. The icing on the cake, of course, is that it can also help you save substantially on your power bills as the cost of electricity rises.
While there are many advantages to investing in solar power, to fully reap the benefits it’s vital that you keep your system well maintained. Weather conditions, wild animals and natural wear and tear can all take their toll over their years and, if left unchecked, can affect the efficiency, safety and functionality of your solar power system.
The good news is that a professional solar power repair company will have the experience and diagnostic expertise needed to keep your system in tip top shape. Here at Solar Repairs, we’re proud to provide an industry leading solar repair service in Perth. Here are four tips to keep your solar power system performing at maximum capacity for years to come.
- Keep Your Solar Panels Clean
The first and most important part of ensuring your solar power system is running efficiently is to keep your solar panels clean. This shouldn’t be too surprising – after all, the functionality of your solar power system depends almost entirely on the panels, which need to be clear of obstructions in order to maximise sun exposure.
This is a relatively simple – if time consuming – process. Every now and then, run your finger or a clean cloth across your panels and check to see if it produces any dust, dirt or other grime. If so, it’s time to give your panels a good clean. The best way to go about this will vary depending on the make and model of your panels, so be sure to check the manufacturer’s recommendations before getting stuck in. Generally speaking, clean water, a coarse cloth and some good old fashioned elbow grease are usually enough to remove most dirt. Avoid using metal instruments and harsh cleaning products, as these can scratch the panels, which in turn creates shadows that can impact the overall efficiency of your solar power system.
Cleaning your solar panels can usually be done yourself, but if you’re short on time or concerned about safety, you can choose to enlist the help of a professional cleaning service. An annual clean is more than enough for most systems.
- Keep Nearby Trees Pruned
When your solar power system was initially installed, it should have been positioned for maximum sunlight exposure. In order to keep your solar power system running effectively, it’s important that you do what you can to prevent external elements from casting shadows on your solar panels. Large trees are the most common culprit, but thankfully they’re fairly straightforward to deal with. Just keep your trees pruned back to an appropriate height so that they don’t tower over your solar panels. Not only does this help ensure your panels are receiving as much light as possible, it also reduces the risk of direct damage caused by falling debris during a storm. If you’re handy with a pair of shears, it might be possible to do the pruning yourself; in other cases, it may be better to go with a professional.
- Keep Records of Your Maintenance History
Just as many people choose to keep a log of their vehicle’s past mechanical services, it’s also a great idea to keep a record of your solar power system’s maintenance history. Why? Well, a detailed log reveals a lot of information about the ongoing efficiency of the system and can give you the insight you need to pinpoint when something starts playing up and potential causes. Solar repair companies in Perth may also find this information very helpful when it comes to diagnosing issues with your system.
- Use Professional Solar Repairs in Perth
Maintenance is a key part of ensuring your solar power system is running effectively, but that doesn’t completely eliminate the risk of something going wrong. If you think your solar power system is under performing or in need of repairs, you may need professional help to get your system back up to speed.
That’s where we come in. With more than 20 years of experience installing and repairing solar power systems in Western Australia, Solar Repairs has the specialist expertise you need to get the job done.
How do we do it?
Before we can carry out repairs on your solar power system in Perth, we first need to be able to identify the issue. As you probably know, there are quite a few components involved in the average residential solar power setup, and a simple problem with one part can have an impact on the entire system.
With this in mind, we’ll perform a thorough inspection and examine every part of your solar power system to ensure every component is functioning as intended. Defective inverters are often to blame, which can be the result of a shoddy installation. In addition, there may be a problem with the panels themselves or, more likely, the components that connect everything together. Cables are prone to getting pinched, while isolators can get loose and affect system performance. Whatever the cause, our advanced troubleshooting methodologies will quickly reveal the problem. Using state of the art diagnostic tools, we’ll work our magic to isolate the issue before carrying out the repairs necessary to ensure your system is back up and running at full capacity.
If you’re in the market for solar installation or require repairs to your existing solar power system, we’d love to hear from you. As members of the Master Plumbers and Gasfitters Association, we’re able to provide an integrated service that extends far past beyond simple solar repairs. We work with just about all the major solar brands, so you can rest assured your system is in caring hands from beginning to end. Give us a call today to find out more.