Solar Panel Maintenance Tips for Chicago Residents
Solar panels have become a very popular source of electricity for Chicago homeowners. According to the Solar Energy Association, solar panel installations in the United States have increased by 25% over the last decade.
If you’re looking to learn more about solar energy installations but wondering about the costs, consider filling out this online form to get a free solar quote in a matter of minutes.
Despite the obvious advantages, many residents have to deal with multiple issues, including figuring out how to maintain solar panels. Snowy winters, heavy rainfall, and sudden temperature changes can affect the efficiency and longevity of solar panels.
On top of that, improperly maintained PV units can cause serious problems, including the need for costly repairs or replacement. That is why timely, correct, and regular technical solar panel maintenance in Chicago is mandatory.
Read on to uncover some crucial tips about solar panel maintenance in Chicago.
1. Monitor Solar Power Output
In Chicago, where the weather can be extremely unpredictable, from scorching sunny days to snow storms, monitoring panel performance allows any problems to be identified and corrected early.
Your modern solar panel system needs to be equipped with special programs and applications that can track the efficiency of your panels.
It is very convenient because you don’t need to go and check the panels personally. If you notice the efficiency has decreased significantly compared to the same period last year, it may indicate problems. Then, you will have to conduct solar panel maintenance yourself to find out personally what the reasons are: damage, pollution, or shading.
2. The Rinsing Need for Solar Panel Maintenance in Chicago
According to a study conducted by Duke University, dirty and dusty solar panels can lose up to 20% of their performance. However, solar panel maintenance in Chicago may be problematic because of high levels of air pollution and frequent rainfall that allow dirt to accumulate on panels.
The simplest and most effective way of maintenance of solar panels, which should become a habit, is to rinse the modules with water:
- It is better to use only soft water (filtered or distilled) to avoid leaving deposits on the panels.
- Wash panels during cool periods of the day to avoid rapid evaporation of water. That’s because stains may appear on the panels. It is also worth washing in the evening because, on a hot day, such care of the panels can cause glass breakage due to temperature changes.
- Consider using a sponge or soft brush to remove dust and dirt. But you should avoid hard brushes and abrasives, which can easily scratch the surface of fragile panels.
- Do not use detergents; they may damage the protective coating of the panels. It is better to treat the panels only with water.
Checking the effectiveness of the panels and washing them is a critical part of solar panel maintenance in Chicago, especially after rains. Leaves and plant debris can easily end up on your panels and affect performance.
Looking for a solar panel system that meets your needs? Don’t waste another second—get your free solar quote right away!
3. How To Maintain Solar Panels
On average, Chicago receives about 90 centimeters of snow per year, making it imperative to keep your panels clear of snow and ice that can harm your installations.
One of the safest ways to remove snow from solar panels is to use a soft and long-handled broom. Such brooms allow you to gently brush off snow without damaging the surface of the panels.
Never use hard tools to clear snow (shovels, scrapers), as they can seriously damage the panels. Here are some more tips for solar panel maintenance in Chicago o remove snow:
- It’s best to clean the snow immediately after it falls. The longer it remains on the surface, the more likely it is to turn into ice. It may make maintaining the panels much more of a hassle.
- Do not use hot water. Instead, you can use a soft cloth or warm water to remove the ice. Saltwater is also suitable for getting rid of ice.
- Be very careful when removing snow and ice. Your stay on the roof may not be safe if there is a lot of snow.
Research shows that snow-covering solar panels can reduce their performance by up to 100%, depending on the thickness of the layer. Therefore, to avoid complete loss of energy, it is better to monitor your settings in time.
4. Solar Panel Care: Visual Inspection
Strong winds can damage panel fastenings, and ice and snow can cause microcracks in the surface. These are just examples of how external factors can affect your modules.
That is why making a solar panel maintenance checklist and regularly checking it in person is necessary. If you don’t know exactly how to check panels, we have some tips:
- Check the surface for even the smallest defects (cracks, chips). If there is serious damage, you need to disconnect this panel from the system completely so there is no security threat.
- Make sure that all fastenings and panel frames are securely fastened. Wind can weaken the fastenings, which will sooner or later lead to the panels moving or falling.
- Your solar panel maintenance checklist should also cover electrical connections for wear, corrosion, or damage. This damage can result in a short circuit or reduced system efficiency.
- Since the inverter generates electricity, it should also be checked regularly.
Inspecting panels is not as difficult as dealing with the consequences of serious damage that was noticed too late.
Weather & Solar PV Maintenance
Unfortunately, solar panels are very vulnerable to weather conditions. From this point of view, the panels are fragile, but having your power plant on the roof does require some care.
Hail, for example, is a serious threat as it can physically damage the panels.
The wind also deserves special attention, as it can weaken fastenings and also carry dirt. Wind gusts reaching more than 60 mph (about 96 km/h) in Chicago can severely damage panels.
You must protect your solar systems on time and clean them after all bad weather conditions. For example, before hail and heavy rain, it is important to install special screens or mesh to ensure the panel is not severely damaged by hail or any debris.
Are There Any Specialized Tools or Equipment Needed for Solar Panel Maintenance?
Indeed, there is some special equipment for servicing panels that makes the task much easier. For example, there are many special soft brushes for solar panels on the market, they are long and should be able to tilt. By the way, telescopic brushes have the same qualities, so you can buy them too.
If possible, it is worth purchasing a special cleaner for solar panels.
If you want to take care of ice protection in advance, you can ask your supplier about special built-in heating elements. They don’t overheat your units, instead creating just enough heat for ice to melt.
Also, to protect against snow, you can apply a hydrophobic coating that will prevent snow from settling. You will have to reapply this coating periodically.
You can watch the video to find out more about equipment:
An important part of solar panel care is your safety. Make sure you have all the equipment to safely handle the panels, including safety harnesses, tie-downs, and ladders with clamps.
A Useful Skill
Professional solar panel maintenance service is often quite expensive. Therefore, learning how to do it yourself is a good idea, which may allow you to understand the operation and care of your systems. way better And this, in turn, will save even more money.
However, you should not neglect it when such a service is needed. For example, if you notice deep cracks or if the panel needs to be replaced.
Looking for a solar panel system that meets your needs? Don’t waste another second—get your free solar quote right away!
FAQ
How much does solar panel maintenance cos?
Solar panel maintenance costs range from $100 to $250 per visit. More comprehensive annual maintenance might cost between $300 and $700. Replacing key components (like inverters) can add to these costs, typically running between $1,000 and $3,000. Regular upkeep is essential to ensure the efficiency of your solar systems.
How often should solar panels be inspected or maintained?
It is worth checking solar systems at least twice a year. Still, it is best to check them much more often when weather conditions require it. It is important to keep the panels free of debris and leaves to ensure they operate at their full potential.
What are the common maintenance tasks required for solar panels?
Your task is to clean your solar panels from dust, dirt, and snow. Additionally, you should get into the habit of occasionally checking the panels in person to ensure there is no damage or problems with the fastening.
How can weather conditions affect the maintenance of solar panels?
Weather conditions greatly affect solar panels. For example, a strong wind can loosen the fastenings or clog the surface. Snow and ice directly affect the performance of solar panels, and hail can cause significant damage to them.
What are the consequences of neglecting solar panel maintenance?
Failing to maintain your solar systems properly can negatively impact your solar systems. That can, for example, significantly reduce their service life or simply render the batteries inoperable.
