Solar Panels: What You Need to Know about Debris and Degradation
Solar energy is a viable and critical option when it comes to creating sustainability and clean energy for homes. Solar panels have become a popular option for countries striving to shift toward renewable energy sources. However, debris and degradation of solar panels is often neglected and considered as one of the causes that can lead to permanent damages and a reduced output of energy. In this article, we will discuss the effects of debris on solar panels, what maintenance is required to protect them, and the impact of degradation of solar panels.
Impact of Debris on Solar Panels
Solar panels are susceptible to damage due to physical debris such as twigs, leaves and dirt. These objects can cause scratches on the surface and lead to permanent damage over time. One real-life example of this is a customer in California who installed 4,553 solar panels on his roof only to discover that leaves from the nearby oak trees had scratched his solar panels and caused water leakage when it rained. In addition to causing scratches and damage to the surface, debris can also block light which prevents the panels from working to their fullest potential. When the solar panels are blocked from sunlight, the efficiency of solar panels decreases and the quality of power output deteriorates.
Maintenance to Protect Solar Panels
It is crucial to keep solar panels clean and free from debris to prevent any potential damage. In addition to regularly cleaning your own panels with a garden hose and a soft cloth, the trees and shrubs around your home should be regularly maintained so that they do not shed debris onto your solar panels. If trees are too close to your home and solar panels, branches that are heavily covered with leaves should be trimmed. This will help reduce the amount of dirt and debris on your solar panels, keeping them clean and safe for long-term use.
Tips to Prevent Degradation
Not only is it important to keep solar panels clean and free from debris, but it is also important to make sure that the cells of the panel are not degraded. Professional cleaning is highly recommended for solar panels to make sure that no dirt or debris buildup. When performing DIY cleaning, it is important to read the manufacturer instructions carefully to ensure that the correct soap, water, and cleaning material is used and no potential damage to the cells on the panel is caused.
Impact of Degradation
When solar panels are degraded, they are more susceptible to physical damage. Furthermore, it can also lead to electrical issues due to the dirt and dust buildup on the cells. The decrease of the efficiency of solar panels can be seen overtime with the accumulation of dirt and dust. In addition, with the wear and tear of the cells, the productivity of solar panels can diminish leading to degraded cells and eventually damage.
Conclusion
The maintenance of solar panels plays a big role in keeping your panels functional and efficient long-term. Cleaning your solar panels regularly with a garden hose and soft cloth is a perfect way to prevent permanent damage and optimize the energy production of your panels. In addition, regular trimming of the trees and shrubs around your home will minimize the amount of debris falling on your solar panels. Professional cleaning is highly recommended for solar panels to make sure that no dirt or debris buildup and no potential damage to the cells on the panel is caused. When done correctly, the impact of debris on solar panels can easily be minimized and you can prevent any permanent damage to your panels and maximize the output of energy.
