Just like we get our cars serviced to keep them running efficiently, the equipment we use to power and heat our homes needs to be regularly maintained. We are advised to get boilers and gas fire places serviced once a year, and similarly, your new heat pump should also be professionally serviced every twelve months. If you have solar PV installed, you’ll be interested to know that there are benefits to having an expert make sure that the system is running to it’s maximum potential. Read on to find out more.
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Your Guide to Home Maintenance
Just like we get our cars serviced to keep them running efficiently, the equipment we use to power and heat our homes needs to be regularly maintained. We are advised to get boilers and gas fire places serviced once a year, and similarly, your new heat pump should also be professionally serviced every twelve months. If you have solar PV installed, you’ll be interested to know that there are benefits to having an expert make sure that the system is running to it’s maximum potential. Read on to find out more.
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Are solar panels maintenance free?
Solar panels require a lot less attention than many traditional forms of energy generation but, if you don’t look after them, they will become less effective and may stop working properly. One thing that all solar panels need from time to time is a good clean – any grime or bird deposits that collect will reduce the amount of natural light hitting the cells that create your energy. The dirtier they get, the less effective your investment.
What else should be checked?
A regular service is essential to maintaining the optimum performance of your solar panels, with best practice guidelines stating that homes should be checked at least once every five years.
Moving into a new home?
If you have moved into a new home and are unsure how well your solar panels are operating, our GoGreen partners Clean Solar Solutions can check them out, issue a report and either fix them on the day or book a return visit.
What will be checked during a maintenance visit?
Clean Solar Solutions carries out the following comprehensive tests:
Check for signs of overheating, melting or corrosion in the DC cables and MC4s going in and out of the inverter, and the AC cables going into the inverter.
Check that the current and voltage feed to the inverters on each string from the solar panels are at expected levels.
Inspect the AC feed to the inverter to ensure it is operating as expected.
Look for signs of dirt or blockages on the inverter fans.
Check for any fault signs on the inverter.
Roof-level inspection, if accessible:
Inspect the panels for visual evidence of damage or breakages.
Check cables for signs of damage from vermin (rats, squirrels, birds etc.) or environmental factors.
Check for missing clamps or loose panels.
Clean Solar Solutions will then provide a report with any recommendations for remedial work, illustrated with supporting pictures.
What can I do to prevent bird damage?
Bird droppings and seagulls are a problem for some solar panel owners in Ireland, but Clean Solar Solutions provides a comprehensive protection, proofing and deterrent service.
