solar panel maintenance Archives - Solar Panels Philippines

CLEANING SOLAR PANELS: Who, What, When, Where, Why, How?

Do solar panels need to be cleaned? Is there a certain way that solar panels need to be cared for? What is the actual maintenance protocol for solar panels?

To help make things bright and clear for our homeowners, business professionals and entrepreneurs with solar panels in the Philippines, Solaric is here to answer the solar panel concerns. We look at what to clean them with, how to clean them, where the dirt came from, who should clean them, when and how often.

The usual suspects

The typical, common suspects that block solar panels are dust, leaves, and water. Such particles can cause regular problems because they build up and accumulate grime over the years. Usually, dust does not usually have an effect because sunlight can still shine through. Solar experts suggest that the rain will take care of the dust on the solar panels.

“The panel efficiency is reduced when there is accumulated dust, but it is a very minimal and insignificant number, approximately 5% or less,” said Jade De Guzman, Vice President of Solaric. “On the other hand, regular cleaning, even with that dust, will improve efficiency by about 5%.”

There are solar arrays or systems that are located in dusty areas, or highly polluted locations, or near farmlands, or beside main roads. In such instances, special attention should be given because these solar panels accumulate more dust and dirt, and thus require more frequent cleaning.

And then there’s bird poop

Solar professionals agree that the public enemy number one of solar: bird droppings. Solar panel systems with microinverters, which are inverters attached to each separate solar panel, are affected because when one panel is covered with bird droppings, that inverter will stop showing current flow.

Tilt and angle too

Tilt or angle factor is another to consider. Flat solar panels will require more cleaning because water and dirt accumulated will leave residues.

Who you gonna call?

Cleaning solar panels can be done by yourself, but it is recommended to call in the professionals because they have the equipment and technical expertise to be on that roof, and falling off will not be a hazard.

How do I clean the solar panels?

For the DIY-ers, materials can easily be found at home. You just need water and a non-abrasive sponge to apply soapy water. Mild detergent can be used if the birds left their droppings, but do make sure that there are no harmful or strong chemicals that could be left behind on the solar panels. Make sure that you don’t scratch the solar panels in any way. You can use a normal hose, or even a pail and dipper. Do not use anything high-pressure, as it may cause damage.

Always safety first

Anyone who goes on a roof must take extra precautions. He must be in safety attire, with a hard hat and safety harness. There should be a rope attached to the safety harness to prevent the technician from falling to the ground.

To request to have your solar panels cleaned, call 5040092 or 09178603141, or email info@solaric.com.ph

Solaric is the leader in rooftop solar

Solaric has established its name across the renewable industry as a proven and reputable distributor of solar panels in the Philippines and rooftop solar leader. Backed by decades of experience, Solaric has installed more than 50% of residential rooftop solar in the Philippines and has delivered significant cost reductions in electricity expenses, as well as milestone contributions to a cleaner, greener, and renewable future. Solaric is now building more corporate and industrial solar projects and offering the same cost reductions. The Solaric installers and engineers are well-known troubleshooting experts. They work hard to ensure that the solar panel systems run efficiently and seamlessly so that every single homeowner with rooftop solar can enjoy the benefits of clean and renewable power. Welcome to the new generation of solar and turning on the sun.

For more information, call 5040092 or 09178603141, email us at info@solaric.com.ph or visit www.solaric.com.ph

We will gladly explain to you how the system works, or schedule a survey so we can give you options for your home or business. At Solaric, we Turn on the Sun.

Summer Time Care for Your Solar Panels Priced in the Philippines

What are the different ways you could care for your solar panels priced in the Philippines?

Allot space between the roof and the panels during installation
Regularly remove dirt build-up
Put up curtains to lessen the heat coming into your home

Summertime is the perfect season to harvest solar energy from the sun that can be converted to electrical energy.

During summer, there is bound to be an abundance of sunlight that can be harvested due to longer days which equates to extra hours rendered for harvesting sunlight.

Due to the global positioning of the Philippines, which is near the Earth’s equator, Filipinos definitely have an advantage with regards to the possible amount of sunlight harvested.

But, despite the reasonable price of solar panels in the Philippines, this fragile equipment should still be given extra TLC.

The solar panels should never be stepped on, because pressure – even slight pressure from stepping, leaning, or sitting on it, can cause micro cracks and future issues. Treat the solar panel as a fragile piece of equipment, even if the glass is pretty tough and tempered.

The summer season may be the ideal period for optimum harvesting, but it also comes with a possible threat to the solar panels which is why there are several methods of caring for the solar panels that are highly necessary for the summer period.

Fortunately, this article tackles the various ways you could care for your solar panels this summer time.

So, if you want to know how to defend your panels from the detrimental effects of high heat and humidity, then just keep on reading.

Allot Space Between the Panels and the Roof

Like the saying goes, “prevention is better than cure”; meaning, you should make sure during the installation phase that your solar panels are not directly sticking on to the roof.

The space between the two will provide the needed ventilation for optimum conversion.

Keep in mind that excessive heat will lessen the abilityof a solar panel in converting solar radiation into electrical energy.

This specific installation arrangement does not only ensure that the capacity of solar panels to convert energy is maximized, but also prevents over-heating of the solar panels.

The air ventilation among the panels is made possible by the gap between the panels and the roof, which is highly essential, especially during the scorching summer in the Philippines.

Clean the Panels

Heavy filth build-up—which commonly consists of dust, dirt, and sometimes bird droppings—often occurs during the summer period. Doing so ensures that the solar panels are functioning at their maximum potential.

Such condition is not much of a concern during the rainy season in the Philippines because the heavy rainfall already washes away the dirt, especially for panels attached to a roof with a steep tilt.

Luckily, cleaning solar panels is fairly easy.

Even just by aiming the hose at the panels and lightly spraying clean water should already be sufficient for a quick clean up. There’s no need for you to climb up to the roof.

In some case wherein the mere spraying of clean water is not enough to remove the debris from the panel, a thorough cleaning may be needed.

Unlike the simpler method, this one requires someone to go up to the roof. But, don’t worry because it’s not a complicated task.

Even the tools needed are common household items (mild detergent cleaners and a soft cloth). Once you’re ready to do the cleaning, just make sure that you use a light hand, since the panels are basically made of glass—thus can be easily scratched or shattered.

Block out the External Heat

In the Philippines, not only is it terribly hot during the summer, even the wind carries significantly warm air.

With such weather condition, turning on the AC units is no longer a want, but rather a necessity or else individuals may suffer from heat stroke. But, due to the scorching external heat, it may take a considerable amount of time before the appliances reach the desired temperature.

To prevent the external heat from penetrating inside the room, place simple yet effective obstructions, such as thick curtains.

Doing so would lessen the need for extra cooling, thus, lowering the power consumption. Remember that excessive consumption of energy paired with the intense heat could be damaging to the solar panels.

This tip is also advised during the times that no one is home, since such setting allows the space to cool down better.

Key Takeaway

There are various ways to protect your solar panels priced in the Philippines this summer. Taking care of them can be as simple as putting up several thick curtains and regularly cleaning. Also, be sure that there is adequate spacing between the panels and the roof, which should be done during the installation process.

International Tips for Solar Panel Users in the Philippines

What international tips solar panel users in the Philippines could utilize and apply in their own soil?

Perform maintenance measures to prolong your solar panel life.
Learn from the mistakes made by foreign administrations.

Without a doubt, solar energy has become a well utilized source of power through the decades.

Solar panel prices in the Philippines have seen several fluctuations based on the varying market dynamics. Today, it is admittedly more affordable. Thus, the number of Filipino households utilizing them has increased.

Admittedly, most of them are still in the process of familiarizing themselves with the technology. The progress is there, although it is slow moving.

If you are one of these people, who are working hard to incorporate the power of the sun to your household or local business, do not fret. Our friends from the across the ocean have a few tips to share with us. Here are some of them now:

Prolong Your Solar Panel’s Life with These Maintenance Measures

Spending your hard earned cash on solar panels priced in the Philippines is a smart investment. To make it even more worthwhile, it is important for solar panel users to take care of them in order to prolong their life span. A few tips you could follow on how to do just that are:

Keep track of them every once in a while.

You could do this by documenting and jotting down notes of their performance. This is one way of ensuring you are getting all you can get from this investment. For example, be sure that it is getting enough sunlight, instead of shade from your neighbor’s trees.

Clean your solar panels.

Cleaning your solar panels can surely make sure they will last long. All you have to do is hose down gently all the dirt or muck you find stuck on it. Or if you want to wipe it down, you could get a really soft cloth so you do not do any damage to its glass.

Learn from the Mistakes Made by Others

The Philippine Government has a huge responsibility to lead their people towards a brighter future—towards using solar energy. Currently, it is taking measures to do just this. Unfortunately, not all administrations across the world are doing these actions; and the Philippines must do all they can to avoid such mistakes. A few examples of these are the following:

Texas has restricted its government in supporting solar energy.
Virginia is also notorious for stalling the development of solar energy.
Oklahoma imposes extra tax on solar users, preventing and discouraging them from using solar energy in their homes and establishments.
Arizona charges an extra $50 to solar users for their utility usage.
North Carolina has completely banned solar farms on the state’s premises.

In order to ensure we are making the most out of our endeavors to advance solar energy, we need to learn from these hindrances and don’t make the same moves.

Key Takeaway

The Philippines has a long way to go when it comes to utilizing solar energy. However, we are taking small but important steps to get where the other countries stand—countries that are at the forefront of this movement. By following all the tips mentioned above, we will slowly but surely reach that goal someday.