How do I get the most from my solar panels? How often do my solar panels need maintenance? These are common questions homeowners wonder after their solar panel installation. Thankfully, Allied Electrical Services can help. We are your local solar panel experts in Bristol. With the help from our guide below, you can be assured to achieve the most from your new solar panel installation.
Do My Solar Panels Need an Annual Inspection?
If you want to achieve the most from your solar panels, then it’s important to carry out inspections. However, there is no need to do this annually. Solar panels installed by a competent person are built to last, which is why it’s recommended to have an inspection carried out every 5 years instead of annually. Getting your solar panels checked every 5 years can help detect early faults, save you from many long-term repairs and most importantly, will increase the lifespan of your solar panels.
What Does a Solar Panel Inspection Include?
During a solar panel inspection a qualified electrician will perform multiple checks to ensure your system is running efficiently.
Parts of the inspection include:
Visual Checks
Looking out for any signs of damage, cracks or general wear and tear. This could be due to a poor installation or damage from bad weather.
Wiring Connections
Making sure there is no damage to wires and checking they are securely in place.
Shading Inspection
Looking out for nearby trees or structures which could be casting shadows over your solar panels causing them to generate slower.
Performance monitoring
Assessing the performance of your solar panels will guide you on any potential faults within the Solar PV system.
How to Tell if my Solar Panels Need Inspecting
Although it’s not often solar panels go wrong, if they are not performing as they should, it’s best to get them checked by an electrician. Your solar panels will be serviced, checked for damage, faults, and wiring issues. If any faults are detected during an inspection, your local electrician will be able to notify you of the damage and make the necessary repairs to get your system running smoothly again. It is important to carry out solar panel inspections to ensure your solar panels are working to their optimum level. It would be a shame to have an expensive installation to then not benefit from it.
Not very often said, but one benefit to our English weather is that your solar panels will be kept clean from our frequent rainfalls. However, if you are noticing debris on your solar panels which is not easily removed, it is essential to get them cleaned so they can operate fully.
Your Solar Panel Maintenance Experts in Bristol
Solar panels are generally considered a low maintenance appliance. With the help of 5-yearly inspections, you can detect early faults and make easy repairs to guarantee a smooth-running system. If your solar panels are due an inspection and you live in Bristol, then get in contact with us at Allied Electrical Services. We are your local, trusted solar panel specialists. Our NICEIC approved electricians have the skills, knowledge, and tools to safely inspect your solar panel system. Contact us today to discuss your solar panel maintenance.
