Maximising your solar power investment: Tips for maintenance and optimisation

Investing in a solar panel system is a significant financial decision, promising long-term benefits for your wallet and the environment. Given its considerable cost, it’s natural to want to maximise the return on investment. A well-maintained solar panel system can provide clean energy for decades if it is well-maintained. Yet many homeowners neglect regular maintenance or aren’t aware of it. Neglecting maintenance could diminish your system’s efficiency by a staggering 25-30%.

Even the best solar systems can underperform without proper upkeep, reducing the potential savings and earnings they were designed to deliver. By implementing regular maintenance routines and optimising your appliance usage, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your solar panel system and maximise its output.

This translates directly into higher savings on your energy bills and a quicker return on your investment. 

Here’s a handbook for enhancing solar power investment with simple maintenance and optimisation suggestions. 

7 tips to maximise your solar power investment 

1. Ensure Regular Maintenance 

A customer neglected regular maintenance and cleaning of their solar panel system. As a result, just 90 days after installation, the system’s performance dropped by approximately 16%, despite being located in sunny Indore. This led to higher electricity bills and extended the payback period by an average of 1.5 years, significantly impacting the return on investment.

Dust, dirt, leaves, bird droppings, and other debris accumulate on the solar panel surface, reducing their ability to capture sunlight. Clean your solar panel system at the recommended quarterly timeline or more frequently in areas with high pollution or dust levels and other debris. However, this level of cleaning must be done by a professional.

A solar panel system maintenance professional will clean your panels in addition to:

• Monitoring energy production and performing daily checks on output and voltage levels
• Conduct seasonal inspections to ensure the panels and connections are in prime condition
• Carry out annual maintenance tasks like panel cleaning, system component testing, and preventive maintenance to boost efficiency and lifespan

2. Remove obstructions to avoid shading

India is a tropical country with 300-330 sunny days. This means you get 5,000 kWh of sunlight every year. However, you will lose out on the energy generation quantum during these days if the shadow falls on any of these panels. 

Even a slight shadow on one panel can decrease the overall system efficiency, leading to hotspots that could harm panels over time. 

Collaborate with your solar panel system provider to evaluate and address any potential shading issues during installation and try to remove obstructions like poles, telecom towers, water tanks, or other objects. In cases where shading cannot be avoided, consider installing a solar panel system with micro-inverters or power optimisers. Ensure that installation locations are free from shading during peak sunlight periods.

3. Troubleshoot and Seek Professional Assistance

When dealing with a solar power investment, you may encounter several issues that could impact performance.

• Reduced energy output: Potential obstructions such as trees or buildings, dirt, debris, visible cracks, or loose connections can lead to a drop in energy output.
• Inverter problems: The inverter’s performance may drop or stop working completely.
• No power production: Sometimes, due to certain external factors, the solar panel system may stop working and it could be a single or multiple components that are affected.
• High-temperature concerns: The ventilation system may be faulty, leading to overheating. Alternatively, accumulated debris could lead to overheating.

Seek professional help if–

• You notice a consistent decrease in energy output despite cleaning and shading checks
• Electrical issues like faulty wiring smells, frequent circuit breaker trips, and visible damage to electrical components
• Persistent inverter errors after resetting
• Unexplained performance issues beyond standard monitoring software capabilities 
• If you have concerns about your system’s performance or safety

To ensure the longevity and efficiency of your system, choose a vendor that provides remote monitoring technology that flags technical issues and allows them to notify you about such problems proactively. 

It is advisable to schedule annual professional maintenance checks with the same solar vendor. Keep a detailed record of all maintenance activities and encountered issues. Stay updated on solar technology advancements and best maintenance practices to optimise your system’s performance.

4. Financial Considerations

Compare loans from various vendors to determine the best financing option for you. Consider factors like interest rates, repayment terms, and any hidden fees associated with each option. 

Measure your household’s electricity usage. An oversized system can lead to unnecessary upfront costs without providing additional benefits, while an undersized system may not meet your energy needs.

Compare your energy usage with potential solar generation to forecast savings accurately. Consider selling excess units your system generates back to the grid if it generates surplus energy, thereby increasing your savings. 

5. Optimising Panel Orientation and Angle

Properly orienting and angling your panels ensures maximum sunlight exposure throughout the day, leading to higher electricity production. 

Properly adjusting the tilt angle of your solar panels based on your location’s latitude increases efficiency throughout the year. Fine-tuning the panel angles according to seasonal changes can further optimise energy production. This angle is influenced by various design engineering factors such as geographic location, season, and installation requirements. 

Furthermore, the rule of thumb is that solar panels should face due south. Any directional change in the panel angle and direction can reduce electricity generation by 5-10%. A knowledgeable vendor will consider all these elements and optimise panel orientation to achieve peak efficiency. 

6. Installing Energy-Efficient Appliances

Here are a few steps you can consider implementing to ensure energy efficiency with your solar panel system.

1. Choose appliances with the Energy Star label for guaranteed efficiency and performance. 
2. Replace traditional incandescent bulbs with LED lights, which use less energy and last longer. 
3. Install modern heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems that consume less power. 
4. Use smart programmable thermostats to optimise heating and cooling schedules and reduce energy waste. 
5. Consider installing tankless or solar water heaters to reduce energy usage for heating water. 
6. Regularly maintain your appliances to ensure they work efficiently. 
7. You can use high-energy-consuming appliances when the sun shines the brightest to maximise your solar energy usage. 
8. Upgrade old and inefficient appliances with newer, energy-efficient models.

7. Choosing a Reputable Service Provider

Seek providers offering comprehensive coverage as longer warranties often signify better quality and dependability. 

A reliable warranty will protect you against any defects or performance problems. Ensure the service provider and products are certified by reputable industry standards. Check customer reviews and request references to assess the provider’s reputation and level of service quality. Prioritise experience when selecting a provider, opting for those with a proven track record in solar installations. 

In addition to reliable solar installation, many providers also offer maintenance services for optimal system performance. Regular cleaning and damage checks can extend the lifespan of your solar panels and ensure their efficient operation.

Final thoughts

When considering a solar power investment as a viable power source, energy efficiency is important. Proper maintenance and care are needed to maximise this efficiency and ensure a long-lasting solution. Investing in high-quality panels will result in long-term savings including the necessary maintenance to ensure your return on investment.

SolarSquare offers high-quality and efficient solar panels for optimal performance, providing long-term savings and durability, making it a worthwhile investment. We specialise in customising rooftop solar systems in India to meet your unique energy needs. 

What makes SolarSquare’s systems different?

1. Pre-fabricated structures with no risk of manual errors on-site
2. Aerodynamically engineered structure, custom designed for windspeeds on your roof, up to 180kmph
3. Approved by IIT Bombay to be cyclone-proof
4. Japanese Poka-Yoke fault-free installation
5. 100% rust-proof, 5-year warranty
6. Virgin steel by JSW, Essar & TATA Steel
7. HDGI 80-micron, rust-free coating

Additionally, with our 360° Power Boost Maintenance plan, your solar system will receive top-notch maintenance for the next five years. The features of the plan include the following.

Here’s how we ensure optimal performance and peace of mind for our customers.

1. Free maintenance for five years: No need to worry about upkeep costs or scheduling maintenance appointments – we’ve got you covered.
   
2. Comprehensive inspections: We provide–
   • Electrical inspection: Regular tests and checks to guarantee safety and functionality, preventing any potential issues.
   • Structural inspection: We assess the physical structure supporting your solar panels to ensure they remain strong and secure in any weather conditions.
   • Mechanical inspection: We thoroughly examine all mechanical parts to ensure they operate smoothly and last long.
     
3. Deep cleaning: This service involves using sophisticated equipment to thoroughly clean your solar panels for maximum sunlight absorption and energy production.
   
4. Guaranteed minimum of 45 power boosts in 5 years: Our team will conduct at least 45 visits over five years, providing thorough inspections, cleanings, and necessary adjustments to boost your solar panel’s power output consistently.

Make the switch towards sahi maintained solar – contact us today.