subject: Solar Panel Maintenance [print this page] Solar Panel Maintenance Solar Panel Maintenance
The focus on green initiatives within the commercial real estate industry has brought new interest in solar panels as an alternative energy source. Property owners and developers are turning to the solar panel industry as a possible means to control costs and provide a sustainable source of energy.
Owners and managers typically have their buildings' high-performance glass windows regularly cleaned in order to sustain peak energy efficiency standards. Similarly, maintenance of solar panels should be addressed to keep the system performing at top standards and is typically fairly simple. Pollen, bird droppings, dirt and dust can build up on solar panels resulting in decreased solar output. Pollen from evergreens is especially stubborn because of its sticky quality and should be removed before it bonds to the panels.
Some question the need for scheduled cleaning of solar panels, relying on rain to do the job. However, there are several reasons this rule of thought may be faulty: the cycles of rain don't usually coincide with those times when dust and pollen are at their worst; rain isn't a reliable method for removing pine pollen and baked on bird droppings; rain does no better job cleaning solar panels than it does cleaning the windows. One need only look through a window that has not been professionally cleaned in some time to get an idea of the condition of neglected solar panels.
Cleaning of solar panels should be handled according to the manufacturer's instructions and with materials that won't scratch or harm the surface of the panel. In the event scrubbing is necessary, the maintenance contractor should use the finest quality window mops, taking care to change them out often, reducing the risk of scratches while cleaning.
Inspections can also be done at time of cleaning to check for cracks or aged and failing seals. This is important for prolonging the useful life of the panels. Water leaking into a failed silicone seal or cracked panel can damage the cells making them ineffective and resulting in the need for replacement.
SBS's technicians can include inspections and cleanings of solar panels along with regular window cleanings. We work with property managers and owners to ensure that the manufacturer's instructions for their system are closely followed. In the event damage to silicone seals is found we can report it directly to our sister company, Exterior Diagnostic Services, upon the request of the property manager.
If you are thinking about solar panels as an energy alternative for your facility, remember to ask the dealer if they have a "take back" program as part of their company policy. After all, part of a truly green campaign is being able to reuse/recycle where possible.
