Solar panel system

Solar Systems Significant Advancement

Solar technology has seen significant advancements in recent years, especially in Girraween, New South Wales, where the abundant sunlight and growing interest in clean energy solutions are creating a more sustainable future where innovations include:

1. High-Efficiency Solar Panels:

Traditional silicon-based panels have given way to mono-crystalline panels, offering higher efficiency, a sleek appearance, and increased durability. This benefits residential and commercial installations in Girraween by increasing energy generation and improving the return on investment.

2. Solar Energy Storage:

Affordable and efficient energy storage systems, like lithium-ion batteries, enable Girraween residents to store excess solar energy. This reduces grid dependence and promotes energy self-sufficiency, especially during cloudy days or at night.

3. Solar-Integrated Building Materials:

Solar technology has expanded beyond traditional panels, with solar roof tiles and solar windows integrating solar cells into building materials. This sustainable solution benefits construction projects in Girraween and reduces the environmental footprint.

4. Floating Solar Farms:

Girraween’s proximity to bodies of water makes it ideal for floating solar farms. These systems consist of solar panels on floating platforms, optimizing land use and benefiting from water’s cooling effect. They harness renewable energy while preserving land for other purposes.

5. Artificial Intelligence and Smart Grid Integration:

AI and smart grid technology transform solar energy generation, storage, and distribution. AI-driven algorithms optimize panel performance, and smart grids enable efficient communication between energy sources, storage, and the grid. This enhances energy efficiency, reducing waste and making solar energy more viable in Girraween.

Recent advancements in solar technology are turning Girraween into a focal point for sustainable and eco-friendly energy solutions. With the introduction of high-efficiency solar panels, energy storage options, solar-integrated building materials, floating solar farms, and smart grid technology, our region is on the path to becoming a prime example of renewable energy adoption. As solar specialists at Esteem Energy in Girraween, we are thrilled to witness these breakthroughs and anticipate a cleaner, brighter, and more sustainable future, all powered by the sun.

Our dedicated team of solar and battery storage experts is here to support you throughout the entire process. Our knowledgeable and experienced staff is fully committed to delivering the finest renewable energy solutions available in Girraween and its surrounding areas.

Our local service team is a formidable asset, composed of in-house electrical engineers, certified installers, and Level 2 electricians who thoroughly grasp the distinct energy requirements of our community.

Are you ready to transition to clean and sustainable energy? Reach out to us now for expert guidance, exceptional installations, and a more energy-efficient and radiant future.

When the sun shines bright in spring, it’s the perfect time to invest in a solar system. Installing solar panels during this season can significantly reduce energy bills, especially when air conditioners run more. Some states are reducing incentives as solar systems gain popularity, so get started. Seize the opportunity to harness solar energy this spring, with its advantages of less rainfall, longer daylight hours, and stable temperatures. Discover the compelling reasons to choose a springtime solar panel installation in Australia and enjoy its many benefits.

Benefits:

During the spring season, solar panels can harness ample sunlight, making it an ideal time for installation. The extended daylight hours further enhance the efficiency of your solar system. Opting for solar panel installation this spring can improve your home’s energy efficiency, offering both cost-effectiveness and a sustainable solution to meet one’s energy needs. Some of the benefits are:

1. Savings on Energy Bills:

By adopting solar power, you can slash your electricity expenses by up to 90%. A highly efficient system can lead to the ultimate goal of zero electricity bills.

2. Reduced Carbon Footprint:

Solar power is synonymous with green energy, producing zero carbon emissions. It’s a guaranteed way to transition to renewable energy and actively contribute to environmental preservation.

3. Tax Credits and Incentives:

Eligible solar homeowners can claim federal tax credits, and the government offers various incentives and discounts to sweeten the deal further.

4. Excellent Return on Investment:

Solar systems require minimal maintenance and offer a superior return on investment compared to other sustainable energy sources.

5. Enhanced Real Estate Value:

Homes equipped with solar panels tend to sell faster and command higher prices in the real estate market, making them a wise investment choice.

Are you searching for exceptional deals, discounts, and rebates for your solar panel installation? Look no further; we are your local solar panel retailer, dedicated to securing the finest feed-in tariffs and exclusive discounts all under one roof! Or concerned about your solar panel installer’s accreditation. Here’s what we offer:

1. We stand behind our work with an unwavering 10-year workmanship warranty.
2. Benefit from our extensive experience and a team of seasoned experts in the solar field.
3. Our knowledge extends to solar panel system installations across Australia.
4. Join the ranks of our satisfied customers, with a vast customer base of over 50,000 successful installations in Australia.
5. We exclusively offer Tier 1 solar panels and deliver top-notch installations.
6. Our approach is highly adaptable, working with multiple solar brands to create unique installations tailored to individual requirements.
7. Enjoy the best feed-in tariff options available.
8. Leave the paperwork in our capable hands as we handle it meticulously and exclusively for every client.

It means it remains connected to the grid and has a battery backup to store excessive power. The main advantage is that power will be there even if the grid fails. With battery backup, the extra energy your panels generate will get stored for future use in batteries. Sometimes, during blackouts or even if the sun is not shining, the energy stored in the battery is enough for your space.

Advantage of Storing Energy in Battery:

It can be used at night when there is no sun because the battery has a higher capacity compared to solar panels, so it will provide more power over time. This can be useful in grid-connected applications where you need a backup power system for almost 24 hours.

Benefits are:

1. The most significant benefit is it will reduce your electricity bills. By installing a solar power system, you will be able to use electricity from both sources – grid and solar.
2. Without any interruption and to offer continuous power, the energy is stored in batteries connected to a hybrid solar system. As in, batteries are used as an inverter to provide backup power during power or blackout.
3. It is more efficient and operates effectively compared to conventional generators, but a hybrid solar system operates effectively without wasting extra fuel.

Cost of Hybrid system:

In 2023, most properties can be powered with a 6kw system, and an average cost is $12,390 after deducting FIT credits. The cost varies from the home state, contract cost, and amount of power the home uses.

For a hybrid solar system, the battery backup power drives it. An average battery costs up to $8000 or more and needs to be replaced every 10 years.

Conclusion:

Hybrid solar panels represent an excellent choice for individuals seeking to lower their energy costs and decrease their environmental impact. While this technology is relatively new, it is expected to play a significant role in our future.

Along with solar prices, solar companies are waiting for the dropping of the cost of solar home batteries, which offers them reasonable financial return. So, in this blog, we will cover all kinds of solar battery aspects and their pros/cons.

Working of Solar Battery: It’s very necessary to understand the concept of working of a solar system. Solar Panels generate power when the sun is shining, especially in the daytime, and are first used to supply energy to the property’s needs. The surplus energy is exported back to the grid. And it offers retailers FIT to buy energy back from the customer.

Or, as an alternative option, the surplus energy that is being exported to the grid can be used to change a battery. Then, the home battery storage system can be discharged in the evening to reduce the amount of power the owner needs to buy from the grid. The energy of the home battery storage system is stored in DC, and batteries can be connected to the main switchboard like in any AC application.

Benefits of Solar Batteries:

1. The main is a financial benefit, i.e., reducing the amount of power one needs to buy from the grid. A standard residential solar system, without a battery, typically covers around 30% to 50% of a household’s power needs. However, when a solar battery is added to the system, it can increase the coverage to as much as 80%, 90%, or even 100% of the household’s power consumption. It’s important to consider that charging a battery means sacrificing some of the revenue generated from solar feed-in tariffs. Nonetheless, there’s still a clear benefit, as the rate you pay for buying electricity from the grid is typically much higher than what retailers offer for the excess electricity you feed back into the grid.
2. Nowadays, solar batteries can take the capability of working in lights during power outages. But with some models of batteries, additional hardware is a must to enable the battery to provide power even in a blackout.
   Especially for some Australians, due to soaring energy prices in mid-2022, we can see the need to increase the independence of the power network.
3. No matter how much energy solar panels generate, the majority of power generated on the grid is being done from some fossil fuels and or carbon-intensive sources. Although it is a great idea to install solar panels to reduce carbon footprints and, more importantly, to install solar batteries will double the reduction of the footprints.
4. In recent times, Australia has witnessed the rise of various Virtual Power Plant programs. Under these programs, homeowners who participate allow the VPP operator to either discharge or charge their solar battery during moments when there’s an opportunity to profit in the wholesale or ancillary energy markets. In return for this occasional usage, which might occur only a few times a year, the VPP operator provides benefits to the homeowner.

These benefits can come in various forms, such as:

Offering a bonus feed-in tariff provides a high rate for the electricity that is used. Providing an annual fixed fee for participation.

Granting a discount on the installation of the battery.

Cost of Solar Battery:

Esteem Energy has been tracking and being in touch with the average cost of residential batteries and collected data from 200 solar installers. The cost is between $1000 -$ 1300 per kWh of capacity installed, depending on the brand, area, location, and size of the battery.

Solar Battery, ROI, Payback Period, and Savings:

Scenario of Energy Usage:

This is a typical approximate graph of peak energy usage in the morning with a total energy usage of 30 kWh per day. Assumption of 30 cents to be a flat rate per kWh and FIT to be 5 cents per kWh.

Solar and Battery Solutions:

Our analysis focused on the effects of a 6.6kW solar system paired with a 10kWh solar battery in a household consuming 30kWh of energy daily, as outlined in the graph above. When combined, this solar and battery system can supply 66% of the home’s energy needs, a significant increase compared to the 39% coverage provided by 6.6kWh solar panel system alone.

It’s noteworthy that the battery is fully recharged on 98.5% of days. Considering the substantial cost associated with batteries, our recommendation is to install a sufficient number of solar panels to achieve at least 80% utilization of the battery’s capacity.

Financial Return:

This is a table that summarizes an approximate outcome of the above scenario. The key takeaway of the payback period for solar batteries is 13 years. In the market, most solar batteries are only warranty for 5 to 10 years, so many solar batteries will not be able to pay during their lifetime.

Conclusion:

Based on our extensive analysis of various scenarios over the years, we have yet to encounter a situation where installing a residential battery offers a compelling financial return. Typically, the time it takes to recoup the investment in a solar battery exceeds the battery’s warranty period, even when considering additional advantages gained through participation in a Virtual Power Plant program.

As a result, the decision to install a solar battery is generally only justified when homeowners place value on factors such as blackout protection and reducing their carbon footprint.

In the past, Esteem Energy estimated that for residential solar batteries to provide an attractive return on investment, prices would need to drop to a range of $200 to $300 per kWh of battery capacity installed. However, the current market price is significantly higher, closer to $1,000 per kWh.

Solar Panels are installed based on geographic locations and areas throughout the world. This is a simple logic: the solar panels should be faced to maintain a steady and balanced approach throughout the day, to the best of your ability, and the sun is in a different place in the sky. The ideal situation is when the sun is hitting the panels at a perfect 90 degrees, which maximizes the amount of energy hitting the panels and it is being produced.

Tilting:

The tilt primarily refers to the angle at which the panels are oriented toward the sky. For instance, on a flat roof, the tilt is 0°, but if the panels face a wall, the tilt would be 90°.

According to Esteem Energy, the ideal angle for solar PV arrays depends on the building’s electrical load profile. To optimize your solar panels for heavy summer AC usage, it’s advisable to adjust the tilt to your latitude minus 10°. Conversely, if your winter heating relies on electricity (rather than gas or wood), tilting the panels to your latitude plus 15° would be more efficient. When your summer and winter energy needs are balanced, maintaining a tilt equal to your latitude should suffice. However, most grid-connected systems will likely be installed at whatever angle the roof is titled because of the additional cost of tilt frames, which isn’t justified by additional solar system yields. It can be more cost-effective to add a system or more.

Orientation:

Australia, in the southern hemisphere, mostly experiences a sun that mainly comes in the north. It is for sure that there are many devices throughout the changing weather and season. Still, ideally, solar panels should be facing as close to the north as possible to reduce the winter season’s impact on larger yields. An east or west-facing will operate better at 85% of its rated output. To put it in simple words, rather than generating the usual average of 4.5 kWh per 1 kWh daily energy, the system will only produce 3.835 kWh.

1 .How can I save money from the solar system?

Remember the day you installed a solar system at your property, the moment you started saving money? There are 2 ways in which you can save money: FIT and Savings on Electricity Bill. During the daytime, electricity is generated by the solar system. This means you do not have to purchase any extra power from the utility grid, so you also save the amount you would have to pay for electricity to the grid. The excess electricity that is not used is sent back to the grid, and the owner gets compensated for extra unused electricity that you export to the grid. It is called the tariff and varies from state to state government policy and incentive plans.

One way to be profitable is to use maximum solar energy and lesser power.

2.What are Tier 1 Panels?

It refers to a financial ranking scale developed by Bloomberg New Energy Finance Corporation, which ranks companies manufacturing solar panels according to financial stability. But, it is not a technical ranking of panels they manufacture or any indication of panel quality or performance.

3. What are covered in warranties on solar panels and inverters in solar systems?

The warranties are mostly on Tier 1 panels, with a 10-year warranty on products and workmanship and 25 – 30 years on panel performance. If we talk about inverters, they generally have at least 5 to 10 years, but some inverters have a minimum of 10 years, and then they charge after ten years of warranty.

4. What is the performance warranty of solar panels?

As we all know, the power output of solar panels degrades over time. But a solar panel performance warranty is also a manufacturer warranty that only covers panel performance regarding power output and how much they degrade over time. But it only includes part of the product. The standard performance warranty is 25 years; in 25 years,, it almost degrades 80% of the initial power output.

5. What are the benefits of a solar energy system?

When you install solar system, you come up with many benefits for the environment as     well as being the owner of the property, which includes:

• It is a clean, renewable energy resource which reduces carbon footprint.
• It saves money and also reduces electricity bill amount.
• These are less noise pollution means of saving the environment than petrol or diesel generators.
• They have a long time and require a minimum or no maintenance.
• It increases the value in terms of money of the property.

6. How can one get the most out of solar panels?

There are a few points which can be done, especially in winter:

• Keep them clean and proper maintenance.
• Angle it in a proper direction.
• Install a solar tracker

7. What should one know before installing solar panels? 

• Type of Roof
• Orientation of roof
• The angle of your roof
• Climatic Condition
• Zone Regulations
• Amount of sunlight solar panels receive

8. What Is a Purchase Power agreement?

A Purchase Power Agreement(PPA) is an agreement between a customer and a third party where they both agree to install and operate a solar system on the owner’s property. The customer agrees to purchase electricity the system generates at a fixed rate but at different periods.

9. What are STCs?

Scale Technology Certificate (STC) is a renewable energy certificate (REC) used to offset the cost of initializing solar systems.

10.What is a feed-in Tariff (FIT)? 

FFeed Tariff (FIT) is a govt mandate price utilized to pay for electricity generated by REC. It is a rate that the electricity retailer pays for any surplus electricity that the solar system produces. In Australia, the government has set a minimum mandatory price of $0.10/kWh.

WHY DO SOLAR PANELS GET CLEANING? :

1. Cleaning regularly can ensure a good efficiency of solar panels and reduces the cost of changing panels often.
2. Many solar companies now include regular cleaning as a mandatory condition in their warranties. Failure to confirm routine cleaning may void your warranty, so cleaning your solar cells regularly is a good idea to ensure you’re covered.
3. It is necessary to get the panels cleaned in an area of regular rain weather, as rain covers dust in it.

Tools for getting solar panels cleaned:

Solar panel cleaning can be done independently if certain conditions are met. The most effective method is using a hose and soapy water bucket.

Using harsh cleaning objects might scratch the panels, reducing their effectiveness. Also, using – an abrasive sponge and washing with soapy water is a must for cleaning solar panels without damaging them. Do not use high-pressure water, as it might damage the panel. Tips:

1. Always prepare solar panel cleaning tools like brush, wipe, etc kit. Don’t rub panels harshly; otherwise, it will ruin the surface of the panels.
2. Always clean panels by making them wet, or the dust particles stuck on them will be scratched.
3. Using safety while cleaning is necessary, as the roof will get slippery. So, use a harness and safety equipment first.
4. Don’t use any chemical detergent or chemicals, which will damage the solar panels.

Safety Consideration for cleaning solar panels:

There is some safety consideration before installing solar panels on the roof:

1. Solar panels should not be cleaned in terrible weather.
2. The roof should be built strongly so that it can hold the weight.
3. Before cleaning solar panels, always wear safety equipment, shoes with a strong grip, harnesses, and helmets are some of the important equipment.

The top 5 steps which are used in general are mentioned below:

Step 1:

Getting solar panels cleaned manually is the most effective and efficient way. But nowadays, technological equipment like water sprinklers is a huge to invest in. So, as per the budget, it is easy to clean with a soft brush, bristles should be taken care of as it is used to clean the panels.

Step 2:

Also, we can use a water hose, but the pressure should not be over the limit, so to control it, use a nozzle. Before using water, check the temperature of the water. The force should not be more than the temperature of the water. Otherwise, It may lead to a cracking of the panel’s glass.

Step 3:

It is advised not to damage the solar panels; using a soft brush to scrub the dirt is advised. And if it’s dust only, use a soft brush, then water to clean it properly, or mild soap.

Step 4:

To ensure and measure the effectiveness of clean solar panels, it is advisable to use all necessary precautions and equipment. If the panels are working properly and generating the minimum amount of electricity, all the procedures and steps are done successfully. Always note that maximum effectiveness can be achieved by placing the panels in areas where direct sunlight is received.

Step 5:

Solar panels are exposed to harsh weather, pollution, snow, and bird droppings. Occasionally, insects can become trapped in the panels, causing them to become soiled. Failing to remove various types of dirt can result in decreased panel efficiency. There are situations where manual cleaning is not feasible, necessitating the involvement of a professional to clean the panels. Professionals possess the necessary knowledge of terms and conditions for proper panel cleaning, which you may not be familiar with. Furthermore, the solar panel system requires routine inspections and maintenance to ensure a longer lifespan of electricity generation.

Certain individuals may view the cleaning of solar panels as a daunting or costly task. Nevertheless, neglecting the cleanliness of panels results in decreased efficiency. To avoid the need for manual cleaning, many individuals opt to install solar rooftop cleaning systems.

Solar panels possess protective layers, but inadequate maintenance can lead to the accumulation of rust on these layers

In most cases, EPC installers suggest a 15-day cleaning routine. To ensure the longevity of your solar system spanning decades, it’s crucial to recognize the significance of regular cleaning.

As we all know, solar systems are renewable energy resources that reduce dependencies on fossil fuels. Also, Solar panels can charge EV. However, making a quick decision on it, keep some points in mind, which are mentioned below:

Can you charge your EV with solar power?

Fun Fact: solar energy can be used to charge EV. Sunlight is converted into power by solar panels, which can be used to recharge an electric car’s battery. To power your EV, one needs to harness renewable energy by installing a solar PV system, which will help you to rely less on fossil fuels and carbon impact. Solar-generated power can be utilized immediately to charge the electric vehicle or stored in batteries for later usage. A sustainable and economical transportation method is using solar energy to charge your electric vehicle.

Steps to charge an EV with Solar Power:

1. Install PV solar power system:

Initially, it was started by installing solar panels at the property. As per the requirements and the amount of sunlight available on how many number and capacity solar panels have.

2. Connecting Panels with Inverter:

The solar panels should be connected to an inverter to convert into DC to produce AC electricity, which is needed to charge with EV.

3. Install an EV Charger Station:

It is also known as EVSE at a convenient location. It controls the charging process and offers safety features as an interface between a solar system and an EV.

4. Manage and monitor the charging process:

To keep track of the system, use monitoring software or systems that help you maximize the use of solar energy by scheduling charging periods. This corresponds with solar production peaks.

Why is charging an EV the cheapest way? :

1. It reduces energy costs
2. Reduce dependencies on the grid
3. Long Term Benefits
4. Potential for net metering
5. Environmental Advantage

How does Solar Energy work with home EV charging? :

Solar power is a renewable resource used to power homes and businesses. There are various ways to connect solar panels to EV chargers. First, use a dedicated solar charger, specifically for EV chargers and usually mounted on the roof of the property. They are connected directly to the EV charger. Second, to use a grid tier system connected to the electricity grid. The solar panels generate electricity, which is then sent to the EV charger through the electrical grid.

Also, portable solar chargers are used to charge EV; they are small and lightweight.

Process of EV charging using solar:

Solar power generation involves harnessing sunlight through solar panels and converting it into electricity using the photovoltaic effect. These panels are typically installed on rooftops or specialized solar arrays, producing direct current (DC) electricity.

To make this solar energy compatible with electric vehicle (EV) chargers, it goes through an essential step called inverter conversion. The inverter converts the DC electricity into alternating current (AC), the standard for most EV chargers.

The AC electricity from the inverter is then connected to the EV charger. These chargers come in different levels: Level 1, plugs into a regular outlet; Level 2, requiring a dedicated circuit; and Level 3, a fast DC charger. The EV charger manages the current flow to the EV’s battery, ensuring a safe and efficient charging process.

Charging the EV involves plugging it into the charger, and the electricity from the solar power system charges the vehicle’s battery as it passes through the charger.

To optimize this process, systems and software are available for monitoring solar power output, energy usage, and charging status. This optimization allows for charging during peak solar production times, reducing dependence on the grid.

It’s important to note that the charging time may vary depending on factors like the EV’s battery capacity, charger rate, and the available solar power. If there’s insufficient solar energy, the charging system can draw electricity from the grid to ensure the vehicle still gets charged.

Steps to charge an EV with Solar Power

• Install PV solar power system
• Connecting Panels with Inverter
• Install an EV Charger Station
• Manage and monitor the charging process

This article gives you a balanced view of every option and costs involved.

Solar System Maintain Guide

Requirements for maintaining solar power system:

An experienced installer and electrician installs a good quality solar system to operate with low maintenance requirements for a very long time. However, it is essential to inspect the components of the system at some interval of time to ensure:

1. The procedure is being performed well as designed.
2. No factors are affecting the performance.
3. All members are operating safely and correctly, and there is no risk or failure of any damage.

How often should it be inspected? :

If we talk about a small residential system, we recommend a full electrical inspection once a year. But for commercial systems, it is recommended to have monthly scheduled maintenance inspections to ensure the system is working optimally and safely. Solar panel monitoring systems must work correctly; they provide insight into performance, diagnose issues, and identify if you need anything during scheduled maintenance.

Should we clean Solar Panels? :

It is similar to roofing material but also collects dust and dirt throughout its lifetime. But in most areas of Australia, if the panels are tilted at an angle of 5 degrees or more, then due to heavy rain, it might get cleaned, and the system will work properly and efficiently without selling losses.

New upgrades to solar system technology, like cutting silicon cells in half or panel optimizers, have made them more resistant to shading and dirt build-up. A well-experienced electrician can advise whether there is a need to clean the solar panel system or if there is any need to maintain the system monthly or yearly.

But if solar panels are installed flat on a roof, in an unusual condition, or any industrial area, then it is necessary to get them cleaned regularly.

Solar Maintenance: Regular Vs Reactive:

There are different approaches to managing the solar system. Still, the more extensive commercial system or those operating multiple sites will get a contractor for regular inspection and services and monitoring system, which enables faults and higher risks to be identified and resolved early and minimizes the damage to the system.

However, many commercial owners often engage with contractors or installers whenever something goes wrong. Free monitoring software, which comes with good-quality inverters, can identify faults and issues in the system, and some even can send an email to the owner if an error is triggered.

What Solar Panel warranties cover? :

It usually covers manufacturing defects and requires a qualified CEC-approved electrician to approach, identify, and raise with the product manufacturer. If it can be demonstrated that a solar panel is not generating the expected output, then you can make a claim. These claims are usually only made on utility-scale projects with expert equipment that can measure local sunlight and prove that a solar panel is underperforming.

Can solar panels resist different weather patterns? :

Solar power systems are specifically engineered and rated to function effectively in the conditions of their installation. A professional solar installer will guarantee that the mounting system and the structural support for the solar panels are tailored to meet the wind resistance requirements and withstand the typical and unexpected weather conditions prevalent on your property and the area. Those panels are well tested and designed to withstand different weather to get approval from Australian Standards, which covers 99% of weather patterns.

Common problems occur with Solar Panels Systems:

Wiring and component issues:

In Australia, regulations mandate the placement of a DC isolator (a switch responsible for deactivating the solar panels) on the rooftop. Unfortunately, this component is susceptible to deterioration due to UV exposure, overheating, or water ingress over time. Similarly, like any system, there can be potential concerns regarding the wiring, connections, and the quality of workmanship carried out by the electricians who performed the installation.

Faults in Solar Inverter:

It is a significant solar system component and is highly prone to failure. Inverters can repeatable ‘trip off’ if there are voltage issues onsite or within the solar system itself; dust can be collected, which affects the inverter’s temperature and overall performance.

Hot Spots:

It is the most common issue, usually when panels get too hot or circuits overloaded. It can be in problems like the build-up of dirt on a solar panel surface or a manufacturing fault such as a bad electrical connection.

Micro Cracks:

Usually, this occurs from mishandling in shipping/transport or applying too much pressure to the tempered glass during installation.

Snail Trails:

It presents a darkened line across the panel’s surface that resembles a ‘snail trail.’ These problems can occur when moisture can get inside the solar panel using defective silver paste. Snail trails cause solar panels to produce lower outputs and shorten their expected lifespan.

Cost of Solar Panel Maintenance:

The table below shows an approximate guide to the cost of maintaining a solar system and is based on various factors.

Cost of Solar Panel Cleaning:

The table below shows an approx guide to the cost of maintaining solar systems, and it is based on various factors, which are:

• Location
• Roof Access
• Design of solar system
• Number of solar panels to be installed
• The lifespan of Solar Panels

Rising electricity bill costs and the carbon footprint are the most traditional power sources left behind as fallout residues, the main reason people turn to renewable energy sources.

How do you maintain Solar Panels? :

It has to be done correctly and the correct manner regularly. It ensures that solar panels will last a decade, which will return your investment in some time and save a vast amount of money. But the most essential duty is cleaning solar panels.

PV cells usually pile dust, dirt, muddy smudges, and other debris or dust. But at a time of storm or any natural disaster, the efficiency of solar panels gets less and needs proper maintenance.

How often should it get proper maintenance? :

There are many to tackle this, which are mentioned below:

Cleaning:

This will be relative to the orientation of the solar panels and the weather conditions. It can be done twice a year or more. In an area with more rain or panels getting too much dust and dirt, once a year is sufficient to get it cleaned.

Inspection:

In this case, a professional or an installer will come once a year to check and verify the solar system properly.

Sometimes, if you see an ordinary in the solar system, you can schedule corrective maintenance with the same professionals who inspect your annual solar panel.

Along with regular inspection and cleaning, solar panels don’t require much additional cost and maintenance unless something is ordinary, which can be a reduction in total energy output; schedule an appointment with a professional expert.

Cost of maintaining Solar Panels:

On a minimum average level, a solar system will cost $450/ year, and if you have proper protective equipment (PPE), you can save $300 by cleaning dust by yourself. But if you’re not a professional working on solar roofs, it’s better to pay a professional in case of PV damage or live in any area requiring extra cleaning.

Esteem Energy Solutions:

Like all off-grid energy solutions, Esteem Energy provides an alternative power generator source that is not connected to the electricity grid, which means the solar system doesn’t factor in your electricity bill calculation. It is of 3 steps:

• The solar panels absorb sunlight mainly in the daytime due to PV cells ordered in arrays for better performance.
• Then, PV Cells produce electrical current called direct current (DC)
• An inverter transforms DC into Alternating Current (AC), which powers mainly home appliances and current.