With many countries now setting targets to reduce their carbon footprint, renewable energy sources are more important than ever. Solar energy is perhaps the most sustainable source of clean energy that is now widely available, and every year more and more Australians are opting to use it. Amid rising utility costs, solar energy has also been proving to be a great way to keep costs down.
However, solar energy systems require some maintenance and upkeep to ensure that they continue to work well over their lifespan, just like any other type of technology. This short guide will introduce you to the main types of solar energy devices and the care that they need to last.
Types of Solar Energy Devices
There are actually several different ways that solar power can be collected and converted into electricity. Different types of solar power systems will require slightly different types of care, some of which can be done by you and some which you will need to hire a solar energy services company for.
- On-grid systems: These are the most popular type for homes and businesses. They get their name from the fact that any surplus energy leftover after powering their building will be sent to the electrical grid, with the owner of the solar power system usually being compensated in return. With an on-grid system, if there is a lack of solar energy, the grid will make sure the building still has power.
- Off-grid systems: These are also known as standalone power systems because they are independent of the grid. Surplus energy is usually stored for use when not much solar energy can be captured.
- Hybrid systems: This typically stores its surplus energy in a battery rather than exporting it to the electrical grid, but if the battery runs out then power can still be drawn from the grid, unlike in a standalone system.
Off-grid systems can often be maintained by their owner, whereas for those linked to the grid it is best to leave it to the professionals. However, it is best to leave repairs to experts regardless of the system because of the dangerous electricity involved.
Solar Device Maintenance
That solar panels require a lot of maintenance is one of many solar myths that prevent people from switching to solar power. The requirements are actually fairly minimal. Here are the things you will need to do:
- Periodic inspections: This means checking not only your solar panels, but other essential components such as cables, inverters, and batteries. You are looking for anything loose or damaged which might need replacing. Your manufacturer should recommend a maintenance schedule, but in most cases, you will not need to check more than once every three months. At least once a year you should hire professionals to do an inspection too.
- Replacing parts: If you do find something that needs fixing, get it done as soon as possible to prevent problems from getting worse and costing more to fix later.
Cleaning solar panels: Like any other piece of technology, solar panels require the occasional clean to keep working well. If you live in an area with regular rainfall, you shouldn’t need to do a thorough clean more than once per year.
