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How to Clean and Inspect Solar
Panel
The following inspections and maintenance tasks are recommended at least
once per year for best charge controller performance.
Things you will
need:
1.Paper towels
2.Non-abrasive cleaner
3.Wrench
4.Screwdrivers
Step1
1. Confirm that the correct battery type has been selected.
2. Confirm that the current levels of the PV (Photovoltaic) array and load
do not exceed the ratings.
3. Tighten all terminals, inspect for loose, broken, or burnt wire
connections. Be certain no loose strands of wire are touching other
terminals.
4. Check that the charge controller is securely mounted in a clean
environment. Inspect for dirt, insects, and corrosion.
5. Check that the air flow around the charge controller is not blocked.
6. Protect from direct sun and rain. Confirm that water is not collecting
under the cover.
7. Check that the charge controller functions and LED indicators are correct
for the system conditions at that time.
Step2
To clean the panels use non-abrasive cleanser and paper towels. The
surrounding environment and the amount of road dust encountered determines
how frequently the panels should be cleaned. One to two times a month is
preferred.
Step3
A critical part of maintaining the solar powered battery charging system is
keeping the panel clean.
The amount of power that a panel will produce is directly related to the
intensity of sunlight that reaches the internal crystals. A dirty panel will
allow less light to reach the crystals resulting in reduced power output. A
layer of dust or road grime can reduce power output by 15 to 25%. Combining
dust with leaves and debris that cover two or three of the individual cells
can reduce output power by 50 to 75%.
Use of the basic maintenance tips, regular inspections and regular cleaning
will assure maximum performance from the solar charging system.
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