PacB Group // 2 Easy Solar Maintenance Tasks to Increase Efficiency and Reduce Wear and Tear

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2 Easy Solar Maintenance Tasks to Increase Efficiency and Reduce Wear and Tear

During periods of short supply, Eskom, South Africa’s state-owned utility firm implements electricity cuts to minimise pressure on the national grid. The situation has deteriorated so much that South African property owners and industries do not have any faith in the government and Eskom to fix the problems, so South Africans are turning to solar power to meet their energy needs.

Solar energy is a renewable energy source that can meet many of the challenges facing our nation’s energy crisis. The sun supports all life on Planet Earth, radiating enough energy in one hour to power Earth for an entire year. Yet, knowing this, our government insists on powering our nation with coal, despite the fact that just 18-days of sunshine on Earth contain the same amount of energy as all the planet’s reserves of coal, oil, and natural gas.

The Advantages: It is Green and Affordable

Sun-powered energy is an infinite, clean, off-grid power solution for people in areas lacking power and for city homeowners and businesses looking to become energy-independent. Although one advantage of solar energy is that it doesn’t release any pollutants, this powerful energy source prevents the destruction of habitats. It also increases property value, and it is a cheap and reliable source when compared to our escalating electricity tariffs. Sun-powered energy brings enormous savings to property owners. The best part is that today, anyone can afford it and you have a pool of installers to do the job, like PacB Group, for instance.

Taking Care of Your Solar Maintains Efficiency

With a 92% efficiency rating and with solar energy increasingly more affordable compared to a few years ago when only large companies could justify the expense, it’s hard to come up with reasons not to invest this renewable source for your business or home. Another advantage of this technology is that your solar panels require little maintenance. However, like any machine, to maintain high efficiency throughout its lifetime, some basic maintenance tasks will reduce the wear and tear on the panels: Key maintenance considerations include:

Dirt and Debris Compromise Performance

Dirt and debris compromise the performance of sun-powered panels, but regular solar maintenance can increase efficiency from 10% to 30%. Unfortunately, the rain will not do the job, so to increase efficiency without having to call in the maintenance experts, it is necessary to get up on the roof after a windy day or storm and spray the panels with a hose. If there are stubborn marks like bird or bat droppings, you will need to use a soft sponge with some soapy water to remove the spots.

Trees and Branches Cut-Out Sunlight

Better sunlight means better production, which is why this maintenance tip is a biggie as it can extend the life of your system, increase efficiency, and ultimately save you money. Often, overgrown trees, branches, power lines and antennas prevent the sunlight from reaching your panels. Once again, you will need to get up on the roof and remove fallen offshoots and twigs, trim back trees that steal sunlight from your system, and you might even have to get your neighbour to cut back their trees if they block your sunlight. Such regular maintenance can enhance the lifespan of your panels.

Eskom is in Debt of Over R420 Billion

South Africa is the ideal country to explore the capacity of solar energy. Not only do we have the perfect landscape and weather, but in a country where the leading energy supplier is in debt of over R420 billion, solar energy is one of the best investments you can make as a homeowner and a business. These panels are an independent, renewable energy source that comes furnished with a 25-year warranty. With minimal maintenance needed and with solar costs on the decline—now is the right time to go solar with PacB Group.