Considering solar panel installation? Worried about solar panel maintenance or whether the benefits are worth it? Big Mountain Heating & Air Conditioning is offering Sacramento solar panels, installed by professionals who provide customers with all necessary information. After receiving the information, you can determine whether solar panels are a good option for your home.
Solar Panels For Home
By generating electricity from sunlight, solar panels significantly drop energy consumption levels. Thanks to indirect and diffused sunlight, solar panels continue to produce energy on cloudy days.
When filing taxes, solar panel installation lets homeowners receive 30% of system costs back from equipment and installation as a federal income tax credit. When this is combined with state and local rebates and SRECs, or Solar Renewable Energy Credits, total costs are cut in half.
Alternatively, returns on initial investments, generated throughout the year by SRECs, can be sold to utility companies. No-cost installations allow installers to front the money for panels and installation while charging electricity at a reduced rate. By “leasing” roof space in this way, installers give a discount on electricity in return.
On average, a person’s total energy expenditure is $3,502. Solar panels for homes reduce or eliminate these costs, improve resale value and extend the roof’s life by protecting it from the elements. During summer, solar panel installation increases energy efficiency by absorbing sunlight while effectively decreasing the home’s temperature.
Deriving clean, pure energy from the sun, solar panels fight greenhouse gases and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Whereas fossil fuels cause pollution and climate change, renewable energy improves public health and reduces premature mortality and overall health care costs. As they don’t run on water, solar panels help maintain the world’s water supply and work during droughts and heat waves.
Climate And Weather
While rain might clean dust buildup on solar panels, it isn’t always the solution. Normally, rain rinses away dust, keeping solar panels working at 95% capacity. However, frequent rainfall doesn’t mean less solar panel maintenance — contaminants such as pollen and bird droppings are not always washed away by rain.
Letting rain clean solar panels is okay when it can wash away the dust and in locations that rain enough to keep energy production from depleting. However, the wrong combination of pollutants might mean rain won’t work and could be the problem.
In dry and humid climates, location, types of dust and environmental or installation factors influence much of what happens with solar panels. This includes dust buildup, its impact on energy production and whether rainfall will wash away dust to restore panels to 95% capacity.
Solar Panel Maintenance
During perfect weather conditions, dirty panels are the main reason for reduced output, with flat panels accumulating more surface soiling. Living downwind from highways, airports or farmland could also mean there’s a higher level of dust in the air.
The energy production of solar panels varies month to month because of weather and the sun’s position. Solar panels require cleaning if:
- Rainfall is sparse
- Residential area is prone to pollution
- Houses are surrounded by tall trees
- High pollen count leads to a sticky residue, preventing rain from washing away dust and dirt
- Climate is humid enough for moss to grow, possibly caused by frequent rainfall
Cleaning Solar Panels
The process of cleaning solar panels should benefit you when it comes to cost, effort and improving efficiency. Factors include what the buildup is, if you can clean the panels from the ground and if you can safely get on the roof.
The easiest cleaning option, if your roof isn’t too high and dust is your problem, is to spray your panels off from the ground. Using low-pressure pulses of water when doing so keeps the solar panels functioning properly.
If your buildup is stickier, you’ll need a soft brush, squeegee, water hose and bucket filled with water and mild soap. Use clean water to clear away dirt, the soft scrubber and soapy water to clean, more clean water to rinse and the squeegee to dry. Cleaning panels at dawn, dusk or on overcast days prevents water from evaporating and leaving a film. If, for whatever reason, you cannot clean your panels, calling professional cleaners is cheaper and safer. Call the company that installed your panels for advice and see if they offer cleaning services.
Contact Big Mountain Heating & Air Conditioning Today
Think solar panels are right for you? Call Big Mountain Heating & Air Conditioning and see what options are best for your home. If you already have solar panels, reach out for advice on how to clean them and keep them functioning properly.