Solar power is a long-term investment, and while the initial costs may be high, the payoff is more than worth it.
It is clean, renewable energy that produces no emissions, and you’ll ultimately save more money than you’ve spent.
In fact, solar energy is the cheapest source of electricity and hot water. It’s also sustainable and a great alternative to conventional sources of energy such as oil or coal.
Did you know that solar power even met 100% of South Australia’s energy demand last year?
Solar power isn’t just good for electricity either, it’s also great for heating up water.
How many times does the average household use water?
You use it for bathing, doing the dishes, washing laundry, and even garden.
Hot water accounts for about 25% of a household’s energy usage and a solar hot water system can save you up to 75% on your water heating bill.
It is not cheap to have solar hot water panels installed, which is why you want to make sure everything lasts, and that you’re getting your money’s worth.
Here are some Do’s and Don’ts to keep in mind so you can do just that.
Do: Keep The Solar Panels Clean
Solar panels are low maintenance, they have very few movable parts, they aren’t prone to rust, and they’re built to last.
But, that doesn’t mean they don’t ever need to be inspected or serviced.
Thick layers of dust, stray leaves, and bird droppings build up over time.
The debris will make it difficult for the solar panels to absorb sunlight, which reduces their overall efficiency and interferes with energy production.
Fortunately, nature will do most of the maintenance work for you.
Rain will wash away the debris, leaving your solar panels nice and clean. If you live in an area without much rainfall though, you can clean the panels yourself.
It’s recommended that you do so from the ground, however.
Don’t try to climb up the roof to clean your solar panels, it’s dangerous, and without the proper equipment, you could fall and injure yourself.
Instead, use a hose.
The stream of water from your hose will wash off most of the dirt and dust, no roof climbing is necessary.
But, if the grime build-up is particularly bad, you might want to consider contacting a professional and having your solar panels cleaned manually.
Do: Contact A Professional For Periodic Maintenance
You don’t have to get your unit inspected every other month, but an annual checkup wouldn’t go amiss.
This will ensure that your hot water system runs smoothly and lasts longer.
Regular maintenance will also cut down on long-term repair costs since minor issues can be addressed immediately.
Do: Call Up A Qualified Technician
If you’re worried about your unit and want to make sure everything’s A-OK, call up a trained, licensed professional who can inspect your hot water unit and service it if needed.
It may sound like a hassle, calling up your hot water service company and waiting for a technician to come and inspect the unit, but it won’t take long, and the process is generally trouble-free, fast, and efficient.
Don’t: Be Afraid To Ask Questions
Not sure if something is really wrong with your hot water system?
Heard a weird noise coming from the unit?
Ask. Contact the company that installed your panels and hot water system, they’ll answer any and all questions you might have.
Plus, if you understand how your hot water system and your solar panels work, then it’ll be easier for you to tell if something’s off.
Don’t: Ignore Any Unusual Changes
This could mean that there’s a problem with your hot water system.
“The sooner you notice changes in hot water production, the sooner you can call up a professional to look into it.”
Don’t just ignore any of these early warning signs, they’re usually symptoms of more serious issues.
What seems like a minor hiccup now can quickly evolve into something worse.
As the adage goes, “better safe than sorry.”
Don’t Try To Fix Things Yourself
Always have a professional inspect and repair your solar panels or your hot water system.
It’s illegal to conduct your own plumbing work without the proper licenses.
When it comes to plumbing, extensive knowledge, experience, proper equipment, and formal training are a must.
This is to ensure everyone’s safety, the smallest mistake can lead to dire consequences, including serious property damage and grievous injuries.
With proper care, your solar hot water system will last you decades and save you thousands of dollars for years to come.
