Your home’s solar energy system can provide you with cost-effective electrical power, reduce your dependence on the grid, serve as a hedge against blackouts, and even reduce your family’s overall carbon footprint.
But part of having a solar energy system is upholding a high standard of responsible care and maintenance.
Fortunately, high-level maintenance for solar panels and cables is fairly straightforward, and this guide should help detail it. Start here and get in touch with your installer if you have any questions.
The Solar Panels
Solar panels should be periodically inspected to make sure that they (and their mounts) are in good condition and free and clear of debris.
Snow, ice, leaves, dust, and even light debris like pollen can all reduce the efficiency of your solar panels or even completely incapacitate them.
If your solar panels are dirty, you can usually clean them off with nothing more than a hose (and, if they are accessible, with a rag).
However, you should never hose your solar panels off at any time in the day except early in the morning before the sun has risen.
This is because solar panels get very hot during the day, and spraying them off when the sun is up can cause them to crack.
Otherwise, if your solar panels are dirty or obstructed in any way and you can’t clear them off easily, get in touch with your installer for help. There are many companies around the country that specialize in that sort of maintenance.
The Solar Panel Cable
You will also want to take the time to inspect your solar panel cable when you are investigating the condition of the panels.
Make sure that the cables are properly installed and affixed in place and that any clips, mounts, or organizers are in good shape. These can usually be replaced as needed without affecting the rest of the system.
As for the cables themselves, you will want to make sure that they are not damaged, that any connections are tight, and that the cables’ insulation is in good shape.
Some signs of deteriorating cable insulation are brittleness, cracking, and fading, which can indicate UV-related damage.
Replacing Solar Panel Cable?
If you have to replace your solar panel cable for any reason (which is best left to a qualified installer) but you have questions about the suitability of a given cable, know that there are two basic traits that make electrical wire and cable appropriate for the installation.
One is that the cables be made with insulation that is UV resistant. This is one of the most critical elements of solar panel cable since it will be installed outside and subjected to direct sunlight.
The other is that the insulation renders the solar panel cable weather resistant, for the same reasons, since it will be installed outside.
Make sure that any solar panel cable you use is appropriately rated for the installation as well.
Shop Electrical Wire and Cable at EWCS Wire
If you want to learn more about solar panel cable, start your search online at EWCS Wire. They carry a wide range of specialty electrical wire and cable and solar panel cable is only one example. Visit their website or get in touch with them directly at Sales@EWCSWire.com if you have any questions.
