South Africa is home to an incredibly complex and diverse weather system. With solar power systems and photovoltaic (PV) panels becoming more popular thanks to loadshedding and spiralling costs of electricity from Eskom and municipalities, it is important to protect these PV panels that are costly to install and replace should there be damage to them.
The first way of protecting PV panels is the easiest for inexperienced and experienced users alike. They should have monitoring apps installed on their smartphones (this is often done by the installer when the panels are placed on the property). Smartphone apps allow the user to see how much solar energy is being generated by their system and stored during the day – should there be a drastic change, users can act and call out their installers to inspect and repair or replaced.
The physical protection of PVs is somewhat more difficult, says Rein Snoeck Henkemans, Managing Director of Alumo Energy. “Freezing temperatures can pose challenges to solar panel performance. However, with careful maintenance and smart strategies, solar energy users can maximise their system’s output and ensure continued energy production throughout cold fronts until warmer weather is upon us.”
Even then, warmer weather brings its own elemental issues. “Excessive rainfall can potentially cause water leaks or flooding, which can damage the electrical components of an improperly installed solar system,” says Snoeck Henkemans. “However, proper waterproofing measures and installation techniques can mitigate this risk.”
Likewise, hailstorms can be particularly damaging to the surface area of solar panels. Large hailstones can cause physical damage to the panels, leading to cracks or even shattered glass. Durable protective covers can be bought and used to protect the PVs, but they could also impact performance.
Snoeck Henkemans says that there are five easy-to-follow ways of protecting a solar system from physical damage.
1. Regularly clear any build-up. Use a soft-bristle brush, foam squeegee or plastic rake. Be careful not to damage the panels, and make sure not to use unsuitable tools or coarse material that may scratch or crack the PV surface.
2. Do not apply excessive pressure. Gently remove build-up without pressing too hard on the panels, using a sweeping or pushing motion rather than scraping forcefully. Alternatively, water can be poured over the panels to dislodge material.
3. Be cognisant of falling hazards. Clearing debris from rooftop panels may require climbing on a ladder or accessing the roof in another manner, and work may be conducted at a sloped angle. Take appropriate safety precautions to prevent falls or accidents.
4. A solar system is still an electrical system. There might be some concern for electrical injury with improperly installed systems. Make sure that the system is turned off before touching the PV panels and cabling.
5. Maintenance is important. If possible, contact the installer or another electrical professional to clean the panels and conduct general system maintenance.
“At Alumo, for example, regular maintenance forms part of many of our packages. We also have experienced cleaners who can be hired at any time to ensure that panels are kept in tip-top condition,” says Snoeck Henkemans. “This not only ensures that the work is done safely and correctly but maintains the integrity of your system and allows for defect detection. Experienced installers will also ensure that the electrical connections and wiring are correctly installed to minimise energy losses. A high-quality installation will help generate the maximum amount of electricity, achieve a better return on investment in the long run, and ensure the system can stand the tests of time and mother nature.”
Enquiries: www.alumo.co.za
