Sydney is the most populated city in Australia and the state capital of New South Wales. Located on the east coast, it boasts over one million hectares of natural reserves and parks, architectural wonders such as the Sydney Opera House, and natural features such as the Sydney Harbour, all making Sydney a perennial destination for international tourists. 

Aside from all its natural and man-made attractions, Sydney also enjoys a subtropical climate. But while the sunny weather adds another reason for tourists to flock yearly, it also offers an ideal environment for solar panel installation in Sydney.  

Solar panels are worth investing in, whether you are a homeowner or business owner in Sydney. With minimal impact on the environment and increasingly affordable cost for installation, its benefits are well known. What is more, it requires minimal effort and attention for upkeep. Here are some tips on how to keep your solar panel in good condition:

Keep the Panels Out of the Shade

As the solar panel needs sunlight to generate power, make sure that they are not covered by any shade while the sun is out. This will make sure that the panels are operating efficiently. Solar panels are built to stand up to the elements, so there is no need to worry about covering them up to protect the cells. However, if you are expecting severe weather conditions like typhoons, you can cover it for protection. 

Clean the Panels Regularly

Solar panels are exposed to the sun, but they can also attract dust, dirt, and debris. This means that the surfaces must be washed and cleaned periodically. The cleaning frequency would depend on the geography, weather, air quality, and other factors that may affect the rate of contamination. But generally, cleaning your solar panel installation in Sydney every six months is sufficient. 

Do Preventive Maintenance 

While solar panels are durable and built to last, it is still good to perform preventive maintenance. There are no laws or regulations saying how frequent your solar panels should be inspected thoroughly for defects, but once a year should be enough. This will give the solar panel installers a chance to detect potential sources of damage so preventive measures can be deployed and costly repairs averted. 

For optimum results, schedule your preventive maintenance at the end of winter. This way, you can be sure that your solar panels are working perfectly once the sun comes out. Take note that the installers might be busy during this season, so plan ahead. 

Monitor Your Solar Output 

Aside from visible signs of damage or defects, your solar panel’s output is one of the best ways to tell if you need to do cleaning, inspection, or other forms of intervention. For you to do this, you would need to monitor its performance immediately after installation. 

This will be the baseline data against which you will assess if your solar panel’s output is dwindling. Generally, a decrease of 2% to 7% in output means you need to clean the panels. A sudden drop of 10% or more usually points to a defect, which means that you would need to contact a professional. 

Invest in Solar Panels Now

Now is the best time for solar panel installation in Sydney. The technology has come a long way since solar energy was first explored, and the government offers many incentives for solar panel users. With the increasing focus on sustainable living, it will increase the value of your property. It is a wise investment financially, economically, and socially.