FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When your solar panels are dirty, you are effectively losing money as the dirt is blocking the sun and reducing the efficiency of the panels. In addition to this, keeping your panels clean and well maintained will also increase the lifespan of your system.
Solar energy panels can be maintained in any season. In summer, cleaning should be done frequently as the panels tend to accumulate more dust, pollen and dirt. In the winter months, adverse weather conditions can leave a lot of debris on the panels, also reducing the efficiency of the panels.
Solar panels do not need to be cleaned frequently; however, dirt and debris can collect on the surface of your panels over time. To keep your panels working normally, you should clean them every six months to a year.
It is advisable to leave the cleaning of solar panels it to professionals. Solar panels are sometimes high up and can be difficult and dangerous for you to clean. Safety precautions need to be taken, and the right equipment should be used during the cleaning of the panels to ensure that they are washed carefully and not damaged or scratched in any way.
With proper maintenance and correct usage, a generator can last for decades, which means that in the long run, it can pay dividends in terms of saving you money and restoring power when you need it most.
A generator should be placed outdoors in a location that will keep the generator protected and prevent exhaust emissions from getting inside your building. As long as it’s close enough to provide power, the exact location isn’t important.
It is important to remember to never run a generator indoors. The exhaust emissions include carbon monoxide, an extremely dangerous toxic gas, that should be kept well away from people.
Larger than a portable generator for a home, a commercial generator is permanently installed outside of your business, and is used to keep power on at your business when there are electricity cuts.
Commercial generators are tied directly to a propane (liquified petroleum gas) or natural gas line or tank and to the main power supply to your business. There is no manual fueling, extension cords or hassle.
During a power blackout, the automatic transfer switch (ATS) on the generator system senses the change and instantly moves from standby to power mode. When utility power is restored, the ATS reverts back to standby, and power is once again supplied by normal means.
Typically, solar panels last 25 to 30 years. While their efficiency generally declines over time, the majority of panels still generate between 80 and 85 percent of their initial power output after 25 years. The inverter, which transforms the direct current (DC) generated by the panels into alternating current (AC), often has a shorter lifespan and may need to be replaced after 10-15 years.
Solar panels require minimal maintenance, as they have no moving parts. Keeping the panels clean and free of debris is essential to getting the best possible output from your panels.
In addition to this, regular inspections and routine maintenance checks should be performed to ensure optimum system functioning.
The time it takes to recoup the initial investment in solar panels depends on factors such as the system’s cost, energy production and local electricity rates. On average, the payback period ranges from 5 to 10 years. Once you’ve reached the payback period, your solar panels continue generating free electricity for the remainder of their lifespan, resulting in significant energy cost savings.
