Steps You Should Take When Solar Panels at Your Home Break Down
Many homeowners and companies are installing solar panels to reduce their energy costs. Although they result in significant savings, the costs of purchase and installation are also high. Once your solar panels are operational, they should not be neglected since they are outdoors. Regular checks and maintenance have to be conducted to enable them to function effectively. This reduces the chances of the equipment breaking down. Below are various steps you should take when you realize that your solar panels are not working:
Check the product manual
Upon purchase, the solar panels are delivered at your home and they always have a manual. This is a guide to the installation process and provides a brief overview of how the panels work. You should not ignore this booklet or throw it away. It usually contains information relating to simple checks that you can conduct to determine the problem. An example is when your solar panels start producing less power. The manual will instruct you to check the shading around the panels to confirm that there are no obstructions. Once you have conducted these basic checks and the problem persists, it is when you can seek the services of a qualified technician.
Inform your solar panel dealer
You should always get in touch with the company that sold you the solar panels in case they break down. Solar panels are costly and are accompanied by a warranty. Depending on your agreement with the dealer, the warranty can cover regular service and replacement parts. The warranty can be declared null and void if you get a third party to repair the solar panels. The best approach is to inform them about the problem and request for a technician to be sent to assess the issue.
Switch to other sources of power
Depending on the state of the damage, you can be tempted to continue using the solar panels before they are checked. This is dangerous and can lead to further damage to the solar panel or related components. Once you have detected the problem, switch off the entire system and revert to other sources of power. The best alternatives include electricity from the local grid and a backup generator.
If you move into or purchase a house with a solar system already installed, ask the owner or the previous tenant for contact information to the solar panel dealer. This will be useful when issues arise, and you cannot even access the product manual.