A rooftop solar panel can lose much of its power output within just a few years if it isn't looked after properly, according to Divya Prakash, a registered solar vendor and electrical engineer based in Jehanabad. He says a few simple precautions can help panels keep working efficiently for far longer.
How much power a solar panel actually generates
Prakash explains that many households install solar panels specifically to generate electricity through solar energy without adding to pollution. A 3 kilowatt solar panel typically produces around 350 to 400 units of electricity in a month. For most homes, that is more power than they actually consume, which means the electricity bill hassle disappears almost entirely once the system is up and running.
What happens if the panel is neglected
While the benefits are clear, Prakash cautions that solar panels also need some care after installation. If a panel isn't maintained properly, it can start deteriorating within as little as 5 to 7 years. Once that happens, owners are often forced to get an entirely new panel installed, adding extra cost and inconvenience just a few years after the first purchase.
The cleaning routine that can stretch a panel's life to 20 years
According to Prakash, regularly cleaning the solar panel and protecting it from birds and bird droppings can significantly extend its working life. This cleaning doesn't require any expensive or specialised chemicals, an ordinary shampoo or standard cleaning material is enough to wipe the panel down. Bird droppings in particular should be cleaned off often, since this grime blocks sunlight from reaching the panel's surface and cuts down how much power it can generate.
