Category Archives for "Solar Panels"

Solar Panel Cleaning Tips

Ormond Beach Solar Panel CleaningSolar panels are made to withstand varying weather conditions since they are installed outdoors. They are expected to get dirty over time; however, the wind can blow off dust and debris and rainwater can wash them as well. Despite these self-cleaning possibilities, it is still best to know more about solar panel cleaning and how to properly and safely do it.

 

When your solar panels get dirty and dusty, it can lose about 20 to 25% of its expected efficiency. This is why seasonal solar panel maintenance is essential. Before cleaning solar panels on your own, check with your manufacturer or trusted solar contractor first because they may have their own recommendations. Here are also some tips you can keep in mind:

 

Clean your solar panels early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Because the sun shines on solar panels directly, they can very hot and painful to touch during the day. The best time to clean them is in the morning before it gets warm or before the sun sets when they have already cooled down.

 

Be very careful when cleaning roof-mounted solar panels. Ground-mounted solar panels are easier to clean because they’re mostly within reach. When you have to clean panels located on your roof, you have to be extra careful for safety reasons.

 

A garden hose is usually enough to clean the solar panels. Avoid using pressure washers because too much water pressure might cause damage to your solar panels. If the solar panels are very dirty, you can use a soft sponge, warm water and soap. Don’t use abrasive materials that can scratch the surface of the solar panels.

 

If you believe that solar panel cleaning required for your home’s installation is tougher than you expected because of too much dirt that accumulated through time, call your local solar contractor for assistance.

 

For solar panel cleaning, maintenance, repairs, and other solar-related services and products, Wayne’s Solar is the company to call! We are in Palm Coast, Ormond Beach, St. Augustine, Port Orange, and nearby areas in Florida. You may reach us at 386-673-9720 to get a free quote.

Solar Power Benefits

Solar Power BenefitsBecause of its increasing popularity over the years, many already know about solar power benefits. A lot of property owners made the big switch to solar while others are still waiting for the right time. After all, going solar is not cheap but it’s definitely worth every penny. It’s an investment that eventually pays for itself!

 

If you’re one of them who are still unsure whether you’re ready to go for solar, then it’s good to take another look at some of the many benefits you can get from solar power.

Reduced Power Costs

While it will cost you quite a bit to install solar panels for your home, it is a great investment. Depending on the size of your solar panel system, you can get as much energy you need from the sun to power up some electronics and appliances or your entire home.

 

Note that your utility company may still charge you for a monthly fee to maintain your electricity source, but you need not pay for the energy you’re getting from your solar panels. Just imagine how much savings you can get with these reduced electricity bills!

Clean Source of Energy

Solar power comes from energy absorbed by your solar panels. This is a renewable energy source that’s way cleaner compared to other energy sources including the ones utility companies normally use. Because you are using a clean form of energy, your household’s carbon footprint decreases significantly.

Increased Real Estate Value

Solar panels are built to be very durable and long-lasting. In fact, it may last for over two decades or beyond, of course, depending on the quality of your solar panels and how well you maintain them. If you decide to resell your property in the future, you can expect better pricing compared to homes in your area that do not have solar panels installed.

 

Have you already decided to switch to solar? If you have, Wayne’s Solar is the company to call! We offer solar electric installation, solar pool heaters, solar water heaters, solar attic fans, and many more. Start enjoying solar power benefits soon. Schedule a free inspection with our team! We are available in Jacksonville, Port Orange, Ormond Beach, DeLand, Palm Coast, and many other areas in Florida. Just call 386-673-9720 to get a free quote.

Will Solar Power Work on Rainy Days?

Solar Power Ormond BeachSolar power is generated through sunlight absorbed by solar panels. Solar PV’s are usually installed on roofs or mounted on the ground with the least shade possible to get the most sunlight. Come rainy days, some would worry if their solar panels would generate enough power or many would wonder if solar power can work on rainy days at all.

 

It is still officially summer in the Sunshine State. While some of us prepare for hurricanes around this time of the year, it is safe to say that for most of the year, Florida enjoys a whole lot of sunshine. It is still most ideal to know more about how we can get most out of our solar power system when the rainy days come.

 

The short answer to the question above – solar power will still work on rainy days. Solar panels may produce about 25% of their usual capacity on very cloudy days. This could cause some homeowners to worry especially if solar is their main source of power. One great way to solve this is through a solar battery back-up system.

 

A solar battery stores the power generated by your solar panel system on sunnier days. This stored power can be used on days when the solar panels cannot generate as much power such as on cloudy and rainy days.

 

It is also great to know that rain is not all that bad for your solar panels. Although there are some precautions you have to take such as:

 

  • Make sure the solar panels are attached and installed properly on very stable and even surfaces to keep them in place especially during bad weather conditions.
  • Make sure there are no hazard trees or overgrown trees surrounding your solar panel system which can cause damage to the panels.

 

The main benefit of rain to your solar panels is that it can help cool down the panel’s surface, which is a great thing. The sunlight is used to generate solar power – not the heat from the sun. So this means that as long as there’s light coming from the clouds’ edges even on rainy days, your panels can still generate power. Furthermore, rain can wash away dirt, pollen, dust, and other foreign objects from your solar panels!

 

If you want to be sure that your solar power system is prepared for the coming rainy season, call Wayne’s Solar! Our team can help do a thorough solar maintenance Deltona check on your solar panels New Smyrna Beach, clean them when necessary, and install solar battery back-up Ormond Beach upon your request. Call us at 386-673-9720 to get a free estimate!

Solar Panel Installation Preparation Tips

Solar Panel Installation Port OrangeAre you ready to switch to solar? More often than not, it’s as easy as calling your preferred solar contractor so they can assist you throughout the process. However, wouldn’t it be better if you knew more about solar panel installation and how you can prepare your home for it?

 

It’s a great decision to finally make the move to solar. Soon enough, you will enjoy energy savings and a more environment-friendly source of power for your property. While the contractor you’re working with can do all the work for you, it would be nice if you’re well-informed and involved throughout the process. You can start by preparing your property for solar panel installation. Here are some tips you can keep in mind.

 

1. Take note of your current energy consumption.

 

Aside from having a basis for comparison to know how much savings you’re getting with your solar installation, taking note of your current energy consumption can also help determine the best size of your solar panel installation.

 

2. Choose the location for your solar panels.

 

You have an option to install solar panels on your roof or on the ground. Both locations have their own benefits – now’s the best time to decide where the solar panels should be.

 

3. Clear the surrounding area.

 

If there are trees on your property that may obstruct the sun from shining freely on your solar panel installation, call a tree contractor to help trim those trees.

 

4. Prepare the area where the solar panels will be installed.

 

If you’re opting for ground-mounted solar panel installation, prepare that area so that it’s clean and level. For roof solar panels, check for cracks, leaks, and other roof damages. Have them repaired and thoroughly inspected prior to installing the solar panels.

 

For your solar energy needs, call Wayne’s Solar today. Allow us to take some of the weight off your shoulders by helping you prepare your property for the installation process. We are available in Palm Coast, New Smyrna Beach, Daytona Beach, Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and surrounding areas. Call 386-673-9720 to get a free quote and free consultation.

Ground-Mounted Solar Panel System Advantages

Ground-Mounted Solar Ormond BeachA lot of homeowners are under the impression that solar panels are usually only installed on the roof. After all, a ground-mounted solar panel system is commonly found in commercial properties. However, whether you’re going solar for your home or place of business, you always have a choice between installing panels on the roof of your property or mount them on the ground.

What are the advantages of a ground-mounted solar panel system? Would this be a better choice compared to installing solar PV’s on your roof? First of all, you have to determine whether you have enough ground space for the solar panels. If you have a large enough landscaped garden on your backyard, that space may probably be enough. However, you can no longer use that area for other things such as a playground for your kids, a party space or a home expansion. If there’s still enough space even after installing ground-mounted solar panels, then you’re good to go.

The advantages of choosing ground-mounted solar PV’s over a roof-installed solar system are the following:

  • There’s no need to drill any holes on your roof. This means less roof maintenance costs and can help prevent leaks in case the panels were not mounted properly.
  • You can get the best angle to maximize solar absorption. When you’re installing solar panels on the roof, you’d have to settle with the current angle and position of your roof. You can choose whatever angle is most beneficial if the panels are mounted on the ground.
  • Though solar panels are built to last and withstand varying weather conditions, it needs to cool down sometimes too. Compared to roof-mounted solar PV’s, air can better circulate above and below the solar panels when they’re on the ground.
  • Especially if you have a large property, there won’t be any space limitations with ground-mounted solar installations. You can add more panels when needed.

When you’re considering ground-mounted solar panel installations for your property, work with solar experts! Wayne’s Solar is here to help. We are available in Palm Coast, Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Port Orange, Ormond Beach, and nearby areas. You may reach us at (386) 673-9720 to get a free quote!