Top tips for protecting your solar power system

Environmental concerns and load-shedding have combined in SA to dramatically boost the use of solar power lately - and the number of homes with rows of photovoltaic panels on their roofs.

This rapid uptake of solar power has also been fuelled by advances in technology over the past few years that have brought down the prices of solar panels, as well as a tax credit this year for homeowners that install panels as part of a "rooftop solar" system, says Gerhard Kotzé, CEO of the RealNet property group.

"However, a solar power system, with its panels, inverters and batteries, is still a big investment for most homeowners, so it's worth doing everything possible to prolong its life. And the good news is that despite being the most exposed components, solar panels generally have a lifespan of at least 20 to 25 years, provided you take a few precautions."

By far the most important of these, he says, is to ensure that your system is supplied and installed by a reputable, certified company that only uses quality components and will follow the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines to maintain any warranties or guarantees. "An expert installer will also be able to correctly estimate the correct size of the system you need to power your home and place the panels in the correct location to maximise their efficiency.

"Proper ventilation around your solar panels to prevent them from overheating is also vital, and homeowners should also schedule regular maintenance checks to keep panels free of any dirt, debris or overhanging branches that might obstruct sunlight and prevent them from working properly."

In addition, says Kotzé, homeowners in SA may need to install lightning protection devices to safeguard their solar power systems from potential damage during thunderstorms, and use surge protection devices to protect their inverters from power surges or voltage spikes. They should ask a qualified electrician for assistance with this.

"If your solar system includes batteries, you also need to follow the manufacturer's maintenance guidelines for these, including checking electrolyte levels, cleaning terminals and ensuring proper ventilation.

"And finally, homeowners should regularly monitor their system's performance, including electricity generation, battery charge/discharge cycles and overall efficiency. Detecting and quickly addressing any problems could help them avoid major repair bills."