Maintenance of solar panels.

[Chris]

Newbie seeks advice: I,m contemplating installing solar PV. I'm not getting any younger, and I,m concerned that on-going maintenance might be beyond me. Also, I live close to the sea, so is wind-blown salt likely to cause problems? Cheers.

[russ]

I have 3 Schuco flat plate type panels with their controller/pump station and a 325 liter boiler that has electric backup. The prices are totally different than you would have due to import duties and VAT though.

I am happy with the system and turned off the backup power in late March I believe it was. I wıll turn it on again sometime in November.

The pump for the system consumes between 460 and 780 watts per day depending on the speed setting selected.

A drain back system would be good in cold climates - wouldn't have to use the antifreeze to prevent it from freezing. The antifreeze is expensive (not the type used in a car).

[Mike90250]

It's likely the racks and rails will rust out before the PV electric diminishes. Maintenance involves washing the PV panels every couple of months, so they are not covered in dirt.
I use a hose with a sidewalk wash nozzle on it. Usually in the AM, before the sun dries off the nights dew that has softened the dirt. You don't want to spray cold water on hot glass that's been in the sun for an hour.

How much maintenance does the wires in your house require ? not much. Installing a Grid Tie PV system needs no batteries. Just panels, rack, wires, and inverter. You can't do much with the inverter except replace it every 15 years when it wears out.

[russ]

Wrong thread for my previous post!

I live about a half mile from the beach - no problem at all.