Did you know that India experienced a 300% increase in solar energy capacity between 2017 and 2021, making it one of the fastest-growing solar markets in the world?
However, with the rise in extreme weather events, including heavy rains and storms, it’s important for solar panel owners to be prepared.
In 2020 alone, India faced 12 major cyclones, impacting infrastructure and power systems significantly.
Understanding how to protect your solar panels during such events can save you from potential damage and loss.
Thus, in this blog, let’s look at emergency steps that will help solar panels keep safe and secure in heavy rains.
A Study on the Impact of Rainfall on Solar Panels
Solar panels are typically built to withstand all sorts of weather conditions, including heavy rain. However, there could be challenges that include the following when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall:
- Water infiltration: Poor sealing coupled with persistent rains might lead to infiltration of water into electrical parts.
- Physical damage: Storms also destroy solar panels through strong winds.
- Reduced efficiency: When the sky is clouded, less direct sunshine falls on the panels, which means reduced electricity production.
- Flooding: The sunken systems and inverters suffer from floods which destroy power-related components and hazardous situations.
Pre-Rain Preparation of Solar Panels
During rainy seasons, adequate measures should be taken. Here are some steps to ensure your solar panel system is ready:
1. Inspection and Maintenance
- Regular Inspections: Make sure you perform periodic vulnerability assessments to identify any loopholes that the hackers might use to breach the system. Look for any form of degradation or rusting on the panels.
- Sealant Check: Ensure that all the gaskets around the panels and the junction boxes are properly fitted and do not leak. Damaged sealants should be replaced to prevent water from seeping through.
- Mounting Hardware: Check that all the hardware used in mounting is well-fixed and none of it shows any sign of rusting or damage. Storms can force the panel to come off due to loose or corroded mounts.
2. Cleaning and Debris Removal
- Panel Cleaning: Check if the panels are clean. No debris, dirt, or leaves should be blocking the water flow, which can cause clogging.
- Gutter Maintenance: Ensure that the gutters and other drainage systems are clear to allow proper flow of water during the rainy season.
3. Electrical System Check
- Inverter Protection: Lift the ground-mounted inverters to avoid them being flooded. Ensure that all the electrical connections are well connected and that they are well sealed to avoid them getting wet.
- Surge Protection: It is advised to use surge protectors to protect the system from lightning or any power surges that may occur as a result of storms.
During Heavy Rains Preparation of Solar Panels
When heavy rains are imminent or occurring, follow these protocols to safeguard your solar panel system:
1. Monitoring and Alerts
- Weather Monitoring: Owners should be prepared for weather conditions. Monitor television, radio, or even newspapers to know about the weather conditions. Be aware of the weather alerts and warnings at the place you stay.
- System Monitoring: Acquisition of systems that will help you in the tracking of your solar panels’ performance. The defective performance or even system failure could be a result of water leakage or other water issues.
2. Power Down If Necessary
- Manual Shutdown: In heavy rains, it is safer to switch off the solar panel system by hand. This is always a wise precaution to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to power down the equipment.
- Isolate Inverters: If your system has a backup power source, switch off the inverters to avoid the system being damaged by power surges or floods.
3. Safety First
- Avoid Contact: The electrical components and the solar panels should not be touched or repaired in the rain. Wet conditions are dangerous as they can get an electric shock.
- Stay Indoors: Make sure to stay inside homes and avoid areas where it has more trees.
Post-Rain Protocols of Solar Panels
After heavy rains have subsided, it is essential to conduct a thorough inspection and perform any necessary maintenance.
1. Visual Inspection
- Panel Inspection: Make sure no water may be accumulated on the panels or any other material.
- Structural Integrity: Check the mounting structures and equipment for damages or for any signs that they are about to detach from the storm.
2. Electrical System Check
- Connection Inspection: Ensure that all the joints are well-tightened. Check for rust or any signs of insulation failure.
- Inverter Check: Check inverters and other critical components are in good condition.
Long-Term Preventive Measures of Solar Panels
1. Upgraded Equipment
- Weather-Resistant Panels: Purchase good quality solar panels that can be in good condition in various weather conditions.
- Waterproof Enclosures: They should use waterproof housing for inverters and other delicate parts to minimize the effects of water.
2. Improved Installation Techniques
- Elevated Installations: It is suggested to raise the ground-mounted systems to avoid water damage.
- Secure Mounting: Use reinforced mounting systems designed to withstand high winds and heavy rains.
3. Regular Maintenance Schedule
- Scheduled Inspections: Establish a regular maintenance schedule to ensure that your solar panel system remains in optimal condition.
Ensuring Long-Term Performance
Following emergency procedures will help the owners of the solar panels safeguard their systems. It is all about keeping the solar panel protected and optimally prepared for tough times.
However, after heavy rain or storms, it’s always good to clear the solar panels.
If using mild cleaning liquid is advisable, then what is better than using WattUp’s biodegradable, non-acidic solar panel cleaning solution?
Talk to us and we will help to keep your solar panel healthy and cleaner.