The warm days and cool evenings of Fall often do not begin to visit the Northern, California enclave of East Contra Costa County until late October. We are always happy with daily temperatures that sit in the low 80s and enjoy the colors changing in the trees. Yet, when the cooler days hit in December, the golden leaves on the trees slowly twirl in the autumnal breeze and end up covering roofs, filling gutters and taking away efficiencies on our panels.
Leaves Cover Panels
Photo Credit: Florida Solar Design Group
Moreover, As we welcome the brisk days of Fall, home owners with residential solar panels need to be alert. The change in weather means that debris can cover panels and decrease how much power they produce. The colorful leaves that make Fall so beautiful end up layering over each panel. The leaves may look pretty, but they do not allow as much sun to reach the panel. Each panel then is producing much less power. Less solar power production may mean higher utility bills!
Homeowners should take the time to contact their local solar installer. Their solar installation company can schedule maintenance and remove built up leaves on the panels. They can also offer a brief cleaning to really promote high power production. A simple call can save you a lot of money.
Leaves in the Gutter
Photo Credit: HGTV.com
Another problem that come with the crisp Fall season are leaves in the gutter. Leaves that build up in a gutter lining a roof that has installed solar panels can leave to water back up and rot. Ultimately, rainy season back ups or winter ice dams can move water under your roofing, causing leaks. These leaks damage your roof and structures that support your solar panels. To ensure your roof and your solar panels maintain their integrity and meet all performance standard, cleaning the gutters is an annual practice you must follow
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As a homeowner with solar panels installed on your roof, taking the time to make a simple phone call to perform simple maintenance on your roof and your solar panels is the right thing to do. You will save money and save your roof. A simple call can result in thousands of dollars saved. Make solar panel maintenance a part of your Fall rituals.
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