Maintenace for Homeowners
Personal Maintenance Guide
A complete instructional manual for safe solar use at home, farm, and business.
Introduction
Owning solar is like planting a tree. With care, it grows and serves for decades.
Protect your investment. Train your household. Stay consistent.
Solar energy is a life-changing solution. It gives homeowners independence from erratic grid power,
protects farmers from crop losses due to lack of irrigation, and helps businesses cut high electricity costs.
But like every power system, solar requires correct usage, safety awareness, and regular maintenance
to prevent damage, extend its lifespan, and guarantee safe operation.
Solar Panels Safety
Correct Installation and Placement
- Positioning: Panels must face the sun with the right tilt angle (15°–30° in Nigeria, depending on region).
- Avoid shading: Even one shaded panel can cut output of the entire string by 50–70%.
- Secure mounting: Panels must be firmly bolted to structures to resist wind damage.
Daily & Weekly Care
- Check for cracks, hotspots, or discoloration.
- Clean panels with clean water and a soft cloth.
- Remove bird droppings & dust quickly.
Safety Measures
- Never step on panels (causes internal cracks).
- Don’t spray cold water on hot panels.
- Always use insulated tools.
Strengthening Lifespan
- Panels last 25–30 years with care.
- Install lightning arresters in prone areas.
- Use surge protectors against power spikes.
Battery Safety
Types of Batteries
Lead-Acid (Flooded, AGM, Gel): Cheaper but require maintenance.
Lithium-ion: More expensive but last 10–15 years and require less maintenance.
Safety Measures
- Install batteries in cool, ventilated rooms.
- Avoid overcharging and deep discharges.
- Use correct cabling to prevent overheating.
Strengthening Lifespan
- Keep away from sunlight and heat.
- Clean terminals monthly with petroleum jelly.
- Equalize charge (flooded batteries).
Risks to Avoid
- Short-circuiting battery terminals.
- Mixing old and new batteries.
- Storing without charging.
Inverters Safety
Correct Usage
- Ensure inverter size matches your load.
- Keep inverter in ventilated, dry areas.
- Do not overload with heavy appliances unless rated.
Safety Measures
- Always ground the inverter.
- Install surge protectors.
- Avoid liquids near inverter.
Charge Controllers Safety
Correct Usage
Use MPPT for efficiency, ensure it matches panel voltage & battery bank size.
Safety Measures
- Connection order: PV → Battery → Load.
- Avoid water & dust exposure.
- Install in cool shaded areas.
Accessories & Wiring Safety
- Use solar-rated UV resistant cables.
- Install fuses between PV & controller.
- Always ground panels, inverter, and batteries.
Homeowners Regular Checks
Daily
- Check inverter display.
- Monitor battery percentage.
Weekly
- Clean panels.
- Check for loose wires.
Monthly
- Clean battery terminals.
- Inspect fuses & breakers.
Solar Performance at Night
Solar panels do not generate power at night. Rely on batteries or grid.
Reduce heavy loads at night and use efficient appliances.
Frequent Maintenance Guide
- Panels – Clean monthly, check cracks.
- Inverter – Inspect quarterly.
- Batteries – Check cycles/water levels.
- Controller – Monitor weekly readings.
- Wiring – Inspect yearly for wear.
Burn Prevention
- Overloading → damages inverter.
- Poor cabling → overheating.
- Wrong polarity → system burns.
- Cheap products → short lifespan.