How to Extend Your Solar Generator’s Life

Solar generators have gained significant popularity recently due to their versatility, noise-free operations, and clean energy. These generators save money on fuel costs while also limiting the overall carbon footprint that your everyday energy consumption can cause. Due to this aspect, solar generators are commonly opted for by people who often move in campers or minivans and want a constant supply of power with them.

Nevertheless, a solar generator requires care and maintenance to extend its lifespan, just like every other appliance. However, not many people are aware of the maintenance and care that solar generators need. As a result, they are often unsure of where to start and when to ask for professional help. Thankfully, caring for a solar generator is often easy and can be included as part of everyday routine.

If you own a solar generator, here are the key ways to keep it running smoothly while also increasing its lifespan.

Provide Appropriate Care to the Battery

Battery is a crucial component of a solar generator that stores electricity units generated by the solar panels. Keeping the batteries in good health will boost the performance and efficiency of your generator. Following are some effective ways to achieve this:

• Avoid keeping your solar generators in a crammed and congested space, instead look for spaces that are well-ventilated and clean. By doing so, you can significantly limit the excessive amount of heat generated by the generator during its operation and increase its lifespan.
• Avoid letting the battery be uncharged or on low charge for longer periods of time. This can reduce the battery’s performance and efficiency.
• Strictly charge the battery following the guidelines issued by the manufacturer as overcharging or inappropriately charging the battery can cause damage.
• To ensure proper flow of charge and charging performance, always check the terminals and clean them regularly. It’s common for the terminals to show signs of corrosion and everyday care can prevent it from reducing its functionality.

Maintain the Solar Panels

Solar panels are responsible for harvesting the sunlight and then converting it into a usable form of energy. If the solar panels are not maintained properly, it can stress the generator, lowering its lifespan. Here’s how to maintain them:

• Dirt, dust and droppings can damage the solar panel’s surface, reducing its functionality. Use only soft, damp cloth and mild detergent to remove stubborn deposits.
• Check regularly for any cracks, chips, or water damage. If your location is often subjected to harsh weather conditions, placement of solar panels in a safe and protected area will be beneficial.
• If there’s plenty of shading on your solar panels from neighborhood buildings and trees, consider relocating or trimming as an option. Shading can lower the performance of the solar panels, eventually impacting the electricity produced by the panels.

Storage and Placement

Where your solar generator is being stored and placed when in use plays a critical role in extending its lifespan. Here’s how to store and place your generator properly:

• Avoid keeping them outdoors for extended periods, as weather conditions can cause premature damage. Instead, store the solar generator in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Strictly follow manufacturer guidelines when it comes to storing batteries at optimal temperature as frequent temperature changes can cause damage to the batteries.
• Only the designated handles or cases are used to carry the generator. Avoid putting too much force on the generator while transporting.

Inspection and Component Replacement

Preventive measures are important to act when early signs of concern show up. When caring for and maintaining your solar generator, consider checking for potential signs of damage, as these components can lower the efficiency of the system. Here are some things to consider:

• Check if the inverter’s display is functioning properly to ensure you can keep a track of AC current being converted to DC current that can be used by solar generators.
• Regularly inspect the wiring of your solar generators to ensure any loose ends are promptly fixed, and if there are any wear or tear, they can be replaced.
• Inspect if the fuses and circuit breakers are in working condition as they prevent strong voltage fluctuations from causing damage to electrical appliances.

The Bottom Line

Caring for your solar generator on a regular basis ensures any damages or performance inconsistencies are promptly addressed. Make sure you are devoting sufficient time inspecting the generator, solar panels, and wiring to identify any underslying concerns and call for professional help if you are uncertain how to address the issue at hand.