Yesterday and half of today I’ve watched the voltage readouts with increasing concern – I know the voltage on the batteries running the 12-volt system is low and I think I know why, but the overall voltage wasn’t setting the world on fire either and not because the batteries are failing. Granted that we don’t have 100% sun right now it should have been doing better than it was. On a hunch I went out and ran my hand over the ground-mount panels and it came away pretty dirty.
Well, if that’s the problem there’s an easy fix…
And sonuvagun! That may have fixed it right there!
ETA: Might as well be complete…
The voice in my head immediately segued into grammaw saying “Don’t forget to wash behind yer ears!” There’s some lesson there about high-tech systems and low-tech solutions.
Practical logic overcomes irrational worry every time 😉
Which makes one question the wisdom of mounting panels on 2nd story roofs if there’s any other more accessible place available.
Everything’s a trade-off. Shadows are the enemies of solar panels: You can only use a ground mount if it’s free of shadows in all seasons and daylight hours. Roof mounts are terribly convenient, out of the way and safe from accident – until you have to service the panels in any way, then they’re a pain in the ass.