Why Austin Solar Panels Are Especially Susceptible to Soiling

Solar Energy and Texas


Texas has huge potential for all kinds of renewable energy, producing more wind energy than any other state by a wide margin and leading the country in solar energy capabilities. If one were to look at a solar radiance map, Texas has a particular advantage: it is located in one of the best spots for solar radiance in the country. Solar panels in Texas, then, have the power to harness a ton of solar energy. As solar system prices have also decreased in recent years, solar is becoming more popular than ever.

 

Soiling in South Central Texas


However, living in Texas—particularly in South Central Texas—means that there are many local environmental factors at play other than the amount of sunshine. Some of these factors run contradictory to keeping functional solar panels. This is mainly because many components of the local climate here are more prone to cause soiling, the accumulation of natural debris on panels, which can cause all kinds of problems with performance and longevity. Don’t worry, though, because Solar Service is an Austin solar company and a  San Antonio solar company that exists to help with this very issue!  Read on to see what kind of factors likely mean that Austin- and San Antonio-area solar panels need a special kind of cleaning.

 

Environmental Factors That Lead to Soiling


General Dust Levels

The abundance of sunlight that South Central Texas receives makes the area great for solar energy production, but it thoroughly dries out the land as well, leading to a drier climate overall. This means that dust levels are also likely to be quite high. Especially when dust combines with other kinds of natural particles, its accumulation on solar panels can lead to overheating and corrosion.

Airborne Pollen Levels

Austin and other nearby metropolitan areas often rank as one of the top worst places for people who suffer from allergies to live. There are multiple allergy seasons here with the most prominent pollen contributors varying depending on the current weather, but the cedar pollen season (usually from December to February) is unique to Central Texas and often very intense. Since pollen is a relatively “sticky” substance, with strong bonds between particles, it’s very easy for it to build up on solar panels, preventing them from capturing solar energy.

Humidity Levels

Even though Austin and San Antonio are generally drier than other parts of the country, humidity is high in warm seasons. This poses a unique problem for solar panels, because the dust and pollen of the area mix with the high levels of accumulated dew in the mornings, forming a cement-like residue that is especially difficult to clean off.

Wind Conditions

Texas is a great place for harnessing wind energy and solar energy. The high winds here, though, make natural particle deposits on solar panels more frequent and intense.

 

Why Choose Solar Service


The best way to combat soiling and cementation of particles common in a South Central Texas climate is a system of preventative cleaning. Solar panel owners want to be as proactive as possible in keeping residue off your panels, which is why Solar Service is committed to Keeping Your Solar Running for the Long Haul. Come to Solar Service for various kinds of one-time maintenance Service or subscribe to a membership package to really keep things comprehensive and consistent.

If you need a hardworking Austin solar company or San Antonio solar company, Solar Service has locations in both areas and is ready to serve you. Reach out through the contact page or call 877-230-4606 to get started! 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Benefits of Having Solar Panels

Image
As the cost of traditional sources of energy continues to rise, solar panels continue to become more affordable and effective means of generating power for homes and businesses. They require routine maintenance and only regular solar panel cleaning to keep them operating at optimal performance for many years to come. The true value of solar panels lies in the monthly savings on utility bills and the positive impact on the environment. How Solar Panels Save Homeowners Money For years, solar panels were considered a trendy investment primarily used by the fringes of the conservation movement. It took time and an ample amount of success stories for solar companies in Texas to make solar panels more accessible and affordable. One of the biggest factors in determining exactly how much money can be saved by solar panels San Antonio area homeowners have installed on their roofs is your local electrical rates.   The amount of direct sunlight roofs are exposed to, and the ...
Read more

San Antonio Solar Company

Image
The United States has seen a surge in solar popularity in recent years. At the start of 2020, the country had produced enough solar energy to power about 15 million homes. So many numerous solar energy benefits can explain this trend. Solar energy is entirely renewable and environmentally friendly, unlike conventional power sources that require oil, coal, and natural gas, all of which can have damaging effects on the environment. Better yet, solar energy is a practical option that can reduce electricity bills to zero in some cases. At the same time, there are some tougher realities to face when it comes to relying on solar energy, not least of which is maintenance. There are numerous factors to be aware of when it comes to solar panel maintenance, making it important to have a reliable and professional Austin solar company to depend on.   Solar Panel Maintenance Solar panels can be exposed to a lot on an average day. Texas is no stranger to severe weather or annoy...
Read more

Solar Panel Myths, Misconceptions Explained

Image
As solar panels have become more popular, more affordable, and more effective, an Austin solar company like Solar Service continues to field questions about common misconceptions and myths regarding solar panels.   10 Myths About Solar Panels The following will help debunk widely held myths about the cost and effectiveness of installing solar panels on your residential or commercial property.   Myth #1: Solar Panels Are Not Worth the Money As the popularity and effectiveness of solar panels increases, manufacturing and installation costs become more affordable. Installing solar panels on your home will also increase the home’s overall resale value.   Myth #2: Solar Panels Are Hard to Install Solar panels are relatively easy to install, especially when using the professional services of a qualified solar panel specialist at Solar Service.   Myth #3: Solar Panels Do Not Work in Colder Temperatures The effectiveness of solar panels is based...
Read more