Once you’ve purchased and installed a solar attic fan, your work is not done. Maintaining your new solar fan is vital for getting the most out of your investment. While the sturdy solar panel and internal workings are all designed to the highest standards, the better you care for your fan, the longer you will get to enjoy its benefits. Here are 5 tips to maintain your solar attic fan.
1. Keep debris cleaned off the roof around the fan
Over time debris like branches and leaves will collect on your roof. Keeping your roof clear of this debris will maintain the integrity of your roof as well as protect your solar fan. Debris can get caught in the fan blades, causing potentially catastrophic mechanical failure. Branches can also scratch or crack the solar panel on your unit. Cleaning the debris off your roof should be done periodically every few months in addition to after any major storms that may have deposited excess debris on your roof.
2. Periodically check the solar panels for obvious damage
While you are cleaning the debris off your roof, your solar panels need to be checked for any obvious damage. This damage may include but is not limited to, scratches, cracks, and chips. These defects weaken the integrity of the solar panel and decrease efficiency. In the event that you find damage to your unit, you would then need to contact the contractor who installed the unit to inquire about repairs or a replacement.
3. Use a damp towel to clean the solar panel
Your solar fan runs completely on the power generated by the unit’s solar panel. In order to maintain maximum power generation efficiency, you need to clean the panel regularly. Over time, a layer of dust and pollen builds up on the surface of the solar panel. Fortunately, cleaning the solar panel is very easy. All you need is a damp towel. Use the damp towel to gently wipe the surface of the panel clean and you’re good to go. How often you need to clean the panel may vary slightly depending on your location. If you live in a desert area where there is a lot of dust, you will need to clean the panel more often than someone who lives in a cooler, wetter climate where it rains frequently.
4. Maintain a clear line of sight from your solar panel to the sun
To maintain optimum operating efficiency, make sure your solar fan maintains a clear line of sight to the sun at all hours of the day. Trim any tree branches that may be shading the solar panel.
5. Periodically check the unit for rodent damage
Attics, crawlspaces, and garages are magnets for rodents, the most common being mice. A single mouse can do a surprising amount of damage to your unit. Check your unit regularly for chewed wires and fan blades. Chewed wires not only run the risk of shutting down the unit entirely, but they also pose a fire hazard. Damage to the fan blades of your unit affects the airflow produced by the fan.
More Information on Our Solar Powered Home Ventilation Solution
For more information on our solar attic fans or other solar powered attic fans check out our product information page.
You might also be eligible for solar tax incentives. View our solar tax credit and rebate info.
Become a certified installer for Solar Royal roof-mounted solar powered attic fans.
Visit our warranty information page and get product registration details for our solar attic vent fans.
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