Solar Panel Maintenance Tips for Syrian Installers

Solar Panel Maintenance Tips for Syrian Installers

Regular maintenance ensures solar panels deliver peak performance for 25 years with minimal output loss. In Syria’s dusty, highheat environment, proper care is critical. This guide covers cleaning, inspection, electrical checks, and preventive measures tailored for local conditions. We also highlight Lento’s highefficiency polycrystalline modules, with key specifications to help distributors and installers select the right panels and offer best-in-class after-sales support.

1. Why Maintenance Matters in Syria

• Dust and Sandstorms: Frequent dust accumulation can reduce output by up to 20 %.
• High Temperatures: Panels operating above their nominal temperature see efficiency drop.
• Occasional Rain: Hard water spots leave mineral deposits if not rinsed properly.
• Bird Droppings & Debris: Local wildlife can soil modules, shading cells and lowering yield.

Benefit for Installers & Distributors: By offering maintenance services or training clients, you create recurring revenue and strengthen your B2B relationships.

2. Understanding Lento Solar Panel Construction

Lento solar modules combine durable materials and rigorous testing to withstand harsh climates over a 25year service life, losing only 5–10 % of rated output.

Salient Features:

• Tempered waterwhite glass plate with high UV resistance
• Extruded aluminum frame (industry standard fitment)
• UVresistant encapsulating resin and EVA sandwich
• Polymer sheet rear protection against moisture
• IEC 61215, ISO 9001, ISO 14001:2004 compliance

3. Technical Specifications of Key Lento Modules

Distributors: Use this table in spec sheets and training materials to match modules to project requirements.

4. Routine Cleaning Procedures

4.1 Frequency

• Monthly in dusty regions; after every major sandstorm.
• Bi-monthly in cleaner urban settings.

4.2 Method

1. Dry Brush: Remove loose dust with a softbristle brush or leaf blower.
2. Rinse: Use lowpressure clean water—avoid hard water to prevent spotetching.
3. Mild Detergent: For stubborn grime, apply a nonabrasive, biodegradable soap.
4. Squeegee: Gently remove standing water, especially in tight cell areas.

Tip: Clean early morning or late afternoon to avoid rapid drying and potential glass stress.

5. Visual Inspections

5.1 Frame & Mounts

• Check for loose bolts or corrosion on aluminum frames.
• Ensure mounting rails remain perpendicular and securely fastened to avoid microfractures.

5.2 Glass & Cell Integrity

• Look for hairline cracks, delamination, or discoloration.
• Inspect for hotspots by eye during peak sun or using an infrared camera.

5.3 Junction Boxes & Cables

• Confirm junction box seals are intact—no moisture ingress.
• Verify cable insulation, connectors, and clamps show no UVdamage or bird peck marks.

6. Electrical Performance Checks

6.1 I–V Curve Tracing

• Use an I–V tracer quarterly to plot current vs. voltage.
• Compare to baseline specs (Voc, Isc, Vmp, Imp). Deviation >5 % warrants further investigation.

6.2 String Voltage & Current

• Measure opencircuit voltage at string level.
• Under load, check string current against panel Imp × number of modules.

6.3 Inverter Monitoring

• Ensure inverter’s MPPT readings match expected panel output (±5 %).
• Log daily yield and flag sudden drops—can indicate soiling, shading, or module failure.

7. Preventive Measures

7.1 Shading Analysis

• Trim nearby trees or structures that cast shadows over modules.
• Position modules to avoid midday glare on adjacent glass surfaces.

7.2 Bird & Pest Deterrents

• Install mesh guards or bird spikes under panels to prevent nesting.
• Seal all cable entry points into junction boxes.

7.3 Thermal Management

• Provide at least 5 cm of airflow beneath panels to dissipate heat.
• In extreme heat zones, consider reflective backsheet coatings or shade cloth edges.

8. Advanced Maintenance: When to Call Experts

• Hotspot Detection: Use drone-mounted thermography annually.
• Encapsulation Integrity: Send sample modules for lab EL (electroluminescence) testing if yields degrade >10 %.
• Frame Stress: After seismic events or severe storms, perform structural audit.

Offering these premium services positions you as a full-service installer/distributor and justifies higher margins.

9. Conclusion

In Syria’s challenging environment, regular, methodical maintenance is key to sustaining solar yields. By combining Lento’s robust solar modules—like the 12X175 and 24X340—with best-practice cleaning, inspection, and electrical testing, installers ensure systems meet or exceed 25 years of service life. Distributors and B2B partners who offer maintenance training, premium monitoring services, and clear CTAs will outpace competitors in lead generation and customer loyalty.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How often should I clean my Lento solar panels in Syria’s dusty regions?
   We recommend a monthly cleaning schedule in areas prone to heavy dust or sandstorms, and every two months in cleaner urban settings to maintain peak efficiency.
2. What’s the safest way to remove stubborn grime from panel surfaces?
   Use a soft brush or lowpressure water rinse first. For tougher stains, apply a mild, biodegradable detergent, then rinse and squeegee away any residue.
3. Can I perform maintenance on rooftop panels myself?
   Basic cleaning and visual inspections can be done by trained staff. For electrical testing (I–V curve tracing) or structural checks after storms, engage a certified technician.
4. How do I check for hotspots on Lento modules?
   Conduct an infrared (IR) thermal scan during peak sun hours or use a dronemounted IR camera annually to spot cells running hotter than normal.
5. What electrical readings should I log during inverter monitoring?
   Record daily string voltage and current. Compare MPPT readings to expected Vmp and Imp values (±5 %) to catch performance dips early.
6. How can I prevent bird nesting under my solar array?
   Install stainless-steel mesh guards or spikes around the panel frames and seal cable entry points to junction boxes to deter birds and pests.
7. Is it necessary to trim trees around solar installations?
   Yes—any shading on even a few cells can reduce output by 10–20 %. Trim branches so panels receive full sun from midmorning to midafternoon.
8. What ventilation clearances do Lento panels need?
   Maintain a minimum 5 cm gap beneath panels for adequate airflow. In highheat zones, consider reflective backsheets or shade cloth edges to further reduce module temperature.