GRIDFALLSurvival
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Power · 30 minutes / month · Basic

Keep Solar Panels Working for Decades

Cleaning, angle adjustment, snow and storm protection, and diagnosing a dead panel with a multimeter.

This is for educational purposes only. Not professional medical, electrical, or safety advice.

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  1. 01

    Clean gently

    Dust and droppings can cut output 20%+. Rinse with plain water and a soft brush early morning when panels are cool.

  2. 02

    Adjust the tilt

    Best angle ≈ your latitude. Winter: latitude + 15°. Summer: latitude − 15°. Face true south (north in southern hemisphere).

  3. 03

    Clear snow

    Use a soft roof rake. Never chip ice—cracks ruin panels.

  4. 04

    Test a panel

    In full sun, disconnect and measure open-circuit voltage. It should be near the label's Voc (e.g. ~22V on a 12V panel). Zero = broken wire or connector.

  5. 05

    Protect from hail and EMP

    Store a spare panel and charge controller wrapped in foil inside a metal can (a Faraday cage).