Top Mistakes Solar Owners Make During the Dry Season

ByGLOBALNET ICT

The dry season in Nigeria brings bright sunshine, but also high temperatures, dust, and harmattan winds. Many solar users expect maximum power during this period, but often experience low output, slow charging, or system malfunctions.

These issues are usually caused by common mistakes that can be avoided with simple preventive measures.

1. Neglecting Regular Panel Cleaning

Dust and harmattan particles settle on solar panels, blocking sunlight and causing 15–40% efficiency loss.

Solution:

  • Clean panels 2–3 times per week using water and a soft cloth
  • Avoid abrasive materials or strong detergents

2. Mounting Panels Too Close to the Roof

Direct contact with hot roof sheets raises panel temperature, reducing efficiency and causing slower battery charging.

Solution:

  • Maintain 6–8 inches of air space under panels
  • Ensure proper airflow for natural cooling

3. Overheating Inverters

Inverters in unventilated areas can overheat during the hot season, leading to:

  • Trips or shutdowns
  • Low voltage warnings
  • Reduced charging performance

Solution:

  • Install inverters in ventilated, cool rooms
  • Use fans if necessary
  • Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources

4. Placing Lithium Batteries in Hot Rooms

Heat accelerates battery chemical reactions, reducing lifespan and causing swelling in lithium batteries.

Solution:

  • Keep batteries in cool, shaded areas
  • Ensure proper ventilation
  • Avoid placing near windows or hot appliances

5. Expecting Higher Output During Hot Weather

Many solar owners assume hotter sun = more power, but solar panels generate electricity from light, not heat.
Every degree above 25°C can reduce panel output by 0.3–0.5%.

Solution:

  • Understand that high temperatures reduce efficiency
  • Compensate with more panels or improved ventilation

6. Running Heavy Loads During Peak Heat

From 12 PM to 3 PM, panel efficiency drops due to heat. Running heavy appliances during this period can overload inverters or drain batteries quickly.

Solution:

  • Schedule heavy loads in early morning or late afternoon

7. Undersized Solar Arrays

Dry season heat reduces panel output, so systems sized tightly for ideal conditions underperform.

Solution:

  • Oversize solar panels by 20–35% to maintain stable power output

8. Using Incorrect Cables or Breakers

High temperatures increase electrical resistance. Undersized cables or breakers can:

  • Drop voltage
  • Cause inverter trips
  • Increase fire risk

Solution:

  • Use recommended cable sizes for DC and AC lines
  • Install correct-rated breakers and fuses

9. Ignoring Charge Controller Heat

MPPT controllers can overheat during extreme sunlight, reducing charging speed or shutting down.

Solution:

  • Install in ventilated spaces
  • Consider cooling fans
  • Keep away from direct heat

10. Failing to Monitor System Performance

Many solar owners don’t track daily output or battery voltage, letting small issues escalate into bigger problems.

Solution:

  • Monitor system weekly
  • Use solar monitoring apps for real-time performance insights

Final Thoughts

The dry season exposes solar system weaknesses. But with proper care, maintenance, and smart habits, you can:

  • Maintain peak performance
  • Extend battery and inverter lifespan
  • Avoid unexpected failures

Prevent these mistakes and your solar system will continue delivering reliable power even under Nigeria’s hottest conditions.

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