Covering. pannel. Would it be wise to cover pannels when in use.?

[Smitty!]

I have 4 panels at my cabin in the woods, when not there, would it prolong the life and protect them at the same time. Would this be advisable?

 

[MaikaiLife]

Solar panels age over time, even when not in use. Just like most things, they degrade whether they are in service or not. Covers can be useful for keeping the panels clean or preventing them from producing power, but they are rarely used in practice. Given the limited use case, covers may not add significant value.

 

[45North]

I was going to suggest a cover would protect them from weathering and ice and snow but you wouldn't get much of that in Missouri.

 

[MichaelK]

I'd suggest that it's a waste of time that you'll find tedious. Years ago, I set up my whole-cabin system for 24/7 use, and haven't shut anything down in at least 4 years.

And that shutoff was to lay tile under the battery bank. Other than that, everything has been left on for the last 7 years.