Solar panels are a great investment if you want to save on bills and reduce your carbon footprint.

However, like with any other piece of equipment, they do need regular maintenance. As long as you maintain your solar panels, they will continue to perform well and have a long lifespan.

Here is a simple guide for solar system maintenance that you can follow!

Importance of Proper Solar System Maintenance

There have been many amazing developments in solar panel technology that have made them more durable, efficient, and resistant. If you don’t take proper care of your solar panels, it can decrease energy production by 15%.

With proper cleaning and regular inspections, you can make sure optimal performance. It will save a lot of money on energy bills.

Maintenance Checklist for Common Solar System Issues

To ensure great performance, here is a simple checklist that you can rely on.

1. Clean the Panels

You should annually clean the solar panels to maximize their efficiency. Dirt and debris can collect on the panels, which impacts energy production. You should also clean the solar panels if there has been a recent storm or weather event that might result in stray debris collecting on them.

You should call professionals to clean the panels. They will gently remove any dirt with soft brushes or sponges without damaging your panels. They can also check if the solar panels are still placed securely to make sure they don’t fall or break.

2. Record Power Generation

The wattage ratings can show you how much power your solar panels generate on a normal sunny day. You can keep monitoring your panels’ performance by checking the wattage from time to time. Just make sure that you check the wattage at the same time of the day like an afternoon. Of course, it will generate different levels of power depending on the weather and season.

You can also install an interface that can display and save performance day.

3. Review Maintenance Guidelines by Manufacturer

Manufacturers recommend specific maintenance work based on the type and brand of solar panels you have. We recommend going over this guide so that you can keep them in mind for maintenance.

Usually, the guide will give you some information on:

• How often you need to clean the panels
• If the panels are walkable
• How much weight the panels support
• What materials to use or avoid

You will also need to check if you need to insulate the solar trackers in winters. This will make sure they don’t freeze and break from wind.

4. Check for Corrosion

Solar panels should be checked for damaged, aging, and rust bi-annually. If you live on the coast, there might even be corrosion and rust on it.

Solar panels are definitely built to survive through any weather or climate, but you still need to keep them good condition to maintain performance. Corrosion can occur in smaller spaces like the rear sheet that’s often vacuum-sealed. If any panel get broken or they often get dirt or water on them, it can increase corrosion. If you don’t address this issue, it can cause irreparable damage.

5. Check Panel Wires

The wiring of solar panels is essential for proper functioning. If they are damaged, it can result in safety hazards and faults. You will start to face power loss and it might also decrease the lifespan of components and panels.

You should ensure regular inspections that can identify any issues before they end up causing you a lot of problems and money.

The ports and gaps between the panels should also be properly secured. If water gets into the wiring, it might cause a short circuit. By maintaining the wiring and checking on any fraying, you prevent shortages.

Please note that you shouldn’t repair the wiring on your own; just call your installer!

6. Check Isolator Switches for Access

If an emergency happens, you should be able to quickly access the isolator switch. It should be accessible since it is the only way to manually disconnect your solar system.

7. System and Electrical Fault Check

There should be no electrical problems with the inverter panel. If the electrical system has ground issues, you should get that fixed at once or else it might end up in shocks. If the panel’s light is red or its performing less efficiently, you may need to upgrade your system.

8. Keep a Logbook

Keeping a logbook where you note down any maintenance or repair work is important. You should also add component replacements or inspections. Maintaining a history will help you in the long run if you need an upgrade, to sell the panels, or are changing some components.

9. Inspecting Solar Panels Regularly

Regular inspections can help you detect any potential problems and ensure efficient performance. Solar panels are often exposed to adverse weather conditions like temperature fluctuations, hail, rain, and wind. These can cause some wear and tear over time. Inspections will help identify these issues before they become worse and costly.

Costs of Solar Panel Maintenance

Customers in the United States usually pay between $150 and $200 a year for solar maintenance. Depending on the service agreements, these fees may vary as a service provider.

Cleaning the solar panels, doing inspections, fixing issues, and keeping an eye on performance are all common services of a yearly maintenance package.

How Often Do You Need Regular Maintenance?

Dirt and debris are the most frequent problem with solar panels. Otherwise, they require little upkeep.

The frequency of maintenance varies depending on your location, temperature, surroundings, and weather. You may need to clean your panels more often during stormy seasons if you live in such a region. Or if you've gone a while without any rain, it may be a good idea to get up on your roof to see how much dirt has collected on your panels.

Regardless of the weather or where you live, solar providers advise cleaning the panels at least twice a year. This reduces the likelihood that the panels will collect too much dirt and debris. It may become more difficult to clean as more buildup occurs over time.

Conclusion

Solar panels are often subsided because they are eco-friendly. More than that, you will end up saving a lot on energy costs with solar panels. Solar system maintenance is necessary to make sure that they keep performing well to keep saving you money.