Many people ask us about home solar system maintenance, and we’re always pleased to tell our clients that we look after that for them. However, if you have solar panels from another installer and they do not offer care and maintenance, or you did the installation on your own, here is what you need to know.
Do Home Solar Systems Need Extensive Maintenance?
Before we start with the actual maintenance guide, we need to clarify that solar panels generally don’t need much maintenance. However, homeowners must know what signs they must be aware of and how to perform maintenance work if needed.
Home Solar System Maintenance Guide: 7 Steps to Keep Your Panels Up and Running
1 – Cleaning
Most of the time, rain will take care of cleaning your panels, but it’s a good idea to do a deep cleaning at least twice a year to remove dust or debris accumulation, especially when it isn’t raining much. If you see an energy production drop, cleaning your panels will likely solve the problem.
Use this method to clean the panels:
- Turn your solar system off;
- Use a soft brush, a squeegee, or a low-pressure garden hose to remove dust, leaves, bird droppings, and other debris. You can also mix a gentle cleaning product with lukewarm water to get them clean.
- Do this early in the morning or late in the evening when the panels are cool to avoid damage from hot surfaces.
If your panels are on the roof and you don’t like the idea of going up there, consider hiring a professional cleaning company.
2 – Monitor Energy Production
Look at the energy production of your solar panels regularly. If you notice a significant drop in power output, it could indicate a problem that needs attention. If your solar panel system has monitoring software, use it to track performance and identify any issues.
3 – Shade Management
Trim or prune trees and vegetation that may cast shadows on your solar panels, as shading can significantly reduce energy production.
4 – Check Inverter Performance
The inverter turns the direct current (DC) produced by the solar panels into the Alternate Current (AC) power you use in your home. Regularly check the inverter’s readings and make sure it is functioning properly.
If the inverter displays error messages, consult the user manual, contact the manufacturer if you did the installation, or reach out to your installer company for guidance.
5 – Record Tracking
Record your maintenance activities, including cleaning dates, any issues observed, and repairs made. This log can be useful for future reference and warranty claims.
6 – Warranty Review
Familiarize yourself with the warranty terms of your solar panels. Some warranties may require specific maintenance practices to remain valid.
7 – Other Considerations
- Always turn off your solar system before performing any maintenance to ensure safety.
- Not all panels and other components of a solar system are equal. Specific maintenance requirements can vary based on the type of solar panels and the manufacturer’s recommendations. Always refer to the user manual provided by the manufacturer for guidance tailored to your system.
- When in doubt, seek professional help. If you are unsure about any aspect of maintenance, it’s advisable to consult with a solar technician.
Owning Solar Panels Is Easy
Solar panels are a low-maintenance investment that has many benefits. Although they won’t require much effort to keep them in good condition, you must know how to troubleshoot if needed. If you need further assistance, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.