Maintaining Your System

As solar energy continues to power homes globally, maintaining your system is crucial to ensuring both its efficiency and longevity. Although solar panels require less upkeep than traditional power systems, regular maintenance—such as cleaning your panels using the proper tools and methods—is essential to prevent damage and maximize performance. This article provides key maintenance tips to help you keep your solar panels operating at peak efficiency and extend their lifespan.

Maintaining a solar panel system is relatively low cost compared to other home maintenance tasks. According to an article by Forbes, you can expect on average to spend between $150 to $300 annually on maintenance¹. This cost typically covers routine inspections, cleaning, and minor repairs. In most cases common repairs are covered by your warranty or insurance, it’s crucial to check and see what your policies cover. Below are some recommendations on how to clean and maintain your solar panels properly:

Clean your solar panels

According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), solar panels should be cleaned once or twice a year², depending on your local climate and how much dust or debris accumulates in your area (areas with heavy dust or infrequent rain may require more frequent cleaning). When cleaning your solar panels avoid using abrasive tools such as roof rakes and hard brushes as they can scratch the panels, which can potentially lead to panel replacement. Instead use soft brushes, leaf blowers, or even a simple garden hose. Also keep in mind to never wash your solar panels on a hot, sunny day as the sudden cooling effect may cause cracks (panels can remain warm even after the sun has set, so it is best to clean them during the cooler parts of the day).

Monitor production regularly

Regular monitoring of your solar production is crucial to detect any potential issues early and ensure that the system is operating at peak efficiency. Dust build-up, leaves, or other objects can significantly reduce the energy output of your panels over time. While low electricity output is expected on cloudy days, consistently low output on sunny days could indicate that your panels need cleaning or are obstructed.

Check for shade and any obstructions

Shadows can drastically reduce the energy production of solar panels, as they limit the sunlight that reaches the surface. Solar installers will aim to place panels in unshaded areas, or near growing vegetation to prevent the potential of shade on the panels. In some cases, shade due to vegetation may be inevitable over time (even if a tree trimming occurred at the time of installation). To prevent this, regularly trim tree branches and ensure that other rooftop equipment, like air conditioners, are positioned to avoid casting shadows on your panels.

Inspect for physical damages

Look for cracks, chips, or discoloration on the panels and any loose or damaged wiring and connections. Physical damage can compromise the panels’ ability to generate electricity and may lead to further issues if not addressed immediately. If you notice any signs of damage, contact your solar installer for assistance.

Warranties

Most solar panels come with warranties ranging from 10 to 25 years that typically cover performance and product defects³. A long-term warranty ensures that any issues related to the panels’ efficiency or physical condition, within the warranty period, will be addressed by the manufacturer, reducing out-of-pocket expenses for repairs or replacements. While the annual cost of maintaining your solar panel system is relatively low, having a solid warranty and appropriate insurance coverage can further minimize expenses and ensure the longevity and efficiency of your system. It’s important that when looking into adding solar to your house you research what warranty and insurance policies best fit your needs and system.

Regular maintenance of your solar panel system not only ensures optimal performance but also protects your investment. By following the recommended cleaning and inspection practices given to you by your installer or PV provider, you can minimize energy loss due to dirty panels and detect potential issues early on. Understanding your warranty and insurance coverage can provide added peace of mind, knowing that any necessary repairs or replacements may be handled promptly and cost-effectively. With proper care, your solar panel system should continue to deliver sustainable energy savings for years to come.