Solar Panel Maintenance: All You Need to Know

Solar panels can be a great investment, providing you with renewable energy for at least the next 25 years. But how do you maintain them? Do solar panels need regular maintenance like your car? Or should they be left alone? Below, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about solar panel maintenance.

Maintenance of Solar Panels in a Nutshell

Solar panels are very low maintenance, particularly if they’re tilted, because rain can wash away any debris. However, it’s recommended to clean your solar panels between two and four times per year. When cleaning, use extreme caution. Climbing around on your roof can be dangerous, so use a cleaning brush with a soft bristle and non-abrasive detergent. Clean the panels in the early morning before the sun makes them too hot. Remember, cold water and hot panels don’t mix.

Solar Panel Cleaning

Solar panel cleaning and maintenance are not covered by panel warranties. However, if you have damaged solar panels, they are usually covered. Efficient Home Services ensures that your panels are durable and can withstand Florida’s wet and stormy weather, including hurricanes.

Regular Solar Panel Maintenance

Solar panels require little maintenance to function properly, so you can generally leave them alone. Most solar panels only need a light cleaning every so often to ensure that dirt, leaves, and other debris don’t block the sun’s rays. Check underneath the panels to see if there are any signs of animals or debris. If this is an issue, you may want to invest in solar critter protectors.

If you find signs of animals nesting underneath your system, you may require more maintenance. In this case, you will need solar animal guards.

Monitoring Your Solar Panels’ Health

You can use an app to monitor the energy output of your solar panels. If your energy output is lower, it could mean that something like debris is blocking the panels, preventing them from producing their usual amount of electricity.

Integrating a system for monitoring solar panels in your setup allows you to track the amount of energy your panels produce each day and overtime. You can see how external factors impact your panels and their performance. You will be notified if any panel malfunctions or breaks so you can replace or repair it.

How to Maintain Solar Panels

If your panels are tilted, rainfall will remove any debris that has accumulated. During the dry season, or when there are long periods without rain, you should clean your panels manually. Clean your solar panels between two and four times per year. It may seem like a lot of work, but it doesn’t take long. You only need a leaf blower or a quick spray from a garden hose to get your solar panels clean.

In winter, after a heavy storm, you may have to clean your panels. Use lukewarm water to remove the snow. Use a squeegee with a long handle. Do not use hot water to remove snow from the panels. Panels are made from tempered glass, and extreme temperature differences between hot and cold water can cause them to crack.

The Impact of Extreme Weather on Your Solar Panels

Solar panels are built to last. Solar panels installed with high-quality materials can withstand various weather conditions, including wind, rain, and snow. According to the Department of Energy, solar panel energy resilience is high, as evidenced by the limited damages to solar systems during Hurricane Florence in 2018.

They are not indestructible, though. On rare occasions, they may be damaged by storms, hail, or even lightning. As long as your warranty is good, you can have damaged panels replaced or repaired.

Ironically, heat is the most common weather condition that affects solar panels. Panels lose efficiency by approximately 1% for every degree above 77°F. Elevating the panels a few inches off the ground or roof allows for air circulation, which helps to cool them and maintain energy production. Efficient Home Services considers local climate factors when installing your panels, ensuring optimal performance even in hot temperatures.

Repairing or Replacing Solar Panels

It’s best to call a professional to repair or replace your solar panels. Contact Efficient Home Services if your panels are losing efficiency. We will send someone out to evaluate the situation and either replace or fix the panels. If you have physical damage to your panels, this is often covered by a separate warranty. We can help you determine who is best suited to replace the damaged panels. Do not attempt to repair or install solar panels unless you have experience with solar systems.

Are Solar Panels Difficult to Maintain?

Overall, solar panel maintenance is fairly simple. A quick cleaning will keep your solar panels working effectively if you see dust, debris, or snow. Also, ensure that the panels come with a warranty so that if they break, you can get them replaced.

If you follow these guidelines, your solar panels will continue to work at maximum efficiency for many years, providing you with clean, renewable energy. Efficient Home Services is here to help you with all your solar panel maintenance needs.

Ready to ensure your solar panel maintenance is handled by experts? Contact Efficient Home Services today for a free consultation. Visit our website or call us to learn more about how we can keep your solar panels in top condition.