Solar Maintenance: What You Need To Know?

Congratulations, you’ve made the switch to solar! Your investment is a smart one that can provide you with clean, renewable energy for the next 25 years or more. Post-purchase, though, you might have questions on what types of maintenance are necessary to keep your system running at peak performance. Do solar panels require regular maintenance similar to cars and homes, or do they stay optimized for years after installation? Solar Alternatives has the answers.

Do solar panels require maintenance?

Solar energy systems are designed to provide value for decades. As such, high-quality solar panels are engineered to last. That said, if you want to ensure your system provides optimal levels of clean energy to your home or business, a few types of regular maintenance are required and highly recommended. Performing regular, preventative maintenance not only keeps your solar panels running at peak performance, but saves you time and money by having to address costly issues should they arise in the future.

What types of solar panel maintenance are recommended?

The types of preventative maintenance your solar panels need is highly dependent on the season and type of climate you live in. Rainy, dry, and wintry weather can all bring their own complications when it comes to optimizing your solar system. The effects of storms, accumulation of dirt and debris, and even uninvited critters can cause unexpected and troublesome issues. Before you experience any sudden loss of production, a few important types of solar maintenance are recommended:

• Performance Check

Is your system producing as much energy as it can? As much it should? There is only one way to know, and that is by conducting a performance check. The more energy your system produces, the less you need to rely on the utility grid and the more energy independent you become.

• Panel Cleaning

Your solar panels require as much direct sunlight as possible to operate at peak performance and efficiency. As such, any amount of dirt and debris that can build up over time can result in lower production. Regular solar panel cleaning ensures that your solar panels capture as much sun light – and produce as much power – as possible.

• Wire Management

Sometimes the smallest issues can have the largest effects. The deterioration of wiring – many times due to unwanted critters – can have a big impact on your system’s production. Wiring upgrades, management, and critter guards can prevent this issue before it happens.

• Surge Protection

Storms are some of the most unpredictable and costly events that can negatively impact your system. Solar panel arrays, like all electronic devices, are vulnerable to surges in voltage that can harm components and interrupt production. Upgraded surge protection safeguards your investment, preventing costly damage and downtime.

How often should my solar energy system be maintained?

Solar Alternatives minimally recommends an annual maintenance review that includes a regular performance check, solar panel cleaning and system audit. Performing this preventative maintenance helps to reduce the worry and urgent needs that can arise when small issues compound into much larger ones. During this time, you have the chance to identify both potential problems and opportunities to further improve the performance of your system.

What kind of maintenance does my solar panel need?

The only regular maintenance needed for your solar panels is cleaning and an annual inspection. Otherwise, as long as your panels are working properly, they won’t need additional maintenance throughout the year.

Need Service?

Solar Alternatives is here for all of your solar service and maintenance needs – whether your system was installed by our team or not. Get in touch with our experts to schedule an annual checkup and sign up for one of our worry-free maintenance plans to make sure you’re maximizing your clean energy production all year long.