Generally, your solar panels will require very little maintenance. Typically, they only need an annual inspection and regular cleanings.
Unsoiled solar panels are more efficient and produce a higher quality of electricity. Keeping them clean is essential, especially in an area with heavy wind.
A sudden drop in energy production indicates that your solar panels need a tune-up.
Reinstallation
Solar panels are a solid investment, and like your car or home, you want to protect it against problems. A solar maintenance plan can help you do that, with options for monitoring, cleaning, and annual inspections.
The tempered glass of solar panels is designed to hold up in harsh weather conditions, but they can become less efficient if coated with dirt and debris. Even something as small as dust, pollen, bird droppings, or leaves can reduce the amount of power they produce. Routine cleaning is the best way to keep your solar panel system performing at its peak.
An excellent solar panels reinstallation in NJ package will include a warranty that covers any physical damage to your solar panels and the electrical components that connect them to your home’s energy system. A plan also covers any lapses in electricity production that may arise from normal wear and tear. These additional warranties can give you peace of mind and save you thousands in the long run.
Preventative Maintenance
Solar panels are relatively simple devices with few moving parts and minimal ongoing maintenance if installed correctly. The best quality solar panels typically have a 25-year warranty and will remain at optimum productivity for that entire period if they are well maintained.
Regular cleaning of your solar panels can be done using a garden hose and a soft, non-abrasive cloth. Regular cleaning can prevent dirt, dust, and bird droppings from reducing panel output and keep them free of debris, such as branches that could fall in storms.
Usage-based maintenance, also known as ‘runtime maintenance,’ is an asset management method that triggers maintenance at specified intervals or after a specific time in service. It is generally used for bounded assets, such as equipment, though facility managers can use this approach on any purchase.
The key to flipping a maintenance department from reactive to proactive is defining clear asset goals for each piece of equipment or system. Start by evaluating the manufacturer recommendations for each asset and determine what steps must be taken to achieve those goals.
Inspections
Home inspectors are seeing solar panels on more and more properties and noticing that these systems require special care. It’s essential for solar power to be inspected regularly to ensure that the system is functioning at its best, optimizing energy production and avoiding costly repairs or replacement costs.
Solar panels must be inspected twice to four times yearly to avoid dirt buildup and other issues like bird droppings and tree sap. It’s essential to check them in the fall and spring when dust can gather on the panels, and critters may be looking for something to gnaw on.
Solar panels can also get damaged by extreme weather conditions and physical damage like microcracks. These cracks can happen due to quickly changing temperatures or develop over time. Home solar inspections can catch these problems early and keep your system running smoothly for years. A good solar company should be able to offer comprehensive maintenance packages for the life of your panels. This way, they can give you peace of mind knowing that your new home solar system is working correctly.
Cleaning
Solar panels rely on sunlight for energy production, so they must be free of anything blocking their light. Dust, sand, pollen, leaves, and bird droppings can reduce energy output. If these items aren’t removed, they can also scratch the panel’s surface – creating microcracks.
Fortunately, cleaning your solar panels is relatively easy. You don’t need specialized equipment, but you must take safety precautions, like wearing a hard hat and harness. If you’re comfortable getting up on the roof, a hose and a soft sponge should be enough to clean your panels. However, you don’t want to use a pressure washer because the temperature discrepancy between water and solar panels can cause them to crack.
If you are uncomfortable doing it yourself, many solar companies offer regular cleanings as part of a lease or purchase package. Just be sure to check your solar company’s manual for maintenance advice that matches the specifics of your panel type and brand. It is important to note that harsh cleaning products or tools can void your warranty.
Repairs
While solar panels are an excellent long-term investment, they’re not immune to damage or malfunction. Fortunately, a perfect solar service package will provide repairs when needed.
Solar panel repair can include replacing bypass diodes in junction boxes and fixing damaged solar cells. A solar service technician can spot mechanical damage and address it immediately so your solar system generates as much energy as possible. You can tell something is wrong with your solar system if you notice that it’s not producing as much energy as it should be, either by tracking your electricity production with your solar system monitoring software or by reviewing the data on your electric bill. It’s also worth asking your installer about system warranties – many come with materials, artistry, and performance guarantees, covering items like inverters, batteries, and racking for a specified period.
Solar panels should never be opened up and tampered with by anyone trained. While the occasional inspection or cleaning can be done on-site by an experienced solar maintenance team, more extensive repairs should be handled offsite.
