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Solar Panel Maintenance: Everything You Need to Know

by Know it All Solar Nerds

Are you among the happy owners of a solar PV system? Even if you are still browsing and making yourself familiar with the details of having solar on your roof, you will appreciate a few insights into the maintenance requirements. Solar panels are a significant investment but also very long-lasting. In general, the useful life of solar panels is around 25 to 30 years; for some high-end panels, even longer than that. By properly maintaining your system, you can contribute to its performance and longevity. Let us give you our insights on what is required in terms of maintenance, which tools can help you, and the costs to expect.

How hard is solar panel maintenance?

The amount of research, development, and testing that has gone into solar panels in the last few decades is astounding. They have emerged as a product that is technologically sound and extremely durable. The surface of solar panels is usually made of tempered glass, protecting the solar cells underneath. Damage to the tempered glass renders the module inoperable, and it will have to be replaced or repaired by a specialist. Apart from that, maintenance is primarily limited to cleaning the panels. 

Roof-mount vs. Ground-mount

For obvious reasons, ground-mounted panels are much easier to maintain. Their accessibility for repairs and cleaning is more straightforward, and the process much faster. The same usually applies to pole mount systems. While they can be several meters above ground, they are generally much easier to access than a rooftop system. However, installing a system on your roof comes with significant advantages; no extra space is needed, and great sun exposure can be achieved more easily due to the height and slope of the roof. Hence, roof-mount systems are by far the most common in residential settings.

How often do I need to maintain my system?

While some providers suggest cleaning your panels twice a year, in reality, it depends on the circumstances at your location. Are there many trees close by dropping leaves and sap? Does there tend to be dirt, loose soil, or sand blown around? Are bird droppings covering your panels?

A steeper slope of your roof and the panels means debris is more likely to fall off. Lower pitch roofs generally accumulate more dirt, requiring more frequent maintenance. Precipitation can further help wash down any dirt deposits on the panels. Energy production losses will occur when dirt and debris accumulate on your panels. Keeping them clean will ensure they are producing energy at the highest possible level. 

A broad consensus in the industry is to have a solar PV system regularly inspected by a certified professional. Different manufacturers and installers may have varying timelines in mind. Most often, though, an annual inspection is recommended or requested for warranty purposes.

The weather factor

Yes, weather plays a role. While, in general, you want sunshine for your panels all day long, the occasional rain can actually help rinse off dust and debris. If you live in an arid climate, relying on the rain to clean your panels may not work that well. You would have to step into action yourself or hire somebody to do it for you. Your panels likely require to be rinsed off every 3 months to keep the energy flowing as desired.

What’s the easiest way to clean the panels?

A leaf blower or hose might do the job for debris and dirt accumulations. A suitable nozzle helps to spray the panels and loosen the dirt effectively. With more resilient deposits like bird droppings, you may need the help of a sponge or brush, preferably one with a long handle. A more specialised tool would be a water-fed pole with a brush end. Do not use any metal objects to scrape the panels, as this will cause damage. Also, avoid spraying water underneath the panels as you may damage wire connections and optimizers or microinverters. A leaf blower will be better suited for getting rid of debris caught between panels and racking.

Monitoring systems rock!

Monitoring systems are an elegant tool for checking in with your solar PV system. They allow you to see power generation on a specific day or during a particular time of year. You should be able to compare performance day to day, or across more extended time frames and determine if there is an unexpected change like a sudden lower system performance. Some come with alerts when panels malfunction or energy production drops. When that happens, look at the panels to see if you can spot anything unusual. Otherwise, a call to the manufacturer, installer, or servicing agent may be required to identify the problem. There is a lot of intel the monitoring system can give you about your solar panels. It’s not hard to become a great fan when you have an app on your phone that keeps you up to date. When selecting your solar PV system, make sure you like the monitoring application that comes with it.

Warranty stipulations

Product warranties may include that you are responsible for adequately maintaining the panels. Find out with your installer or manufacturer what the warranty implications are. You may have to perform regular inspections or have the panels professionally cleaned on a particular schedule. Keeping receipts for those services may also be required in order to prove that you have fulfilled your responsibilities, should you need to rely on the warranty. On the bright side, solar panel warranties will often cover damages caused by events such as hail or tropical storms, and you will be able to get your panels repaired or replaced.

What does the warranty cover?

Purchasing a solar panel with good warranty coverage is key. Sounds like a platitude, but often it is overlooked. You should make sure of two things:

  • The product warranty should be at least 15 years and cover damage through weather events.
  • It includes coverage for degradation, e.g., maximum degradation of 0.5% per year or maximum output after 25 years of 85%.

Why are those important? The first point is self-explanatory; the second one requires more detail. With your system guaranteed only to lose a certain amount of efficiency each year, you have somebody to call if it declines more than that. A technician will come out and assess the situation, and your problem will, in all likelihood, be taken care of.

How much does maintenance cost?

For one, the circumstances at your home determine how frequently your panels are dirty and need cleaning. Apart from that, the amount you spend on maintenance depends on how much you can realistically do yourself. If your roof is accessible and you have the required tools, you will likely spend an hour or two each time you clean the panels. In case you have to call in a service provider for the job, they will likely charge you in the area of $150-200. The cost for the recommended annual inspection will also be in that ballpark. With perfect conditions, i.e., where there is very little dirt and debris and precipitation rinsing your panels on a regular basis, you may not have to do anything at all. Wouldn’t that be nice!

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