As of 2020, only 2.3% of the energy produced in the US came from solar energy. Although it’s not very popular, solar energy is slowly gaining traction in the country. In fact, the US solar industry is expected to hit a staggering $239.18 billion by 2028.
Solar panels are known for being very low maintenance devices that only require a bit of scrubbing and cleaning once in a while. While this is partly true, it doesn’t mean you should toss solar panel la crosse wi maintenance to the back burner. Maintaining your solar panels is the only way to ensure their longevity and effectiveness.
Proper solar panel maintenance is a blur for most people, but that’s where we come in. Today’s post is the ultimate guide for maintaining your solar panels to get the most out of them.
Solar Panel Maintenance: Is It Necessary?
Most homeowners give little or no thought to their solar panels once they plop them up on their roofs. Thankfully, solar panels have no moving parts and thus require only slight maintenance to keep them in peak condition. That’s why most people can get away with not checking on their solar panels for a couple of years.
To answer the question, maintaining your solar panels is absolutely necessary if you want them to last a lifetime. This is especially important during the winter when there’s heavy snowfall. So how do you maintain your solar panels?
How to Maintain Solar Panels the Right Way
Apart from the photovoltaic (PV) cells made from silicone, the rest of the solar panel is made from tempered glass and aluminum. This makes solar panels pretty sturdy and gives them the ability to withstand hail and rough weather. Plus, the only moving parts that these panels have are the tracking pads, which rarely move.
That said, the only thing you have to do to maintain your solar panels is to keep them clean. That means removing any dust and debris from the surface of your panels. Homeowners with titled panels are lucky because the rain simply washes away any dust or debris.
If you’re not among the lucky ones, you’ll have to get your hands dirty, but not very dirty. A simple leaf blower will help you get rid of any leaves, twigs, and other debris on your solar panels. The garden hose will do a great job of removing any dust on the pane’s surface.
Solar panels require special attention during the winter because of the heavy snowfall. The easiest way to remove snow from your solar panels is by pouring lukewarm water on them. The warm water will melt the snow and make it easier for you to remove it.
It’s worth noting that you should only use lukewarm and, not hot water. Using hot water may make the tempered glass crack because of instantaneous expansion. Use a squeegee to get rid of snow on the panel’s edges.
How Often Should I Maintain My Solar Panels?
Clearly, residential solar panels don’t need much work in terms of maintenance. However, it’s no reason to forget about them completely. Here’s how often you should maintain your solar panels.
An Annual Inspection
Any smart homeowner will schedule a professional solar panel inspection at least once a year. This inspection will examine all parts of the solar panel to ensure it’s in tip-top shape. It also involves tests that check whether the solar panel is working as efficiently as it should.
Cleaning
As a rule of thumb, clean your solar panels at least twice a year. If you live in dusty regions or are surrounded by trees, you might have to do it more often. If you live in an area that experiences constant rainfall, you can get away with cleaning it once a year.
Additional Maintenance
If you notice any issues with your solar panel, schedule additional maintenance. Doing so helps ensure it works properly and is safe to use for your home’s power supply.
Signs That Your Solar Panel Needs Maintenance
Solar panels don’t need too much maintenance, but there are tell-tale signs that they need maintenance or repairs. Some of these signs include:
Irregular Power Output
If you’re getting low power from your solar panel and yet the sun is out, there could be something wrong with it. Contact a professional to get to the root of the problem ASAP.
Wiring Issues
Wiring issues are one of the most common problems with solar panels. That’s why it’s important to get the right solar panel installer to avoid future problems with the wiring. Keep in mind that electrical issues are very dangerous because they can start a fire and burn your whole house down.
Broken or Cracked Glass
Solar panels are sturdy but aren’t immune to cracks under extreme force. Sometimes heavy branches can fall on the panels and lead to cracks. These cracks will decrease the power output quite significantly.
Abrupt Shutdowns
Unexpected power shutdowns are a clear indicator that something is wrong with your solar panels. It could be something to do with the wring or maybe the inverter. Regardless of the cause, it’s best to contact a solar panel expert to help solve the issue.
What About Warranties?
If you’re considering going solar, one of the most important things to ask is whether the panels come with a warranty. The standard solar panel warranty will cover your solar panel for 15 to 25 years. It mainly covers manufacturer defects and equipment failure.
Anything aside from these means you’ll have to pay for repairs or maintenance. Major repairs can run into thousands of dollars. This is another good reason why you should never overlook solar panel maintenance.
Solar Panel Maintenance from the Experts
Solar panel home systems are a great way to save money on your energy bill and do your part to reduce your carbon footprint. But like any other type of equipment, solar panels require regular maintenance to keep them running efficiently.
Hiring a solar panel expert is the best way to ensure that your solar panels are properly maintained. Solar panel experts have the knowledge and experience to clean and inspect your solar panels, as well as troubleshoot any problems that may arise. They can also provide you with valuable tips on how to maximize the efficiency of your solar panel system.
While solar panel experts can be a bit pricey, they are well worth the investment if you want to keep your solar panels running at peak performance.
For more informative content about solar panel maintenance, check out the other posts on the site.
