Installing solar panels on your home or business can be an excellent investment. You’ll save money on your energy bills and, over time, the solar panels will pay for themselves. It’s essential to make sure that your solar panels are properly maintained in order to keep them working as effectively as possible for as long as possible.
What Maintenance Do Solar Panels Require?
Fortunately for home and commercial building owners, there isn’t a lot of maintenance that needs to be done personally. To take proper care of your solar panels, you should do the following:
- Regularly clean your solar panels
- Monitor your solar panel output
- Visually inspect your solar panels
- Have your solar panels professionally inspected
Task #1
Clean Your Solar Panels
It’s important to keep your solar panels as clean as possible. This is because any dirt, dust, or debris could block the sunlight from reaching your solar panels, reducing the amount of energy they can produce.
How Often Should You Clean Your Solar Panels?
Ideally, you should clean your solar panels at least 2 to 4 times every year. How frequently is best depends on what kind of debris may fall on your solar panels. If your home has trees that could drop leaves or dirt onto your solar panels, you may need to clean them more frequently. If you live in a rainy location, you may not have to clean them as often because the rain will wash away some of the dirt.
How Should You Clean Solar Panels?
Solar panels typically come with instructions from the manufacturer on how to clean them. It’s best to follow these instructions because they may differ from instructions that you could find online. However, in general, you will need the following materials:
- Non-abrasive soap
- Water
- Brush with soft bristles
- Long handle for the brush
- Ladder
- Garden hose
If you’re going to clean your solar panels yourself, you should avoid going out onto your roof. Spray the panels with water from a distance and then use a long-handled brush to reach them so you don’t have to step onto the roof. A non-abrasive soap, which some recommend mixing with vinegar, can help to remove grime.
Task #2
Monitor Your Solar Panel Output
In addition to cleaning your solar panels, you should also keep an eye on how much energy they produce. It’s normal for solar panels to produce less on cloudy days. However, if you notice that they’re also producing less energy on sunny days, then that’s a sign that there’s something wrong with one or more panels. Depending on your solar panel system, you may be able to see whether or not certain panels are producing less energy than the other ones.
Task #3
Visually Inspect Your Solar Panels
It’s a good idea to look at your solar panels every now and again, especially after bad weather. You may be able to tell from the ground if there’s damage that requires you to call in a professional.
Task #4
Have Your Solar Panels Professionally Inspected and Repaired
You should have your solar panels inspected at least once a year by a professional. Solar panels are sophisticated equipment and homeowners should not try to DIY repairs. A professional will know what to look for regarding potential damage to the panels. You should also call a professional for maintenance and repairs whenever your solar panels aren’t producing as much energy as they should or you notice that there’s damage.