The Importance of maintaining your Solar Panels (and where to begin!)

Solar Panel Maintenance

One of the best things about installing solar panels is how little they need to be maintained. They don’t have any moving parts, so the solar panels don’t experience a lot of wear and tear.

However, a solar panel system is a considerable investment. Cleaning and maintaining solar panels is an essential component to extending their lifespan.

If you’re not sure what parts of your solar system need to be maintained and when to do it, no problem. We’ll go over the importance of solar panel maintenance so you can keep your solar panels operating in optimal condition.

Keep your Solar Panels clean

Dust can build up over time on your solar panels, decreasing the efficiency of your solar panel system. A little bit of dust doesn’t have a huge adverse effect since light can still filter through but over time, if that dust isn’t washed off, it can thicken and then you’ll start to have issues. Nature helps eliminate some of the built-up grime on the panels when it rains, but it can’t cut through everything that’s coating your panels.

Another thing to keep in mind is that leaves can also block the sunlight. Dry leaves can get blown off by the wind however, when the leaves get wet, they’ll get heavier and stick to your panels.

If your solar panel system is near deciduous trees, they’ll not only drop leaves but attract birds as well. We’ve discussed the damage bird poop can have on your solar system here but in short, a build-up of bird poop can decrease the performance of your solar panel system even more than dust does.

If you begin to notice leaves piling up on your solar panels, find that birds are nesting on your roof or live in a particularly dusty area, please don’t attempt to clean your solar panels. Being on a roof is incredibly dangerous and cleaning solar panels without the proper knowledge could lead to you damaging them. Here at SolarFix, we recommend that you contact a qualified solar panel company to handle the job for you.

Is there new shading over your Solar Panels

The goal of your solar panels is to absorb as much of the sun’s UV rays as possible but they can’t perform properly if they’re in the shade.

If nearby growing trees start to cause more shade over your solar panels, work with a local tree company to have them trimmed back. It’s not something you should do yourself as you don’t want to potentially damage your solar panel system.

Check for damaged Panels

Solar panels are strong and can last beyond their 25-year warranty. Unfortunately, sometimes problems will arise before then – this can include defects or damage from external elements.

It can be challenging for the average homeowner to detect if their solar panels need replacing. One way you can determine it is if you notice the performance of your system starting to decline.

A professional solar panel company can inspect all of your solar panels and check for damage. Additionally, they’ll evaluate the system output of your solar panels and determine where the problem lies within your entire system. They can also recommend if you’re in need of solar panel replacement.

If you believe your solar panels might be damaged, please call our friendly solar experts on 0497 524 407 for a no obligation quote.

Keep track of all maintenance work

Any time you have your system repaired, cleaned, or maintained, keep a note of it in a logbook. If any issues arise in the future that need diagnosing, it’ll be helpful for your technician to see what’s been done in the past.

Staying on top of regular solar panel servicing and cleaning will ensure they continue performing optimally throughout their entire lifespan.

Service your Solar Inverter

Another way to keep solar panels operating at 100% is that have your solar inverter serviced yearly. Your inverter performs the most critical job of your system: converting DC electricity into AC electricity that your home can use. Although your solar panels don’t have any moving parts, your inverter certainly does. Depending on the brand, how it was installed and where it was installed, they can wear down over time. Typically, a solar inverter needs to be replaced every five to 10 years.

Engaging a solar inverter repair company to service and maintain your system will evaluate if your inverter isn’t operating at full capacity and will provide advice on what should be done.

Invest in Solar Panel Battery Storage

A solar battery stores excess electricity that you can use at a later time. If the power goes out and there’s a blackout, you can tap into the electricity that’s stored in the battery.

While you may not want to invest in a solar battery when you have your system installed, it might be something you consider overtime. Your solar panel technician can help you determine when installing a battery makes sense and what size is best suited for your needs.

Contact Solarfix for help maintaining your Solar Panels

When the time comes for maintaining and cleaning solar panels, that’s not a job you should try to do yourself. Let the professionals at Solarfix inspect, repair, and clean your solar panels, ensuring their lifespan is extended.

Contact Solarfix today to schedule solar panel maintenance and cleaning services.