As we’ve put forth many times, solar panels are an excellent investment for home and property owners. As with any utility or investment worth owning, some maintenance is required occasionally.
To keep your solar panel system performing optimally, you need to perform regular maintenance, and the good news is that most of these tasks are straightforward and can be performed with minimal effort. However, some maintenance tasks are better left to professionals.
In this article, we will discuss the upkeep tasks that solar array owners should expect to perform themselves and those best suited for professionals.
Solar Panel Maintenance – Annual Professional Inspection
The first task on the list of upkeep duties is an annual professional inspection, which ensures that your solar panel system is performing optimally. During the inspection, a solar technician will perform a comprehensive check of your system to ensure that all components are functioning correctly; this includes checking the wiring, inverter, and other electrical components. They will also check the panels to ensure there’s no damage and the array is functioning properly.
Getting this type of annual inspection is not too dissimilar from performing anticipated car checkups. Any issues affecting your system’s performance can be identified and addressed promptly via standard solar repair procedures. And trust us, performing these inspections yourself will not be the same as when done by a professional.
Debris Monitoring
Over time, dirt, dust, leaves, and other debris can accumulate on the surface of the solar panels, reducing their efficiency. Therefore, monitoring your panels regularly and cleaning them as needed is essential. Now, you don’t need to run out to clean your array every time a bird leaves a deposit, but keeping your array clear of debris is generally good housekeeping.
Cleaning your panels is straightforward, using a soft brush and a non-abrasive cleaning solution. However, it is recommended that you hire a professional for this task as they have the necessary equipment to perform the job safely.
Vegetation Management
Vegetation management is another important task for solar panel maintenance. Trees and other vegetation that grow near your solar panels can cast shadows on your panels, reducing their efficiency. Therefore, keep the vegetation around your solar panels trimmed to ensure that they receive maximum sunlight.
Inverter Maintenance
Solar inverters are an essential component of your solar array system. They convert the DC power generated by the solar panels into AC power that can be used by your home. If there are problems with the inverter, it is only recommended that you hire a professional solar repair company to perform the necessary repairs. There are many potential health hazards when working with high-voltage electrical equipment, so NEVER start poking around your solar inverter; consult a professional.
Connection Quality Checks
The final task on the list of upkeep tasks for solar panel maintenance is connection quality checks. Over time, the connections between your solar panels and the inverter can become loose or corroded, affecting the performance of your system. Therefore, it is essential to perform regular connection quality checks to ensure that everything is flowing as it should; this is a task that the homeowner can perform, but a solar technician should provide some training on what to look for.
Solar Panel Maintenance – Keep Your System Running for Decades
The above-mentioned tasks are essential for solar panel maintenance and should be performed regularly. Some tasks, such as annual professional inspections and solar repairs, are left to professionals.
As renowned Houston solar installers and one the best solar companies in Texas, we’d be delighted to help you better understand a solar maintenance schedule or help design your next solar project!
Contact us to get started on your free solar estimate.
