The rise of home solar panels is one of the greatest achievements in modern history. Currently, 6% of US households have solar panels on their properties. At first glance, that may not seem like much, but that’s millions of homes that have added solar panels in the last few years!
However, with any new technology comes a slight learning curve. Let’s talk about solar panel maintenance to keep your energy bills down for as long as possible, courtesy of Simple Solar!
Solar Panel Maintenance Requirements
To start, solar panels are incredibly low-maintenance energy options. The glass and wires make up the bulk of your maintenance needs, which isn’t that much.
The glass on the top of the solar panels protects the panels and allows sunlight to absorb. This needs to remain unobstructed for the best results.
Moreover, the wiring allows your panels to transport your energy to your home, battery, or local energy grid. These need to remain connected and intact for efficient use.
The rest of the components are internal to the panels and protected from harsh weather. Therefore, you won’t need to maintain these but replace or repair elements as required.
How to Maintain Solar Panels
Maintenance of your solar system installation depends on a few factors. The most important difference is between rooftop and ground-mounted panels, which will require different safety precautions.
Also, different models may have different guidelines, much like car maintenance. Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule as closely as possible for the best results. Otherwise, here’s what you need to know!
Monitor Your Electricity
Without fraud alerts from your bank, monitoring your statement is the only way to know if someone else is using your credit card. Unfortunately, you won’t get updates if something is “stealing” your electricity.
There are many potential causes of electricity disruption from your solar panels. Knowing when these disruptions occur is essential for addressing them. Check out your energy statements each month and see if there are substantial changes you can’t account for with the seasons.
Keep Them Clear
Most solar panels will heat up to melt snow or ice, but keeping them clean is essential to get the most out of your panels. Make sure to sweep off debris, snow, or anything else with a soft-bristled broom.
Of course, this is much easier for ground-mounted solar panels. However, rooftop panels should not receive as much debris as they are higher off the ground. Therefore, you won’t have to do this nearly as often.
Sometimes, you may find other obstructions, such as overgrown tree branches, blocking some of the sunlight. Try to remove any obstructions as time goes by and vegetation grows for the best results.
Watch the Wiring
Don’t mess around with the wiring if you don’t know what you’re doing. Still, keep an eye on your cables to see if any debris, branches, leaves, or even animals may be interfering with your wiring setup. This could severely hinder your solar input.
Get Routine Checkups
Just like with your chimney, car, or personal health, a routine checkup can make a world of difference for your solar panels. Hiring solar professionals to inspect, clean, and maintain your panels could keep them running for as long as possible. This is especially helpful if you have rooftop panels!
How Long Do Solar Panels Last?
While it largely depends on the solar array expansion you purchase, most residential panels should last for at least 25 years with proper care. Once they reach that point, they may begin to lose efficiency but should still be able to convert sunlight into electrical energy. As a result, you should have no trouble keeping them for 30 years or more!
Install Solar Panels Today
Now that you know about proper solar panel maintenance, use these tips immediately. Solar panels are relatively easy to maintain, so a little goes a long way. Keep your energy bills low and property value high with some routine checkups!
Keep reading our blog for our latest solar news, and don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or for help with your solar panels!
