Installing solar panels is a great way to produce clean, low-cost energy for your home. Finding the best information on maintenance on solar panels, Del Sol Energy has compiled the When trying to find a Solar panels can last up to 25 to 30 years, but to get the most out of the value of your solar panels, you need to ensure they are properly maintained.
You want to protect your investment, and solar panels are extremely durable for the most part. Panels are made from tempered glass, anodize aluminum, and have no moving parts aside from tracking arrays. If anything were to go wrong with your solar panels, most have a lengthy warranty that covers replacement and repair costs.
Maintenance on Solar Panels: Where Should I Start?
Solar panels require little maintenance to keep them working properly for your home. The most common maintenance you will have to perform is cleaning your panels. Your panels can collect dirt and debris over time and through stormy weather that could reduce the effectiveness of your solar panels. Cleaning can clear a path so your panels can get the most sunlight and you can get the most energy. You will want to clean your solar panels at least twice a year, and you can adjust depending on your location and the weather events in your area.
Your panels will need annual inspections to ensure they are working as they should and are producing the energy that your home needs. This maintenance requires a professional to come out and take a look at your panels. It’s usually someone from the solar panel installation company. If you do notice any issues or anything off, you can schedule maintenance to have someone come check it out.
How Much Does Maintenance on Solar Panels Cost?
Most homeowners will hire a professional to have someone come to clean and inspect their solar panels, given the location is on the roof. Hiring a professional is an affordable option. The average costs run around a total of $300 to $700 depending on the number of panels you have and how many cleanings you need—maintenance and cleaning each average around $150.
How to Monitor Your Solar Panels
The only way you will be able to detect a problem with your solar panels is to monitor the performance regularly. You will want to do this by checking certain aspects of your system daily, monthly, and annually.
Daily monitoring involves monitoring the display to ensure the green light is on and working correctly. For many systems, you will have access to monitoring software that can track and diagnose if any failures occur.
Monthly monitoring involves checking your physical panels to ensure clean and free of debris. You’ll want to check the panels and the PV array to ensure there isn’t an accumulation that prevents any movement.
Annual monitoring is a little more involved and involves the daily system checks and the monitoring of the system’s cleanliness. A professional will come out to perform the maintenance, which includes:
- Checking cabling to ensure its secure
- Checking the panels in detail for cracks or scratches
- Reviewing the mounting hardware to ensure it’s in good condition and secure
- Checking the breakers for damage and verifying isolation devices are working
- Checking for water damage or accumulation throughout the system
- Verifying DC voltage to the inverter and checking for damage
Your solar panels will last years if you keep up on your cleaning and maintenance regularly. Call Del Sol Energy today for a free consultation.
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