As the world strives for a sustainable future, residential and commercial properties are adopting renewable energy sources, with solar panels becoming prevalent. Apart from providing clean energy, panels help you save money on electricity bills, and they are cheap. However, you must perform regular maintenance on the panels to obtain maximum benefits and a return on investment. Maintenance of panels mainly entails cleaning to remove dirt and debris that accumulate after some time, impairing the panels’ capacity to absorb sunlight and efficiently produce energy. Below is everything you need to know about maintaining clean and efficient panels.
Solar Panel Cleaning or Maintenance
Solars last for at most three decades. This is long enough to give you a return on investment, considering that they require little maintenance. These installations are advantageous because their clean energy helps you avoid substantial power bills. Nevertheless, to obtain maximum benefits from the project, you clean the modules frequently to remove dust, leaves, animal nests, and debris. The cleaning is easy, but if you lack the tools or feel unsafe accessing your roof, it is best to involve a professional.
You only require intensive cleaning during heavy snowfall or when birds build nests under the panels. The cleaning must be done correctly for optimum energy production and economic benefits.
Besides cleaning, maintenance also involves regular inspection by your panel installation company.
Although some panels last for up to three decades, not all do. The lifetime of your panels depends on several elements. The panels’ efficiency will decrease faster if exposed to extremely high temperatures, as the exposure leads to thermal stress, causing faster battery degradation.
Another factor that could hinder your panels’ performance and durability is shade. Even if the shade from trees or buildings only affects a few panels, others will be affected, too, because they are interconnected.
The final factor that could hamper your solar energy system's efficiency is dirt, including dust, leaves, and debris. These block the sunlight from reaching the panels, lowering efficiency. Regular cleaning is therefore required to remove the dirt because, when left for a long time, it will not only lead to inefficiency but could also cause permanent damage.
Monitoring the Health of Panels
You can quickly tell when your panels require maintenance because their performance usually dips. Many solar installation companies have mobile apps that clients use to monitor power production. So, when you notice the energy production dropping, it could indicate that the panels are shaded by dirt and cannot produce the usual energy because of the limited exposure to sun rays. You can check the panels to find the obstructed ones and clean them adequately to restore the standard performance.
Besides, a monitoring system can identify other factors affecting your energy output. Again, a monitor will notify you when a panel has malfunctioned so you can contact the installation company for repairs or replacement.
Panel Maintenance Frequency
The frequency of cleaning your panels should be interval-based or condition-based. Dirt is the primary reason your panels require maintenance. While experts encourage you to clean the panels biannually, your location, weather, climate, and environment will dictate the number of times you clean them for optimum energy output. Cleaning twice a year, regardless of the season, prevents excessive debris accumulation on the panels. If you wait longer before cleaning, more debris accumulates, which could permanently damage your panels.
You will clean the panels more than two times annually if you live in arid conditions with a lot of dust. In contrast, when you live in an area where rain is expected, you will clean your panels fewer times because the rainwater washes away the dust and debris, leaving the panels clean. In winter, you could clean the panels even four times because of the snowfall.
Therefore, the frequency you clean your panels depends on your unique circumstances. You can also read the manual that comes with the panels to understand how frequently you should clean them for enhanced efficiency.
Cost of Maintenance
When estimating the installation cost of a solar energy system, it is wise to factor in maintenance costs. If you include the cost of maintenance in the total cost of the installation, it becomes easy to estimate the duration for which you must wait for a return on investment.
Your solar installation company will charge $150 to $300 for annual maintenance inspections. You will also incur extra costs for repairs stemming from the inspection. If you prefer to hire your installation firm to do the cleaning, you will pay approximately $300 annually. So, when estimating when the project will break even, you should consider these costs.
Cleaning panels yourself can lower the maintenance cost. It is easy, but you must do it correctly to optimize performance. You do not require a permit or authorization from the local authorities to clean your panels. All you need is to be able-bodied and have the tools for the job. You can speak to your installer about the cleaning equipment and tips for cleaning to obtain the best results and avoid damaging the installation.
Safety concerns could arise when doing it yourself, mainly when the panels are on the roof of your house. If you lack proper equipment that ensures your safety, consider partnering with a solar installer. When you partner with professional cleaners, the job will be done safely and in less than two hours. Besides, you probably have hundreds of panels if yours is a commercial property. Cleaning these yourself can be a daunting task. In these situations, hiring professionals is recommended because they have the skills, tools, and labor to do the work.
Steps for Maintaining Your Panels
Regular cleaning can extend the life of your panels. Before cleaning, you should understand when it is most appropriate, the necessary tools, and the following steps.
On average, you should clean your panel twice annually, at the end of fall and the start of winter. If the area is dry, you can increase the number of times you clean to four.
Once you have decided when it is best to clean, you should pick the cleaning time wisely. Consider cleaning or maintenance works for early morning hours between 8am and 12am when the panels are fresh or cool. Cleaning past this time when they are exposed to dust and sunlight could cause thermal distress, damaging the batteries. Again, avoid cleaning when there is snow, rain, or wind.
If the time is right, clean the panels gently to remove dust, leaves, or debris that could affect performance. Ensure that the water you are using is pure. Deionized or distilled water is the best quality because it does not form mineral stains on the panels’ surface that could cause problems.
Similarly, you should clean the room using a mild detergent compatible with the panels' components, like glass or the protective layer. Avoid any materials that could rust, scratch the panels, or leave deposits.
Use brushes with soft bristles or sponges to clean the surface of the solar panels and avoid scratching the surface. The best sponges are microfibers because, with these chances of scratching, the panels are minimal.
When solar panels are installed on the roof, your brush or sponge should have an extended handle to enable you to clean higher or challenging surfaces to reach. If the task seems daunting, contact professionals to do it for you.
When you are done cleaning, let the panels air dry. You can also use a dry cloth to wipe the water off the surface of the solar panel. Nevertheless, be careful while drying to avoid scratching the glass or leaving behind material that could impair the module’s performance.
Check the installation from time to time to identify any physical damage. Talk to your installation company if you notice abnormalities like loose connections or extensive dirt accumulation that necessitate the services of a professional. Obtaining a monitoring mobile app can also help you track the system’s performance in real time. Should the monitor detect anomalies, you can inspect the panels in person or involve a professional. If the system works customarily based on the monitor, the two inspections scheduled per year are sufficient to keep the system effective.
Maintaining Ground-Mounted Panels
Cleaning modules fitted on the ground are easy for homeowners and even professional cleaners. With the panels at ground level, you can easily access them for inspection or repairs compared to when they are on the roof. When considering your cleaning needs, having panels at the ground level is highly beneficial.
However, the initial installation cost is significantly high. Also, the panels are more exposed to theft and damage because of their easy access. Therefore, when you choose this option, you should fence the area and install security cameras.
Maintaining Rooftop Panels
Rooftop panels are cheap to install, but maintenance costs are high. Before any repairs, inspections, or cleaning, you must access the roof first. You will need specialized equipment and more time for the work than when the modules are on the ground. Most property owners with these panels opt to hire professionals with experience because of safety concerns. Hiring professionals to clean is expensive, making maintenance of these panels costly in the long run.
Panel warranties
A warranty is an assurance from your solar panel installation firm that they will fix or replace your panels if they are defective or require replacement. Warranties last for a given duration, and during this period, the company performs free maintenance, repairs, or replacements in case of a problem. Solar panel producers give warranties for parts like inverters, batteries, or even the actual solar panels. Working with a company providing warranties is beneficial because you will not incur extra costs when the solar energy system requires repairs during the warranty period. Therefore, buy your solar panels from a manufacturer who offers a warranty.
When it comes to installation, consider experts who offer artistry warranties. Human is to error. Even the best panel installation companies make mistakes during installations, which could lower the system’s performance. Some parts could also be damaged during installation, prompting the need for replacement. Hiring a company offering workmanship warrants means that you will not pay for these extra expenses. The company will pay for them.
Additionally, find a company with power output or performance warranty assurance. You can install a renewable energy system without generating the expected power. If the system underperforms, it is up to the company to fix the problem and ensure your power output is as promised.
Another beneficial warranty is weatherization. It protects you from the extra costs of fixing the roof or panels during windy or rainy periods. Installing panels in the roof can leave behind significant damage, which you only notice during foul weather. The warranty will ensure you do not spend on roof maintenance for damage caused by the installation firm.
Warranties are vital to lowering panel maintenance costs. Therefore, when hiring, find a company that offers a wide range of warranties. Before signing a contract, ensure you understand the warranty and its conditions. If you have concerns, have them addressed before entering the contract.
Seek the help of the panel installers if you are pursuing a claim from the manufacturer. They will help you complete the necessary paperwork and ensure that the defective parts are replaced on time so that you can continue enjoying your investment.
Find a Reputable Solar Panels Installation Service Near Me
Solar panel maintenance is easy. You must monitor the system using an app and conduct regular inspections. You can also lower the maintenance cost by securing a warranty from the manufacturer or the installation firm. At Sun Solar Electric, we can help you with your solar installation and maintenance needs. Call us at 707-658-2157 to learn more about cleaning and maintenance or to start your renewal energy journey in the Bay Area and Northern California.
