Solar Panel Maintenance: Tips for Long-Term Efficiency
Switching to solar energy is a smart and sustainable choice, but to maximise the benefits, it’s crucial to maintain your solar panels properly. Regular maintenance ensures that your panels operate at peak efficiency, providing you with consistent energy output and extending the lifespan of your system. Here’s a guide on how to maintain your solar panels effectively.
1. Regular Cleaning
Dust, dirt, and debris can accumulate on the surface of your solar panels, reducing their efficiency by blocking sunlight. In most areas, natural rain is sufficient to clean your panels, but in dry or dusty environments, they may need to be cleaned manually.
Safety First: at CBR, we do not recommend that homeowners get on the roof to clean their own panels. It is very dangerous to be on a roof at any time without the right safety gear and training, but it is significantly more dangerous when the roof has become wet from washing the panels. Rooftop falls are the #1 injury cause for solar installers, and they know what they’re doing. Even though they have restraint harnesses and/or safety railings, just the fall onto the tiles, panels or rails can easily cause injury. If you slip without any restraints in place, your next stop could be the ground! The below points are meant to give you knowledge, however, if you think your panels need cleaning beyond what you can do with a hose from the ground, please contact us.
How Often to Clean: Ideally, panels should be cleaned every six months. However, if you notice a significant drop in energy output, or there has been a long drought, it may be a sign that they need cleaning sooner.
How to Clean: If the panels are visible from the ground, it is okay for homeowners to use a hose to rinse them. Non-visible or very dirty panels may need closer attention from a professional. CBR maintenance crews will typically use a soft brush, cloth or sponge with warm water. Panels will then be rinsed and squeegeed dry. We avoid harsh detergents or abrasive materials that could damage the surface of the panels. We never use pressure washers as they can force water through the seals and destroy the panel!
Bird droppings: birds and bats leaving their business on your panels can definitely interrupt the energy flow in the same way that shade does. Again, harsh detergents or abrasives will not be used. The best method is to break down the droppings with warm water and a soft brush or sponge, then rinse.
2. Monitor Energy Output
Regularly monitoring the energy output of your solar system can help you spot potential issues early. CBR solar systems come with monitoring software that allows you to track energy production in real-time.
Why It’s Important: A sudden drop in energy output could indicate a problem with your panels, such as shading, dirt build-up, or a technical fault in the inverter(s) or switches.
What to Do: If you notice a consistent drop in output, contact us for an inspection.
3. Trim Nearby Trees and Vegetation
Shading from trees or buildings can significantly reduce the efficiency of your solar panels. Over time, trees can grow and cast shadows on your panels, especially during the crucial daylight hours.
What to Look For: Regularly check for any new sources of shading. Even small shadows can affect performance.
Maintenance Tip: Trim back any trees or vegetation that could potentially block sunlight from reaching your panels.
New structures on the roof: if you are having a new TV antenna, satellite dish or AC unit installed on your roof, make sure it will not throw shade onto your panels. If possible, the new structure should be located south of the panels to eliminate the shading risk.
4. Inspect for Physical Damage
Although solar panels are durable and designed to withstand various weather conditions, they can still suffer from physical damage, especially in areas prone to hail, high winds, or tree branch falls.
When to Inspect: After severe weather events, it’s a good idea to inspect your panels for any visible damage, such as cracks or loose connections. if you have trees in your yard or nearby, look for dead or dying branches that could pose a risk and take preventative measures.
What to Do: If you find any damage, contact us for repairs as soon as possible. Damaged panels can lead to reduced efficiency and may even pose safety risks.
5. Schedule Professional Inspections
While regular maintenance such as panel hosing is important, it’s also recommended to have your solar system inspected by a CBR professional every 1-2 years.
What Our Professionals Check: During a professional inspection, our technicians will check the wiring, mounting, and overall condition of your panels and inverter(s). They can also provide the above-mentioned advanced cleaning services if necessary.
Why It’s Worth It: Professional inspections can help identify potential problems before they become serious, ensuring your system continues to operate at its maximum efficiency.
6. Keep an Eye on Your Warranty
Solar panels typically come with a warranty that covers performance and physical defects.
Why It’s Important: Understanding your warranty can help you take advantage of repairs or replacements if something goes wrong with your system.
What to Do: Keep all documentation related to your solar installation and review the terms of your warranty periodically. Contact us for any warranty issues or questions.
Conclusion
Proper maintenance is key to getting the most out of your solar investment. By keeping your panels clean, monitoring energy output, and scheduling regular inspections, you can ensure that your solar system continues to provide efficient and reliable energy for years to come.