Do Solar Panels Need Servicing?

Wondering if solar panels need servicing? Solar panels are one of the greatest investments you can make during your lifetime. They not only provide you with clean renewable energy but also help you contribute to saving the environment.

But a good investment means also low maintenance costs and efforts. Is it the case for solar panels? We would say yes. Maintaining them is not a big deal, yet some works you will need to do from time to time.

Here is a guide on how you should take care of solar panels so they function at full potential.

What kind of maintenance do solar panels require?

If you install a solar panel around your house, you will have to think little about its maintenance. Nonetheless, you will still need to accomplish some light works to ensure its optimal functioning.

Most of the time, you will have to deal with leaves and dirt so they don’t obstruct the access of sun rays. Sometimes you may want to let the leaves stay on the panel if they are in small quantities.

Indeed, 10-15 leaves will not make the panel fail, but they will make it function less productively. That is, the more obstruction exists on the surface of the panel, the less energy it produces.

This is why, removing the smallest amount of debris is crucial, even if it seems a waste of time at first sight. Sometimes, you will have to perform more complex and laborious maintenance. Here is how you can maintain your solar panels, extending their lifespan and increasing their output.

How to maintain solar panels?

Dry and rainy season

Tilted panels have an advantage that you may not know about yet. They allow the rainwater to wash away the debris and leaves that accumulate on them. It’s a sort of self maintenance that makes you forget about your debris removing task.

The tilted position doesn’t help though during the dry season. Since there is no rain, you will have to clean away the leaves and dirt yourself. Luckily, leaves, dust, and maybe some bird poop are not that hard to remove.

It’s light work that will take you 5 to 20 minutes depending on panel size and tools at hand. For perfect results, you want to use a leaf blower or a strong water jet to make the panel crystal clear.

A broom or a soft brush is also acceptable if the amount of debris is small. Generally, you need to maintain your panel 3-4 times per year. It is just an estimation, so the frequency can differ depending on the weather conditions in your area.

Which one is easier to maintain: roof panel or ground panel?

There is no much difference in maintaining a roof panel and a ground panel. Nonetheless, ground panels may have some advantages. It’s their better accessibility and higher positioning that keeps them away from the leaves of small trees.

What other activities does solar panels servicing include?

Besides simply cleaning the panels, you will also need to perform some routine check-ups, which include:

• Ensuring vents are not obstructed by debris
• Verifying wiring for defects
• Attaching loose cables if any exist
• Checking parts for corrosion

Do Solar Panels Need Servicing? – Conclusion

To wrap up, solar panels don’t require extensive servicing, yet some works are indispensable. You must always ensure leaves and dirt don’t obstruct the sun’s rays. In case of heavy snowfall, remove the snow with a jet of lukewarm water.

Avoid hot water, as it creates a temperature disparity with the cold panel, cracking it. Also, don’t forget to carry out routine check-ups. Which include: looking for corroded parts, loose cables, debris in vents, and others.