Solar panels are a great way to lessen your impact on the environment and power your home with clean, sustainable energy. That being said, solar panels are a big investment, and keeping them in good working order is a must. So, how often do solar panels need maintenance? We want to help you establish a solar panel care schedule that works for you.
Solar Panel Maintenance
As a general rule, solar panels are not going to need daily or even monthly maintenance. It is advised that you first and foremost have a monitoring app that lets you know if there is a change in efficiency, if there is any damage, or if there is any other issue that needs to be taken care of. These apps can help track output, dips in production, and so much more. If there is an issue, you are made aware of it before it gets out of hand.
Another general rule is that your solar panels should not need to be cleaned more than twice to four times a year. They should be installed at an angle so that the debris, rain, and other precipitation just roll off, and the panel is left clear. You can either try to do the cleaning yourself if you know how to do it properly without getting hurt or damaging the panel, or you can hire a company to inspect and clean your panels when they need it.
Your maintenance is not going to be covered in your warranty, but damage is. If you notice that there is something wrong with your solar panels, you should take the time to contact the warranty company or contact the company that installed them to have them come out and see if there is anything wrong and provide an inspection.
Are Solar Panels Maintenance-Free?
Though they are very low maintenance, your solar panels are not totally maintenance-free. You do have to keep track of issues as they appear, and you do need to make sure that you pay attention to your panels. If you notice that there is a change, it is your responsibility to get in touch with the installation company to have them come out and inspect the panels. They will determine if there is an issue that can be resolved or if there is some damage that can be fixed with the warranty.
If your panels are well installed and are quality, you will not have a ton of issues with getting them fixed and ensuring that they continue to provide clean power to your home.