Solar panel maintenance is usually done only a few times a year and is quite easy.
Regular maintenance is necessary to guarantee the longevity and best performance of solar panels because dirt, dust, and bird droppings can accumulate on their surface and block sunlight from reaching them. This reduces the amount of energy they produce and can potentially cause other problems.
In this article, we’ll provide a solar panel cleaning guide and explain what solar panel maintenance is, how it is done, and why it is important. Let’s dive into it!
Do Solar Panels Require Maintenance?
Solar panels usually require very little maintenance to function. The only thing solar panel maintenance involves is periodic light wiping to make sure that mud, leaves, and other impurities do not interfere with the sun’s rays.
More thorough maintenance will only be necessary during times of intense snowfall or if your panels' ability to produce energy starts to decline.
So, solar panel maintenance is not complicated, and it doesn’t require any kind of special skills, knowledge, or expertise.
How To Maintain Solar Panels: 7 Best Tips and Practices
Maintaining solar panels is essential for ensuring optimal performance and prolonging solar panel lifespan. Here are some essential maintenance tips:
#1. Clean Them Regularly
The best way to clean solar panels is by using a hose and a soft bristle brush. This is the easiest method to keep your solar panels free of debris.
Begin by gently rinsing the surface with water to remove loose dirt. Then, using a soft brush, carefully rub the deposits. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can damage the panels.
For more persistent dirt, such as bird droppings or stubborn deposits, you need to pre-soak the area. A mixture of lukewarm water and mild dish detergent can help remove this type of dirt without damaging the panel's surface. Apply the soapy water, let it sit for a few minutes, then proceed with gentle rubbing and rinsing.
During winter, you may need to clean the panels after heavy snowfall. If you use water to clean the snow, make sure it is lukewarm. You can also use a squeegee with a long handle.
Note that you should never use hot water when cleaning snow from panels. The panels are made of tempered glass, and the extreme temperature difference between hot water and cold panels can cause them to crack.
#2. Choose the Right Time for Cleaning
Solar panels should be cleaned at least twice a year and more often if you live in an area with a lot of dust and dirt. It is recommended to clean the solar panels in spring and autumn. In spring, solar panels can be covered with dirt, dust, and remnants of snow and ice. In the fall, solar panels can be covered with leaves and other debris.
As for the optimal time for cleaning during the day, it is best to clean the panels on a cloudy day, early in the morning or in the evening. This prevents water from evaporating quickly and leaving marks or stains.
#3. Learn How to Visually Inspect Solar Panels
Inspect the solar panels for any physical damage, such as cracks or corrosion on the frames. If you notice any damage, contact a professional to assess the problem and determine if an intervention is needed. Also, check the panels regularly for debris, such as leaves or pine needles, that could get stuck in the frames and prevent them from functioning properly.
It is also important to check the solar panels for any signs of mold or mildew, which can cause permanent damage if left untreated. If you notice them, use a diluted solution of water and bleach to remove them.
#4. Dry the Panels Properly
If the conditions allow, it is ideal to leave the panels to dry naturally in direct sunlight, as this would minimize streaks left after cleaning. However, this may not be possible in humid and cold weather.
In that case, use a squeegee to remove residual water and prevent the formation of spots from minerals in the water. Then, choose a soft, non-abrasive, lint-free cloth or microfiber towel and gently go over the panels to absorb the remaining moisture.
#5. Check the Inverter and the Mounting System
Before cleaning the solar panels, you should always check the solar inverter and the mounting system. It is best to follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions regarding the inverter check.
However, it is also important to check the inverter and the mounting system after the cleaning for any signs of water ingress or dirt. Bear in mind that you should never spray water directly on the inverter and that you should keep it dry to prevent electrical damage.
As for the mounting system, make sure to remove debris and buildup near the mounts in order to prevent corrosion and structural issues.
#6. Take All Safety Measures
Since it is often necessary to climb onto the roof to clean the panels, you need to take safety precautions to protect yourself from potential accidents. Ensure that the ladders and equipment you use to climb the roof are safe and in optimal condition. For parts of the roof that are inaccessible, it may be best to seek professional help.
#7. Check the Condition of the Roof
In addition to regular cleaning and maintenance, it is also important to keep the surrounding area of the solar energy system clean and well-maintained. This includes trimming any branches or bushes that might shade the panels, as well as removing any debris that has accumulated around them.
Regular inspections should be carried out to check for signs of damage or wear and tear that could compromise the structure of your roof and mounting system. This may include checking for cracks, tears, rust, corrosion, loose screws, cracked tiles, and other signs of damage. If you notice any problems regarding the roof, they need to be addressed immediately.
Seasonal and Weather-Related Solar Panel Maintenance
For maximum efficiency, solar panels need to be properly cared for in every season. Here are the important guidelines for each period:
- Spring: Watch out for debris like leaves or bird droppings that could interfere with sunlight on the solar panels. Cleaning can make them much more efficient. Also, check for wear and tear that might have happened in the previous season.
- Summer: During hot months or seasons, monitor the system to determine if it is heating. Make sure that the panels are not shaded by nearby trees or buildings, as this will affect their effectiveness. Conducting regular checks can reveal performance drops that would require professional help.
- Autumn: Fallen leaves could damage the entire setup by accumulating moisture. So, remove them and any other debris that may accumulate during fall to avoid blocking the necessary sunlight exposure.
- Winter: Fast snow removal prevents a drop in energy production and possible destruction. Continue to check panels for ice and monitor their efficiency under severe weather conditions. If there’s a lot of snow accumulation, a plastic shovel with smooth edges can be used to gently remove it from the panel. Be careful not to use metal tools that can scratch the glass, though.
How Often Do Solar Panels Need to be Maintained?
The frequency of solar panel maintenance depends on weather conditions, geographical location, and roof tilt angle. The greater the tilt angle at which the panels are installed, the less dirt is retained.
That’s because rain naturally washes the solar panels, so, in conditions of increased precipitation, direct cleaning is less often required. Wind can also blow dust off panels and help in solar panel maintenance.
Furthermore, panels located near arable fields, agricultural lands, and areas with greater pollution need more frequent maintenance.
For households where the roof is mostly covered with tiles, the inclination angles are indeed larger, and therefore, the retention of dirt is weaker. For roofs with a slight slope, most often for industrial halls and canopies, it is characteristic that dirt is retained at the base of the panel along the edge of the frame.
The Cost of Solar Panel Maintenance
The solar panel maintenance cost depends on the solar power system size, location, and type of cleaning that is needed. Additional repairs discovered during cleaning can increase the initial price. Generally, residential users of solar panels should account for $150 to $300 annually for elementary maintenance, and if you plan on DIY solar panel cleaning,
If you want to hire professional cleaning services, the costs will be higher, as professional cleaning services typically charge between $15 and $35 per panel.
Inspection of solar system components should also be done once a year, and its costs range between $100 and $300, depending on the system's complexity and the chosen provider.
Additionally, you should consider the cost of special services like winter snow removal or part replacement and repair.
Solar Panel Warranties
Solar panel warranties are designed to provide coverage for specific components of your system. Most solar panel warranties cover defects in material or workmanship and come with a specific time period during which they are valid.
It is important to read the warranty carefully and understand what it covers and what it does not cover before making any decisions. Also, make sure to keep all documentation related to your installation, maintenance, and warranty for easy reference in case of any problems.
The most common warranty on solar panels is 12 years for manufacturing technology and 25 years for electrical efficiency. The warranty on the inverter is usually 5 to 10 years.
It is also important to note that a warranty usually doesn’t cover damage caused by improper installation, maintenance, or vandalism.
Solar Panel Maintenance: 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid
If you decide to clean solar panels by yourself, it is important to check if the manufacturer has given any special instructions for maintenance. Apart from that, here’s a solar panel maintenance checklist that will help you avoid common but serious mistakes and keep the solar system healthy and durable:
- Do not clean solar panels in direct sunlight during midday. Solar panels mustn’t be too hot during cleaning, as this could lead to streaking and residue buildup, damage to coatings, and thermal shock as a result of the contact of cold water and hot panel surfaces.
- Use lukewarm water for cleaning. If you use cold water and the panels are hot or vice versa, they can crack due to extreme temperature oscillation.
- Never use abrasives for cleaning. It is best to use diluted soap made from ecological detergent.
- Wash solar panels only with a low-pressure water jet and avoid using high-pressure cleaners or steam jets.
- Ensure that solar panels are switched off and de-energized during cleaning.
When to Seek Professional Help for Solar Panel Maintenance
Whenever you are not sure how to solve problems with your solar panels, it is best to seek professional help. This is especially true when dealing with more complex issues such as wiring shorts or corrosion.
Some situations in which hiring a professional may be a better option are those involving hard-to-reach panels, performance issues, inverter malfunctions, cracked panels, or sudden drops in energy output.
Professional solar panel technicians have the knowledge and experience needed to properly diagnose and repair any problems that may arise. They can also provide advice on best practices for maintenance and upkeep to ensure your solar panels perform at optimum levels.
If you are unsure how to identify or fix problems with your solar panels and ensure the safeguarding of your solar system, you can always contact Portable Sun professionals for advice, support, and solar energy maintenance tips.
Final Thoughts
Solar panel maintenance is essential to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your solar power system. Regularly cleaning and monitoring your panels, removing obstructions around them, and checking the integrity of your roof or mounting system are important steps to keep your solar power system running smoothly.
Additionally, having a solid grasp of the parts of your solar system and being aware of the possible issues can help you identify and address any problems as soon as they occur.
Solar Panel Maintenance FAQ
#1. Are solar panels hard to maintain?
No, solar panel maintenance is easy. In most cases, it is enough to clean the panels twice a year and to perform regular annual inspections to ensure optimal solar system performance and longevity. Creating a solar panel inspection checklist can be very useful in this regard.
#2. What happens if solar panels are not cleaned?
If solar panels are not cleaned, their efficiency may be significantly decreased. Dirt, dust, debris, and bird droppings can accumulate over time and affect the energy output.
#3. Is solar panel maintenance worth it?
Yes, solar panel maintenance is worth it. Simple, regular checkups and cleaning ensure maximum efficiency and longevity and prevent potential damages, thus providing you with the most value from your solar investment.
Disclaimer: The content on Portable Sun is for informational purposes only. Electrical work can be dangerous—always consult a qualified professional. We are not liable for any injuries, damages, or losses from installation or use. Always follow local regulations and safety guidelines when handling electrical components.