If you have recently invested in solar panels then you’ll want to protect that investment. While this equipment usually comes with a generous warranty, that warranty may be voided if you don’t take proper care of the installation.
It might seem daunting to think that you’ll have to maintain such a complex system but it’s much more simple than most people imagine.
In fact, keeping your solar panel installation in good condition really comes down to three simple things:
- Cleaning
- Inspecting
- Repairing and replacing
In this short guide, I’ll be giving you some tips on exactly how to do this and ensure that your solar panels keep working optimally.
Cleaning Your Solar Panel Installation
Solar panels do not need to be cleaned all that often which is great news for homeowners as it limits the amount of maintenance you have to perform.
Your panels have a hydrophobic coating which is designed to help them stay as clean as possible because water (from precipitation) cannot stick to this material. But the good news is that, when it rains, the water will typically be enough to rinse off any debris.
Of course, you may need to wash your solar panels from time to time and most installers will recommend doing this every three to six months. The frequency depends on how much rainfall there has been. In dry spells, it may be necessary to clean them more often.
You don’t need to use any corrosive products to bring your solar panels back to life. In fact, spraying the panels with your garden hose will normally be enough to remove any dirt and debris. You might also use a leaf blower to get rid of any larger pieces.
Performing Regular Inspections
Most damage or faults will be covered on your solar panel warranty which generally lasts between 20 and 25 years. However, you may not be aware of these faults if the system continues to operate as normal.
Over time, any damage may result in a lack of performance so you’ll want to stay on top of this by performing regular inspections.
This can include physical inspections of the equipment itself as well as using monitoring apps that tell you whether the panels are performing optimally. It’s also a good idea to make notes on the performance of your panels to ensure that it is consistent. If you notice a drop in energy production then this could be a sign that there’s a fault that needs addressing.
When looking at the installation, you’ll need to check the lights on the inverter which should flash green when everything is working properly.
Making Repairs And Replacing Damaged Or Faulty Parts
In the event that you notice any problems with your solar panel installation, it’s vital to address these immediately. The longer you leave something unsolved, the more that issue may affect the overall performance and longevity of your installation.
As I have mentioned, most solar panel installations come with a very lengthy warranty which will cover malfunctions or a loss of power output. You’ll also have a (shorter) warranty for the workmanship so if anything goes wrong within the first few years, this can be put right free of charge.
Since a solar panel installation requires specialist knowledge to repair, it’s really important that you don’t try to fix the problem yourself. Doing this may result in further damage that likely won’t be covered by your warranty. Contact your original installer and they’ll be able to make sure that everything is back up and running in the safest and most effective way.
