Solar Panel Maintenance

Solar panels are an investment in renewable energy infrastructure. The one who installs the panel isn’t going to install it or change it over the period of time. The industry standard for most solar panels’ lifespans is 25 to 30 years. This lifespan is measured considering several factors like the quality of solar materials, manufacturing process, solar panel installation, and aftercare. To ensure optimal results and longevity, regular maintenance is necessary.

However, the question is,

Why Do Solar Panel Need to Be Maintained?

Let us understand the reason for its maintenance, some tips to maintain a solar panel, a solar panel maintenance checklist, and lastly the do’s and don’ts.

Dust and Debris Accumulation

As the Panel is installed outside, dirt, debris, and droppings gradually get collected on the solar panels which blocks the sunlight from reaching the solar cells and slowly reduces energy output. Time-to-time cleaning is hence crucial to remove these contaminants and optimize efficiency.

Environmental Factors

Solar panels are vulnerable to natural forces like rain, wind, and temperature fluctuations. These conditions can cause damage and degradation over time. Regular maintenance allows for early detection and repair of any environmental impacts, ensuring sustained panel performance.

Shading and Obstructions

Tree shadows, structures, and other obstacles can harm solar panels. Even slight shading can make “hot spots” on the panels, which lowers power output. To keep the panels running well, check for shading and fix it by trimming trees or moving the panels

Equipment Malfunctions

Solar panels have many parts, like inverters, wires, and mounting gear. They all need to be checked and fixed regularly. If any of these parts break down, the whole system can be less effective. Fixing problems early on through regular maintenance helps keep the system running smoothly.

Efficiency Optimization

Going beyond just cleaning and checking, actively taking care of solar panels can make them work better. Some of these ways include:

Changing the angle or direction the panels face so they get the most sunlight.
Putting up shades to keep the panels from getting too hot.
Setting up smart systems that watch how the panels are doing and tell you what can be done better.

In short, neglecting maintenance can lead to reduced energy production, increased operating costs, and potential damage to the solar panels and associated equipment in the long run.

Solar Panel Maintenance Checklist

What you must keep in mind for maintaining your solar panel? There are several things that you must do to keep your solar panel working intact. Let us give a quick check:

Check if there is any sign of physical damage such as cracks or chips and make sure all the connections and solar wirings are secure.
You can hire a specialist who is good at maintaining and cleaning the panels, but if you want to keep care by yourself then make use of a soft brush or sponge and a mild detergent.
Check all the electrical connections time-to-time
Ensure proper airflow around the panel to prevent overheating
Schedule periodic inspections with a qualified solar auditor to assess system health and address any maintenance issues.

Tips for Solar Panel Maintenance

Create a checklist of Solar Panel Checklist

As discussed above, keep a checklist ready for the panel that includes yearly cleaning and inspection. This will help to keep an organized track and if there are any minor problems also, it can be shut down immediately.

Mostly, when panels are installed in large areas like in companies, they hire a solar auditor who helps them to do the inspection and provides a free checklist of the overall panel.

Review the Guidelines for Solar Panel Maintenance Provided by the Manufacturer

The quality of raw material used in solar panels, how a panel is manufactured, the type of solar panel, and the brand from where you get a solar panel, all things need to be considered as they have variations in how the panels need to be maintained. We would here recommend not going online for this and relying on the manufacturer’s guidelines only. The guide must have the following information:

Can you walk on solar panel?
How much walkable weight the panel can bear
Materials you can and cannot use for cleaning the panel
How often the panel needs to be cleaned

Keep a Record of Your Solar Power Generation

The solar panel’s efficiency of generating energy out of the amount of sunlight it catches is around 33%. Hence, you need to keep check of the solar panel efficiency so that it may not get hindered due to several reasons. You can check it by the wattage ratings on the solar panels. With this, you can compare the lowest and the highest performance and the conditions during each period.

Keep Check of Solar Panel Wiring

When there is an issue in solar panel wiring, it stops producing power and provides electricity to your electric system. Hence if you find any damage that can lead to a short circuit, the best you can do is to contact the technician and do his job. Thus, to keep this issue away, keep checking on all the solar panel wiring.

Timely Inspection of the Solar Panel

Create a regular and timely inspection of the panel, check if any dust or debris is blocking the sunlight from absorbing it, and look for cracks, chips, or any brokerage in the solar cells.

Inspect the Roof

The roof plays an important role in the maintenance of solar panels as the failure of the roof the entire panel gets damaged. What can be done about this? Regular inspection. When you inspect it, look for any leakage of water into the junction box or in the panel. If you find any leakage, turn off the system and patch it immediately.

Do’s and Don’ts of Cleaning Solar Panels

Do’s:

Use a gentle brush or sponge to prevent scratching.
Employ mild detergent to effectively remove dirt.
Apply ample water to ensure thorough cleaning.

Dont’s:

Avoid abrasive materials, as they can scratch the panels.
Refrain from using harsh chemicals, as they can damage the panels.
Do not use high-pressure water sprays, as they can harm the panels’ protective coating.
Additionally, avoid cleaning solar panels during the hottest part of the day to prevent thermal shock and potential damage.

Wrapping Up

By backing proper cleaning techniques, conducting routine inspections, and addressing the issue promptly, you can ensure the optimum efficiency of solar panels and protect the investment for years. The aftercare of the panel is as important as deciding to install a panel on your premises. Look for a good brand who are in contact with a solar panel material manufacturer that provides raw materials that are high-quality, efficient, and durable for the panels.

Know More About Maintaining Your Solar Panel

How often should solar panels be cleaned?

Generally, the solar panel should be cleaned twice a year, still, you must check from the manufacturer’s guide and you can even ask the dealer at the time of making a purchase.

Can we wash solar panels daily?

Cleaning the panel daily is not necessary unless the panel is being installed in an area where there are high chances of getting dust and debris on the panel. Still, if you want to clean it daily, do not use any chemicals daily. Just use clean water and a clean cloth and clean it with mild hands.

How do you manually clean solar panels?

If you clean it daily then use a pain cloth. However, if you clean it every 6 months, then use any mild detergent and mix it with water, use a gentle brush and clean the panel, and lastly clean it with plain water and dry cloth. Remember to shutdown the system at the time of cleaning. If you can, then it is recommended to hire a cleaning and maintenance service provider to clean the panel as they are good at their job and can also help to audit the panel efficiency.