Maintenance tips to extend the life of your solar panel

For businesses and homeowners invested in rooftop solar, preserving panel life through prompt maintenance is key to maximizing return on investment. Despite solar PV systems requires much less overall maintenance than traditional energy sources, decades of solar panel monitoring and maintenance periodically. Follow these maintenance tips to protect solar panels for business system performance.

See Connections and Wiring

Check connections between panels and arrays as well as input and output wires for damage or looseness. Make sure all connections are very intact with no exposed lead or damage from water, rodents or birds. Hard wiring ensures optimal power transmission.

Clean up the damage

Eventually, debris such as leaf litter and branches on solar panels will reduce the output. Clean the buildup with a gentle wipe or low wash. Avoid using brushes or abrasives that risk scratching the panel coating. Keep the panels free of obstructions.

See how the system works

Ongoing monitoring will identify any tracks that are operating below the expected output. This allows faulty panels to be quickly identified and replaced to maintain optimal overall system efficiency. Monitoring helps catch subtle issues.

Trim back shade plants

Tall trees or shrubs begin to shade the trails, reducing energy production. Trim back any foliage that encroaches on the arrays or threatens the shade panels to fully restore sun.

Check mounting integrity

Examine roof installations and hardware for looseness, damage or the need for long-term reinforcement. Refasten, tighten or seal mount if necessary to avoid severe weather safety issues that could damage the panels.

Clean the screen

Gently scrub off any dirt and grime that has accumulated from the wood with a soft cloth, sponge or specialized solar cleaning tool. Avoid abrasive brushes. When it rains with little mineral, the screens can sometimes be washed away.

Update inverter cooling is new

Ensure that the solar inverter remains well ventilated and that the heat sinks are free of dust buildup that could cause overheating. Clean any debris or vegetation blocking the inverter vents to prevent corrosion.

Emphasize ice safety

Cold weather can provide a protective screen cover that can fall without clumps of snow and damage the unit. Ensure snow protection remains properly installed to protect roads and prolong winter production.

Check batteries and electronics

For systems with batteries or other electronic components, check fluid levels, clean terminals, and calibrate components according to manufacturer’s recommendations. Keep electronics out of reach.

Rewire after long periods of unused use

If the solar panels fall off when not in use for an extended period of time, make sure the electrician remains safe before restarting the system. Replace any damaged cables or connectors.

Beyond inspection, cleaning and maintenance, solar energy is taken to the max. Protect your solar energy reserves with proper maintenance to maximize clean energy savings over the life of the system for decades.