Understanding The Basic Maintenance For Your Solar Panels

If you have made the decision to invest in solar panels for your home, you need to be fully prepared for the care and maintenance that those panels are going to need. Many people don't understand how to care for their solar panels, and they can overlook important tasks as a result. Here are some things that you should know about solar panel care and maintenance as you make the solar transition on your property.  

Keep Them Clean

Solar panels are exposed to the elements all of the time. This makes them susceptible to dirt and dust buildup as well as the accumulation of leaves, twigs, and other debris. You'll want to keep the surface of the panels clean so that they can absorb as much sunlight as possible.

If you live in an area that gets frequent rain, you may not have to worry too much about this, but it's a good idea to periodically rinse your solar panels with a garden hose to remove any surface accumulation.

You'll want to do the same after any snowfall. You can use a soft squeegee or something similar to remove snow from the surface of your panels. On the upside, as you remove the snow, it usually also cleans the panel surface for you.

Monitor Performance

The performance of your solar panels will often clue you in when something isn't working right. Your panels will come with a performance-tracking system that shows you the output and operation of your panels at a glance. If you start to see a decline in the metrics and performance of your panels, that's an indication that you need to call for maintenance.

Whether you need maintenance on the technology system that's attached to the panels, the battery bank that stores the power, or even the panels themselves, your technician can help you determine the source of the lost efficiency and help you fix it.

Bi-Annual Assessments

Every year or two, you should have your solar panels inspected by a technician. The technician will check the infrastructure of the panels, the system connectivity, the health of your battery bank, and even the structural stability of your roof. This inspection can help to spot and address wear and tear early so that you don't suffer functionality loss.

The more you understand about maintaining your solar panels, the easier it is to care for them. Talk with a solar panel maintenance contractor about maintaining your panels and your home's electrical supply.