The importance of solar panel maintenance

If you’re considering solar panel installation and are calculating the cost, it’s important to remember that solar panels require regular maintenance to keep them functioning properly. While it is possible to perform solar panel maintenance yourself, there are professionals who can help. So why do solar panels need to be maintained, and what does the maintenance include?

• Eliminating dirt, dust, debris, and other buildup – Just as dust accumulates inside your home and requires regular cleaning, so do residential solar panels. Buildup makes it difficult for the solar panels to properly and fully absorb the sunlight, making them less efficient. It’s recommended to clean your solar panels at least once a year to keep them functioning at their best.
• Checking for damage caused by extreme weather – While solar panels are designed to be durable, extreme weather can sometimes cause damage. In 2018 we saw that in North Carolina, during Hurricane Florence, the solar farms sustained only minimal damage as a result of extreme wind, rain, and flooding. If you live in an area with heavy snowfall, extreme heat, hail, or lightning, it’s recommended to have your solar panels checked every year to ensure they haven’t sustained any weather-related damage. 
• Monitor tree and shrub growth around your solar panels. The shade that trees and shrubbery cast onto your solar panels is one of the biggest inhibitors of efficiency. For example, if a tree casts a shadow over 50% of the cells in your solar panel, then 50% less energy will be produced, making them much less efficient. If there are areas of your roof that are completely shaded by trees, it would not be recommended to install solar panels in these areas, as they won’t absorb the sunlight they need to function. 

Solar panel installation for your home 

Compared to the cost of traditional energy, solar panels provide extremely affordable and environmentally-friendly energy that can power your whole home. When you invest in solar panel installation, you’re investing in a completely clean energy source that will last for decades, as the average lifespan of a residential solar panel is between 30 – 40 years. 

Residential solar panels do require maintenance, but the maintenance is not excessive nor is it expensive. As mentioned above, solar panels are extremely durable and can withstand heat, cold, wind, rain, and snow, and we recommend scheduling annual inspections to ensure your solar panels are in top condition and functioning at their most efficient. Regular maintenance ensures the longevity of your solar panels and protects your investment. 

For more information about the cost of solar panel installation, or if you have any questions, please contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you.