My Solar System Has Been Installed... What Happens Next?

You switched to solar power! Spend a minute admiring your roof's brand-new, glossy panels and checking out your inverter's active operation.

What comes after that? Don't worry, though. But to get you going, consider the following advice.

For the next 25 years or more, solar panels are a terrific investment that will give you access to low-cost, renewable solar energy.

How do you keep them up, though, is a crucial point. Are solar panels like your car in that they need frequent maintenance to function at their best? Or should you just leave them alone?

Can you keep an eye on the functioning of your solar panels?

You can keep an eye on the energy output of your panels using an app. Lower energy output could indicate that your panels are blocked from producing their usual quantity of electricity by anything like debris.

You can keep track of the quantity of energy your solar panels generate each day as well as their overall production by incorporating a monitoring system for solar panels into your setup. This enables you to observe precisely how various outside conditions affect the performance of your panels and how well they hold their efficiency over the course of their lifetime. In order for you to fix or replace a panel if it breaks or malfunctions, the monitoring system will also notify you.

How are solar panels maintained?

You're in luck if your panels are tilted since rain will actually wash any buildup of debris off of them. However, it's crucial to physically clean them during the dry season or prolonged dry spells.

It is typically advised that you clean your solar panels two to four times a year.

Use a spray and a soft-bristle broom to clean the panels. No scouring, no chemicals. An anti-reflective coating on solar panels can be easily removed with soap and water.

It's crucial to remember that when removing snow from the panels, you should never use hot water. The high temperature difference between the hot water and the cold panels can break the tempered glass panels, which are the material of the panels.

Do rooftop versus ground-mounted solar panels require different maintenance?

The only true difference between ground-mounted solar systems and rooftop solar systems in terms of maintenance is that ground panels are simpler to reach and, thus, simpler to keep clean. You may easily remove any accumulation of snow or other debris by using a broom with a soft bristle.

Methods for repairing or replacing solar panels:

It is recommended to employ a professional to replace or repair your panels.

Call the firm that installed your panels if they are losing efficiency and are still covered by a performance or power output warranty. Someone will be dispatched to the scene to evaluate the situation and either repair the issue or replace the panels.

If there is physical harm to your panels, it is frequently covered by a different equipment guarantee. In order to determine who can best replace those panels, you can consult with your solar installer. In either case, unless you have previous experience with residential solar systems, avoid attempting to install solar panels or make repairs yourself.

So, are solar panels, therefore challenging to maintain?

Overall, it's not too difficult to maintain your solar panels. Your panels will function well if you quickly clean any accumulated snow, dust, or debris. Make sure the panels you purchase have a solid warranty as well so that if they break, they can be replaced.