Dare to Shine Brighter: A Guide to Maintaining Your Solar Panels
If you are reading this, chances are you have a solar panel-powered energy system in your home or business. If not, you are likely considering installing a sustainable energy system to save on your electricity bill and take care of the environment.
One of the most frequent questions we receive when we have solar panels installed or when we weigh the possibility of installing renewable energy systems is: How much effort does it take to maintain my solar panels?
At Sustainable Living Builders we have good news for you. Maintenance is not a lot of work!
Solar panels not only maximize the use of solar energy while taking care of the planet for future generations, but they also give you peace of mind by having an average lifespan of 25 to 30 years. Taking care of them is actually a simple task and their maintenance is recommended between two and three times a year.
We are pleased to offer you a maintenance guide in 7 easy steps.
SOLAR PANEL MAINTENANCE GUIDE
- Inspect the condition of your solar panels: The first step to maintenance is to make sure your solar panels are in good condition. Take a quick look to see if any of them are dirty due to the weather conditions, if they have dust, mud, branches or leaves that could be blocking the sun and preventing your system from harnessing the full potential of sunlight.
- Pay attention to structural damage: When checking your solar panels, pay special attention to cracks, scratches or crevices in your solar panels. Structural damage is a sign that it is time to have your panels replaced by a team of professionals. Remember that as an interconnected system, the malfunction of one panel affects the rest of the panels and their energy efficiency.
- Routine cleaning: It is advisable to clean your solar panels at least twice a year. If they are installed in an area where climatic conditions produce blockages or debris, clean them more often to ensure their maximum use and capacity for energy storage.
- Use soft materials: Proper maintenance requires a soft touch. Always use warm water and non-abrasive materials such as soft cloths or sponges to remove any dirt or blockage from your solar panels. Be sure to dry the panels after cleaning and do not leave any water residue that may cause stains and reduce their proper performance.
- Don’t let the sun take you by surprise: We recommend that you clean your panels on clear days and at times when they are not exposed to direct sunlight because the mixture of sun and water temperatures can cause damage to your energy system.
- Safety is your best friend: If your sustainable energy systems are on your roof or in unstable areas that may present a risk to you, be sure to use protective equipment before performing any inspection or cleaning work. Remember that there are teams of professionals who have the experience and safety equipment to do the job for you without taking unnecessary risks.
- Trust your schedule: Maintain your solar panels in optimal weather conditions and at regular intervals. If the weather in your area is stable, perform maintenance every six months; if unpredictable, every four months. For example, if you do it at the beginning of summer, schedule the next inspection and cleaning at the beginning of winter.
Would you like help with solar panel maintenance?
At Sustainable Living Builders we not only provide roofing services but also solar panel installation and repair services in Santa Rosa, CA as well as in Sonoma, Marin, Napa and the Greater Bay Area. Our passion is to offer you and your family a sustainable future through services for your home and business.
WE HAVE YOU COVERED AT SUSTAINABLE LIVING BUILDERS!