Installing residential solar panels is the first step towards a more sustainable and cost-effective future, and it’s also the only thing most people tend to account for when making the jump to solar power, forgetting a pretty important factor they should consider from the very start:
Maintenance.
Like your roof, solar panels are exposed to the elements and thus need occasional maintenance to perform their best. Unlike your roof, however, you may not know how to maintain your solar panels properly, so we’ve compiled a short list of basic maintenance tasks you should remember.
Regular Cleaning
You’ll be happy to know that solar panels require minimal maintenance, though they do require the occasional cleaning. Because they’re exposed to the elements, dirt, and debris will collect on the surface of your residential solar panels, which can lead to less energy production.
On average, you should clean your solar panels around twice yearly if you live in a dry area or around once yearly if you live somewhere with lots of rainfall. It’s also a good idea to clean them after a powerful storm.
Inspections
Inspecting your solar panels at least once a year is a fantastic way to ensure they perform at their best. While you can usually do this while cleaning them, it’s best to schedule a visit with your solar company at least once a year so that they can catch any damage that may not be apparent to the eye.
If you’re in San Diego and have installed your residential solar panels with EZ Solar & Electric, call us to schedule a yearly inspection, and we’ll be happy to drop by and give your solar panels a look. Remember, our main commitment is to our clients, so we’ll give you a full run-down on the condition of your solar panels and answer any doubts about maintenance.
Learning how to tell if your solar panels need maintenance
Because they’re meant to last, solar panels don’t need a lot of maintenance outside of cleaning, but like any other piece of technology out there, there are some things you need to be on the lookout that could indicate a problem with your solar panels.
The easiest way to tell there’s something wrong with your solar panels is a drop in their energy output, so keeping track of how much energy your solar panels produce is an excellent way of staying on top of their maintenance. If you notice that your panels aren’t producing as much energy as usual, you should give them a look to see if they’re dirty or malfunctioning.
If you can’t tell at a glance, consider calling your solar company for a service appointment.
Costs
Because they’re located on roofs, most people hire professionals to keep their solar panels in top shape. After all, leaving that kind of job to the professional is easier and safer.
On average, residential solar panel maintenance can run for about $450 per year, but this depends greatly on what company you hire. If you’re part of the EZ Solar & Electric family and are wondering how much our solar panel maintenance services cost, give us a call, and we’ll talk you through our prices!