Solar Panel Maintenance: What You Need to Know

Solar Panel Benefits

• Solar energy offers a range of significant benefits, making it an increasingly popular choice for residential and commercial use.
• By harnessing the power of the sun, solar energy reduces greenhouse gas emissions and lessens our reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable environment.
• It also provides financial advantages, as solar panels can lead to substantial long-term savings on electricity bills while requiring minimal maintenance over their 25-30-year lifespan.
  • Solar energy promotes energy independence, shielding users from fluctuating energy prices and supply issues.
• Beyond individual gains, the solar industry drives economic growth by creating jobs in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance.
  • Properties equipped with solar panels often see an increase in value, making solar energy a smart investment for the future.
• While this is an investment in positively impacting our environment, it's equally a monetary investment.
  • It's important to consider how to maintain them effectively to ensure you maximize your solar output.
  • Keep reading to learn about the most common questions regarding solar panel maintenance.

Solar Panel Maintenance

• Solar panels typically require minimal upkeep to continue functioning effectively.
  • Usually, you can let them operate without much intervention.
  • However, periodic light cleaning is necessary to ensure that dirt, leaves, and other debris don’t block the sun’s rays, especially during fire and pollen season.
  • To boost your system’s energy production, we recommend giving the panels a quick rinse.
  • If your panels are within reach, you can clean them from the ground using a water hose to clear most types of soiling.
  • The best time to do this is in the early morning, before the heat of the day.
• It’s also a good idea to inspect beneath the panels for debris or signs of animals.
  • If animals nest under your system, consider investing in solar critter guards after removing the critters and their debris.
  • During heavy snowfall, removing large amounts of snow from the panels will help maintain their performance; however, we do not recommend climbing up on a cold or icy roof independently.
  • See "Clean Solar Panels" for more information.
• Occasionally, a component of your solar system may reach the end of its lifespan and be eligible for a manufacturer replacement.
  • If you own your system outright, you may need to arrange for the installation of replacements by finding a technician on your own, and you will be responsible for covering costs associated.
  • If Omnidian manages your system, you can relax knowing that we will take care of everything for you, generally at no cost when an item is warranted!

Monitor Solar Panel Health

• You can monitor the health of your solar panels.

• Doing so is crucial for ensuring they operate efficiently and provide optimal energy output.

  • A decrease in energy production might indicate that your panels are obstructed by debris or other issues that prevent them from generating their usual amount of electricity.

• By incorporating a solar panel monitoring system, you can track your panels' daily and long-term energy production.

  • This allows you to understand how different external factors impact their performance and how well they maintain efficiency over time.

• Some ways to monitor the health of your solar panels:

  • Solar Monitoring Systems: Many solar installations include monitoring systems that track panel performance. These systems:
    • Provide real-time data on energy production
    • Identify underperforming panels
    • Alert you to potential issues like shading, dirt accumulation, or equipment malfunction
  • Inverter Monitoring: The inverter, which converts the DC electricity generated by the panels into AC electricity for use, often includes built-in monitoring capabilities. It can display information on the energy output and detect faults in the system.
  • Visual Inspections: Regularly inspecting your panels for physical damage, such as cracks, discoloration, or debris buildup, can help maintain their efficiency. Checking for shading from new growth or nearby structures is also important.
  • Energy Bills Comparison: Comparing your current energy bills with past bills can also provide insights. A noticeable decrease in energy production without a clear reason (e.g., weather changes) might indicate a problem with your panels.

• At Omnidian, if your system is under our management, we continuously track the performance via our remote, always-on system monitoring and advanced analytics.

• Omnidian’s proprietary state-of-the-art technology can detect system issues past component-related items, like shading or soiling.

  • Like almost everything in a house, solar systems can have issues.
  • There is no need to worry; we have you covered and will alert you of issues related to your system!

Clean Solar Panels

• If your solar panels are installed at an angle, you’re in luck—rainfall will naturally remove accumulated debris.
  • However, during the dry season or during an extended period without rain, it's essential to clean them manually.
• It's generally recommended to clean your solar panels two to four times a year.
  • During the summer - when energy production is at its peak - simply rinsing off dust and debris once a month can yield the best results.
  • If you have a ground-mounted system, gently brushing off fresh snow in the winter is also beneficial.
  • In the fall, dry leaves usually blow away on their own, but wet leaves may need to be cleared using a leaf blower.
  • For most basic cleaning, a garden hose or a leaf blower is all you need to keep your panels performing efficiently.
  • If needed, you can also hire a professional solar panel cleaning service.
  • As noted above, if your panels are within reach, you can safely clear them from the ground with a hose.
  • The ideal time for cleaning is early in the morning, before the sun heats the panels.
  • Rinsing panels during the heat of the day and in the early afternoon, can cause serious damage, as cold water on hot panels can cause cracks and damage the glass.

Extreme Weather Effects on Solar Panels

• Solar panels are built for durability.
• High-quality installations ensure that photovoltaic (PV) systems can handle various weather conditions, including wind, rain, and snow.
• According to the Department of Energy, solar panels are resilient against hail.
  • They’ve also proven to withstand hurricanes, as demonstrated by the minimal damage to solar systems in North Carolina during Hurricane Florence in 2018.
• While solar panels are robust, they’re not completely immune to damage.
  • On rare occasions, severe weather events like hailstorms, hurricanes, tornadoes, or lightning strikes can cause harm.
  • However, if you have a good warranty, it may cover the repair or replacement of any damaged panels.
  • Often, most impacts from hail tend to be cosmetic, and your panels may still be able to work efficiently.
• Interestingly, the most common weather-related issue for solar panels is heat.
  • When temperatures exceed 77°F (or 25°C), panel efficiency may drop by about 1% per degree.
  • To combat this, installing panels a few inches above the ground or roof allows for air circulation, which helps cool them and sustain energy production.
  • Although high temperatures can affect performance, your solar installer will consider local climate factors when setting up your panels, so there’s no need for concern.

Repair or Replace Solar Panels

• When it comes to repairing or replacing your solar panels, it’s recommended to hire a professional.
  • If you notice a drop in efficiency and your panels are still covered by a performance or power output warranty, contact a solar service provider in your area.
  • They will send a technician to evaluate the issue and either repair or replace the panels.
• For panels with physical damage, a separate equipment warranty typically covers this.
  • Work with a local solar installer to determine the best course of action for replacing the damaged panels.
  • It’s important not to attempt to install or repair solar panels yourself for safety and warranty purposes.
  • Instead, work with a licensed technician.
  • If Omnidian manages your system, email us at support@omnidian.com.

By taking these steps, your panels should maintain peak efficiency, providing you with clean, renewable solar energy for many years while helping you offset your utility usage! Welcome to the Solar fam!