Solar Panel Maintenance FAQ Answered
Solar panels are a great investment that can provide you with a reliable renewable energy source to power your home for years to come. You may be wondering: What is the best way to maintain them to ensure that they are efficient? Do they need regular tune-ups to stay in peak condition like your car?
Get the answers to these solar panel maintenance questions and more from our solar team at Solar Bear!
Solar Panel Maintenance FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions that we get about solar panel maintenance here at Solar Bear:
Do Solar Panels Need to Be Maintained?
Generally, solar panels require minimal maintenance to function properly, though they will need periodic cleaning to ensure any debris such as dirt or eaves, aren’t obstructing the sun’s rays.
The only time you may need more extensive maintenance is when your panels’ energy output starts to decrease or if a storm like a hurricane has rolled through.
How Do You Maintain Solar Panels?
If your solar panels are tilted, rainfall will clear away most of the debris that accumulates on them. During the dry season or periods without rain, you will need to clean them manually.
We recommend cleaning your solar panels between two to four times a year. The good news? This is easily done. All you need is a quick spray with a garden hose, and your solar panels will be clean and ready to collect the sun’s rays.
During cold weather, do not use hot water to clean your solar panels. They are made of tempered glass, and they could crack.
How Does Weather Affect Solar Panels?
Solar panels are designed to withstand all kinds of weather from wind to rain, and even hail. They can even survive hurricanes!
Of course, solar panels are not 100% indestructible and can suffer damage from tail, tornadoes, hurricanes, or lightning. As long as you have a good warranty, or if your panels are covered by your homeowners’ insurance, you should have no trouble getting the panels repaired or replaced.
Ironically, the weather that most commonly affects solar panels is heat. When the temperature rises over 90 degrees, your solar panels will lose their efficiency by about 1% a degree. Elevating your solar panels a few inches above your roof or the ground, allows air to circulate properly, which can help cool them down and maintain efficiency.
Is there a Maintenance Difference Between Ground Vs. Roof Panels?
The only true difference in maintaining ground-mounted and roof solar panels is that ground-mounted panels are easier to access, therefore easier to clean.
If you notice a buildup of debris, you can simply sweep it off with a broom; not the case with a roof-mounted system!
What is the Standard Warranty for Solar Panels?
When going solar, make sure you have a good solar panel warranty in place. This is important because as your solar panels’ efficiency decreases over the year, you will need professional maintenance performed, which could potentially cost you thousands of dollars throughout the years.
At Solar Bear, we offer a competitive 25-year production and performance warranty as well as a 10-year workmanship warranty.
Can I Monitor the Health of My Solar Panels?
To track how much energy your panels produce, integrating a solar panel monitoring system can be beneficial. By monitoring your system, you can see how different external factors are affecting your panels’ performance and how well they maintain their efficiency throughout their life.
The monitoring system will also alert you of any malfunctions or issues so you can repair or replace your panels promptly.
How Do I Repair or Replace Solar Panels?
If your solar panels need to be repaired or replaced, it is best to hire a professional from Solar Bear. We will be able to assess the issue and fix or replace your panels. If your panels have sustained damage, they may be covered under the equipment warranty or your homeowners’ insurance.
Don’t attempt to install or repair solar panels yourself unless you are experienced with home solar systems.
Florida Solar Panel Installation and Maintenance
As you can see, maintaining your solar panel system is easy. Just be sure to choose a reputable company like Solar Bear for installation and maintenance, and don’t forget about a warranty!
Enjoy solar-powered renewable energy in your Florida home. Call Solar Bear today: 407-904-7585!