Do Solar Panels Degrade If Not Used? Solar Care 101

You might not think to take care of your solar panels when you’re not using them. Why would you need to, anyway? Well, you’re probably here because you heard that solar panels can degrade when you let them sit around unused. You want the truth, and we’re here to give you an answer! Learn more about solar care and how you can reach out to Solar Bear Tampa for professional solar panel maintenance in your area.

The Hard Truth? Yes, Solar Panels Degrade When Inactive. Here’s Why:

When you’re not using your solar panels, you might not have considered taking them down and locking them away in storage. That would seem like too much work and not worth the effort. It’s common for Tampa homeowners to leave their solar panels installed on their roofs when they’re not using them for that very reason, but that leaves them exposed to all sorts of things that can cause them to degrade faster than they should.

Here’s what can happen when your solar panels are left unused:

• They can corrode with exposure to rain, snow, ice, and extreme temperatures
• The panels and frames can degrade with frequent expansion and contraction
• Heat and UV rays can overload the system with nowhere for the energy to go
• Over time, voltage leaks can affect their ability to route electricity
• Hail or falling debris can physically damage the surface

Become a responsible solar panel owner by learning more about solar panel systems from Solar Bear Tampa!

How Fast Do Solar Panels Degrade? Solar panel degradation isn’t something that happens necessarily fast, but it’s something that is easily overlooked. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, solar panels typically degrade by about 0.5% a year. When under poor care, they can degrade much faster than that.

Best Practices For Preserving Your Solar Panels

Now that you know the consequences of leaving your solar panels unused, let’s learn how to keep them in peak condition! One of the best things you can do for your solar panels when you’re not using them in Tampa is to shield them with a cover. There are covers specially made for solar panels that are designed to keep out UV rays and absorb light impact.

Don’t plan on using your solar panels for a long, long time? Uninstalling them from your roof and tucking them away in a dark, dry place can keep them preserved until you’re ready to use them again. Just be sure to cover them up nicely so they won’t degrade from dust, moisture, or extreme temps.

Ask your local solar panel installer in Tampa about available manufacturer warranties covering degradation due to weather or prolonged performance.

Need Solar Maintenance? Leave It to Solar Bear Tampa!

Solar Bear Tampa is the trusted choice for solar panel installation near you, but we don’t stop there. We’re also available when you need us for solar panel maintenance and repairs in your area! Call us today at (727) 471-7442 to book an appointment and ask for a free estimate on your next solar service.