Key takeaways:
- Maintenance makes your solar panels last longer, helping you get more out of this investment. It also maximizes energy efficiency for your panels.
- You can do some maintenance yourself, such as cleaning your panels carefully, but it’s best to call a professional for yearly maintenance.
- Airstream offers expert maintenance services for your Murfreesboro, TN, solar system.
Are your energy bills going up even though you have solar panels? While there are normal variations in electricity output from one season to another, a dip in production can mean your panels need maintenance.
Solar panel maintenance is affordable and straightforward, and it pays for itself in energy savings. If you’re unsure where to get started, read on to learn how often to clean your solar panels and what kind of other maintenance tasks you might need to perform.
Solar Panel Maintenance Challenges in Murfreesboro
Solar panels need a clear surface to catch as much sun as possible, and any obstruction can reduce the energy produced by your solar system.
Dirt and dust covering your panels are common culprits, but pollen can be just as bad. In Murfreesboro, the spring often brings a wave of pollen, which forms a sticky layer on your cells when combined with the ambient humidity. These high humidity levels can corrode your junction box or mounting hardware, an issue that will reduce the lifespan of your solar system if you don’t address it.
Many Murfreesboro homeowners also deal with local wildlife, especially birds nesting underneath panels and rodents chewing on the wires. If this sounds familiar, installing critter guards will keep your panels safe.
Why Solar Maintenance Matters for Energy Efficiency
It’s natural to see a slight decrease in how much electricity your panels generate as they age, but you shouldn’t see a drop of more than 0.5% per year. If you see anything higher, you need a better panel maintenance plan.
Clean solar panels aren’t the only thing that prevents drops in energy production:
- Repairing or replacing an old junction box protects the wires connecting the panels to the rest of the system from corrosion.
- Tightening electrical connections prevents energy loss.
- Inverters turn the DC electricity generated by the panels into AC electricity and can lose efficiency as they age, prompting a replacement.
- The mounting hardware supporting your panels can get old and need a few tilt adjustments for peak efficiency. A simple torque check can prevent the panels from shifting.
- Cell defects and uneven sunlight distribution can cause hot spots on the panels, which reduce energy efficiency.
Maintenance and Your Solar Panels’ Lifespan
Your solar panels should last 25 to 30 years on average. They’re a long-term investment, and you’ll get your money’s worth if you get as much usage out of them as possible, which is why maintenance is so important.
Some parts, like the inverter, junction box, or wiring, might need replacement before the 25-year mark, but you shouldn’t have to spend much on these repairs.
Don’t ignore these electrical components as they age. Most electrical issues cause overheating, which can be dangerous and increase wear and tear on components until they fail. By being proactive, you can prevent costly repairs and maintain optimal performance.
Cleaning is another important maintenance task that extends your panels’ lifespan. Dirt, dust, bird droppings, and pollen accumulating on the panels can cause damage, and with soil being naturally acidic in most of Tennessee, a thin layer of dirt is all it takes to damage the protective coating on the cells.
DIY Vs. Professional Solar Maintenance
You can preserve your panels’ energy efficiency and extend their lifespan with a simple monthly cleaning session:
- Start by shutting off the system for safety.
- Wait until early or late at night since cleaning warm panels can create a temperature shock.
- Use a hose to spray the panels with lukewarm water. This will dislodge any debris, but keep the water pressure down to prevent damage.
- Next, you can clean the panels with a soft brush and mild soap. Ideally, you should use a solution for solar panel cleaning and a long-handle brush to reach rooftop panels safely.
- Be careful not to use harsh chemicals or apply too much pressure to the panels to prevent physical damage.
In addition to this simple DIY maintenance routine, have a solar panel expert examine your system closely once or twice a year. They can climb on the roof safely, check the electrical components, and make sure the mounting hardware is in good shape.
Solar Panel Maintenance With Airstream
Proper maintenance keeps your solar panels in top condition and helps you save more on energy bills. While you can do some cleaning yourself, having an expert solar service do maintenance once or twice a year is best.
Airstream is your trusted solar roof installation company in the Mufreesboro area. With our dedication to excellent customer service and expertise, you can count on us to deliver quality installation and maintenance. We even maintain solar panel systems we didn’t install.
Whether you need a simple cleaning service or have concerns about solar panel performance, we’re here to help. Book your service with our convenient online tool.
Common Questions About Solar Maintenance with Airstream Services
How often do solar panels need to be replaced?
Solar systems last 25 to 30 years on average, but quality and maintenance can impact this lifespan.
Can you maintain solar panels yourself?
You can do some gentle cleaning and regular inspections yourself. However, for electrical checks and other maintenance tasks, it is best to call a professional.
What’s in a solar workmanship warranty?
Most installers will cover issues that result from installation issues and not from aging components. Regular maintenance is the best way to protect yourself from failures linked to wear and tear.
What are some signs that your solar panel system needs maintenance?
If you notice a drop in energy production, it might be time to check your panels. You can also do a visual inspection and look for dirty cells and signs of corrosion on the electrical components.
