One of the best things about solar panels is the fact that they need very little maintenance and can last as long as 25 years on average. That being said, the better you care for your panels, the better your system will perform. Use these solar maintenance tips from your local Northern Colorado solar installer, Sandbox Solar, to care for your system:
Inspect Your Solar Panels Regularly
Even though solar panels are incredibly durable overall, it’s still a good idea to check your system from time to time to make sure they’re not dirty or malfunctioning in any way. If you find your panels requiring a good cleaning, continue reading. Otherwise, Sandbox Solar can help you with any solar system repairs or help you remove your system in the event you need to replace your roof.
How to Clean Solar Panels
The good news about solar panels is they don’t require that much cleaning, especially if you live in a place where it rains frequently and your panels are installed at a bit of an angle. The rain naturally will run down the panels and wash away any dirt or pollen that collects on the system.
If your system hasn’t been rinsed in the rain in a while, dirt and pollen may collect on the panels, causing less sunlight to hit the system. To clean your solar system, you can rinse them off with your garden hose. The main consideration is that you don’t want to scratch the glass on the outside of your panels, because it will reduce the amount of sunlight that makes it to the system. Don’t use abrasive or harsh chemicals in cleaning; water should do the trick.
Most importantly, avoid spraying your panels down in the hot sun in the middle of the day. The cold water can crack the hot glass! It’s best to clean your panels in the morning or evening.
Mind Your Trees
In order for your solar panels to be most effective, they need to get the maximum possible amount of sunlight per day. If you have trees near your home, it’s likely they have grown in the time you’ve owned your solar panels. Make sure any trees near your panels are continually trimmed to keep the shade off your system. Also, be sure that no leaves or other tree debris is getting stuck underneath or on your panels.
Energy Monitoring
If you’re worried about the output of your panels for one reason or another, you can always check the amount of power you’re selling back to the power company and see how it changes over time.
This can be a good first step, but this won’t tell you exactly how much energy you’re producing. If you’re worried about the energy production of your panels, consider contacting Sandbox Solar. We can help you install an energy monitoring device to determine how much energy your system is generating. We’ll help you check your system and troubleshoot any issues if they arise.
Need more solar maintenance tips for your system? Please check out our blog for more information. If you have specific questions, don’t hesitate to contact Sandbox Solar for help. Our main goal is to help you get the most out of your system, for as long as possible.
If you’re considering solar for your home or business, contact Sandbox Solar! We live and work in Northern Colorado and understand the unique intricacies of solar in Colorado – including all solar maintenance tips. We’d be happy to give you a free solar estimate help you understand what the addition of solar panels could mean for your building. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions!
