7 Common Errors in Solar Panel Maintenance and How to Avoid Them

What do you think about solar panel maintenance? It’s time to discover the benefits of cleaning your solar panels!

Solar panel maintenance will keep your panels running at their optimal levels. The cost of the solar panels you have now could pay for their maintenance for years to come.

If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of clean solar panels, keep reading to find out what common errors in solar panel maintenance are and how to avoid them.

1. Not Cleaning Panels Regularly

Not cleaning panels regularly is one of the most common errors in solar panel maintenance. This is because dirt and debris can easily accumulate on the panels, which can decrease the panels’ efficiency and cause them to perform poorly.

To avoid this mistake, it is important to regularly inspect your panels and ensure they are free of dust, dirt, and other debris. Additionally, cleaning solar panels regularly is important as this will enable the panels to work more efficiently and provide maximum power.

2. Using Abrasive Cleaning Materials

Using abrasives to clean solar panel surfaces can cause irreparable damage. Never use steel wool, sandpaper, or scrubbing brushes with rough bristles or chemicals to clean solar panels. Abrasive materials can scratch the panel’s surface, compromising its capacity to absorb sunlight and resulting in energy loss.

Instead, use a soft brush with a long handle to gently sweep away dirt or debris, then soak a soft cloth or sponge in warm water with mild dish soap and wipe down the glass surface. Rinse the panel thoroughly with clean water, then allow it to air dry. Keeping this advice in mind can help extend your solar panels’ lifespan and ensure they function optimally.

3. Failing to Monitor System Performance

One of the main reasons to keep an eye on a solar system’s performance is to make sure it’s producing the amount of energy it’s supposed to. If the system isn’t making enough energy, it could be because of a number of things, such as faulty wiring, broken solar panels, or dirt on the panels.

By keeping an eye on the system’s performance, any problems can be found and fixed quickly. This can help make sure that the system is working at its best and producing the right amount of energy. You can go here to read more information on how to harvest sunshine to produce big savings.

4. Neglecting to Trim Nearby Trees

Neglecting to trim nearby trees is a common mistake in solar panel maintenance. Tree branches and leaves can cast shade on the panels and reduce the amount of sunlight that reaches them.

Additionally, tree-related obstructions may cause dust and dirt to build up on the surface of the solar panels. Trimming trees near solar panels is important for maintenance, as it eliminates these potential issues.

A certified arborist should be hired to prune trees to prevent overgrowth and minimize shading properly. Tree limbs should be no closer than 10 feet to the panels, and the tree should be at least 20 feet away.

5. Failing to Address Shading Issues

Failing to address shading issues is one of the most common errors in solar panel maintenance. When solar panels are shaded, it reduces the amount of sunlight that can reach the solar cells, thus reducing the efficiency of the panels. Failure to address sky-high shading can cause a decrease in energy production and an increased need for maintenance.

In regards to solar panel maintenance, shading plays a major role in solar panel performance. As a result, it is important to actively identify and address any shading issues to maximize solar energy production. This includes making sure your solar panel array is properly arranged in such a way that it’s not blocked from the sun.

6. Ignoring the Inverter

It could be very bad if you don’t fix an inverter error when you’re maintaining solar panels. If the inverter breaks or stops working, the whole solar panel system won’t be able to make electricity properly. This will make the whole solar panel system less efficient and productive.

Also, the inverter is needed to safely change the direct current to an alternating current so people can use it. So, if you don’t keep your inverter in good shape, you can expect dangerous power fluctuations and maybe even electric shocks.

To prevent this, the inverter should be cleaned and checked for problems often to ensure it works well. Also, checking the settings occasionally will ensure the equipment works as quickly and well as possible. You must check these settings to keep the inverter running at its best.

7. Not Hiring a Professional for Maintenance

Not hiring a professional for maintenance is one of the common errors people make when it comes to solar panel maintenance. DIY attempts to repair the panels are not advised as these panels are complex and should be maintained by a professional with the right equipment and skill set. Without a trained professional, there is a high risk of damage to the system and potential safety risks to those installing or maintaining them.

To avoid this costly mistake, property owners should hire a professional with the right experience and knowledge in the field to check and test the solar panel system once a year. Professional technicians are more likely to spot potential problems before they happen. Repairs can be made quickly, and safety checks can be done on time.

Don’t Be in the Dark About Errors in Solar Panel Maintenance

Overall, practicing a solar maintenance routine is vital to ensure their long-term efficiency. Familiarizing yourself with the common errors in solar panel maintenance and taking the necessary steps to prevent them can keep your solar panels running smoothly.

If you want to learn more about the specifics of solar panel maintenance, have a certified solar contractor inspect your residential solar system and provide expert advice.

We hope you found this article helpful. If you did, check out our blog for more valuable information.