How to maintain solar panels?

How to Maintain Solar Panels: A Comprehensive Guide

Proper maintenance of solar panels ensures they perform efficiently, have a longer lifespan, and maximize energy output. Solar panels require minimal upkeep, but periodic checks and cleaning are essential to maintain optimal performance.

1. Regular Cleaning

• Frequency: Clean panels every 1-2 months, or more often if you live in dusty, polluted, or high-pollen areas.
• Cleaning Process:
  1. Use a soft brush or microfiber cloth to remove dust and debris.
  2. Rinse with clean water or a garden hose; avoid high-pressure washers.
  3. Use mild soap and water for stubborn stains, but ensure no residue is left behind.
• Avoid: Abrasive cleaners or tools that can scratch the glass surface.

2. Inspect for Physical Damage

• What to Check:
  • Cracks or chips on the surface.
  • Loose or damaged connections in the wiring.
  • Corrosion on mounting hardware.
  • Check whether the screws are corroded and rusted, long-term wind, sun, rain, if the installation is unstable, it must be replaced in time to ensure that the installation is firm.
• Action: Address issues promptly with a professional to prevent performance degradation.

3.Keep Panels Cool

• Temperature Effects: Excessive heat can reduce panel efficiency.
• Ventilation: Ensure there’s enough airflow under the panels, especially for roof-mounted systems.
• Prevent water accumulation：When installing, it is necessary to ensure that the solar panel has a certain Angle, so that the rain can flow away smoothly and avoid water accumulation on the surface of the board. Water may not only cause damage to the panels, but also cause problems such as leakage.

4.Monitor Performance

• System Monitoring:
  • Use your solar inverter or monitoring app to track energy output.
  • Look for significant drops in performance, which may indicate dirt buildup or malfunction.
• Professional Checks: Schedule a professional inspection annually for detailed diagnostics.

5.Weather-Related Maintenance

• After Storms: Check for debris, dirt, or damage caused by hail, heavy rain, or snow.
• Snow Removal:
  • Use a soft brush or squeegee to gently remove snow.
  • Avoid using metal tools or applying excessive force.
• Hail Protection: Invest in hail-resistant panels if hailstorms are common in your area.

6.Test Electrical Components

• Connections: Inspect wiring, junction boxes, and inverters for wear or damage.
• Grounding: Ensure the system is properly grounded to prevent electrical hazards.
• ‌ Check the inverter ‌ to ensure that its structure and electrical connections are intact and free of rust. Disconnect the AC output circuit breaker ‌ periodically.
• ‌ Check bus boxes, circuit breakers and fuses ‌ : make sure they are working properly, and repair or replace abnormal parts promptly ‌
• Professional Testing: Engage an electrician for periodic testing of electrical systems.

7.Check for Shading

• Shading Issues:
  • Ensure no trees, buildings, or new structures cast shadows on the panels.
  • Trim overgrown branches or relocate obstructions if possible.
• Impact of Shading: Even partial shading can significantly reduce panel efficiency.