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

Solar panels have become a popular choice for homeowners who want to reduce their carbon footprint and save on electricity costs. However, the maintenance of solar panels is often overlooked. This leads to a decrease in energy production and efficiency over time.

In this blog post, we'll discuss seven common errors with solar panel maintenance that you should avoid at all costs. So if you're looking to make the most out of your investment in clean energy, keep reading!

1. Neglecting Regular Cleaning

Over time, debris such as dust, leaves, and bird droppings can accumulate on top of your panels. These can block sunlight from reaching the cells and reduce energy production.

Regular cleaning with a soft brush or sponge and a mild soap solution can help prevent buildup and keep your panels working efficiently. It's recommended to clean your solar panels at least twice a year or more frequently. This is if you live in an area with high levels of pollution or heavy rainfall.

However, it's important to note that improper cleaning techniques can do more harm than good. Avoid using abrasive materials like steel wool or pressure washers. These materials may scratch the surface of your panels or damage the wiring underneath.

2. Ignoring Shading Issues

While it may seem like a small issue, even a little bit of shading can significantly impact the performance and efficiency of your residential solar system. Shading can occur due to various reasons, such as:

• trees or other buildings blocking sunlight
• cloudy weather conditions
• even bird droppings

Whatever the reason may be, if you ignore shading issues, you risk losing out on valuable energy production from your system. It's essential to monitor your solar panel systems for any signs of shading throughout the day. If you notice any shadows falling over your panels during peak hours of sunlight, it's time to take action.

You might need to trim back any nearby trees or foliage that are obstructing sunshine. You may also clean off any debris from bird droppings regularly.

3. Skipping Visual Inspections

Visual inspections are critical because they allow you to identify potential issues before they become major problems. Without regular visual inspections, minor problems may go unnoticed and turn into costly repairs.

Visual inspections involve looking at the solar panels closely. It also means checking for any signs of damage or wear and tear. This includes examining the surface of each panel for:

• cracks
• chips
• other imperfections

These could affect their performance.

4. Failing to Monitor Energy Production

Many solar panel owners assume that once their panels are installed, they will continue to produce energy without any issues. However, this is far from the truth.

Monitoring your energy production levels regularly allows you to identify potential problems before they become major issues. For example, if you notice a sudden drop in energy output, it could be an indication of shading or damage to the panels themselves.

There are several ways in which you can monitor your solar panel's performance. One option is through online monitoring systems provided. These can be provided by manufacturers or third-party companies.

These systems provide real-time data on your system's performance. That way, you can quickly identify any issues and take action. Failing to monitor energy production can result in a lot of lost time and money for homeowners with solar power systems.

5. Not Securing Loose Connections

Loose connections can cause serious issues with your solar panel system. They can lead to energy loss and even damage the panels or other components of the system. It's important to regularly check and secure any loose connections.

One common mistake is assuming that once a connection has been made, it will stay secure forever. However, weather conditions and normal wear and tear can cause them to come loose over time.

To prevent this issue, make sure all connections are tightened properly during installation. Then, schedule regular maintenance checks to ensure they remain tight. If you notice any loose connections during these inspections, tighten them immediately.

You may also contact a professional for assistance if needed. Remember that securing loose connections not only helps protect your solar panel system. It also ensures maximum energy production for your home or business.

6. Forgetting About the Inverter

The solar inverter is the heart of your solar panel system. It's responsible for converting DC electricity into AC power that you can use in your home or business. However, it's also one of the most overlooked components when it comes to maintenance.

One common mistake that homeowners make with their solar panels is forgetting about the inverter. They assume that since it's tucked away somewhere, out of sight and out of mind, it doesn't require any attention.

But just like any other part of your solar panel system, the inverter needs regular upkeep. Aging inverters may not be able to handle increased demand. This may be because more appliances are added to a property. This may also be because energy consumption increases during peak periods.

So keeping an eye on your inverter's capacity requirements should be a priority for every homeowner running a solar power system. To avoid this error with solar panel maintenance, schedule annual inspections by a premier solar provider who will thoroughly clean and inspect all components, including but not limited to:

• panels
• wiring
• batteries
• inverters

They can do the cleaning while ensuring they work cohesively together at full efficiency levels.

7. Cleaning By DIY and Disregarding the Value of Professional Maintenance

When people choose to clean solar panels by themselves, without the expertise of professionals, common errors may arise and impede the solar panel's efficiency. Doing a quick Google search for 'solar panel cleaning' or 'DIY solar panel cleaning' may result in improper methods of cleaning, such as using:

• a power washer
• an unprotected ladder
• standard window cleaner
• a squeegee

DIY methods can also potentially cause more severe problems. To avoid these common errors, professionals should be consulted who understand the various solar technologies and components and know how to use them to improve safety and minimize interruptions of solar energy production.

Avoid These Errors with Solar Panel Maintenance

Overall, solar panel maintenance is key to keeping your solar panels functioning optimally. Check your system regularly and clean the panels to prevent common errors.

If you're ever unsure, it's best to contact a professional for help. Don't wait. Act today to make sure your solar panel system is running its best by avoiding these errors with solar panel maintenance.

For more articles aside from this solar maintenance routine, visit our blog.