The Complete Guide to Solar Panel Maintenance

Solar maintenance is an important aspect of maintaining the efficiency of your solar plant. This blog provides a guide to solar panel maintenance and its importance. 

Solar energy is one of the most efficient energy resources available, but the key to maintaining optimal results is regular solar panel maintenance.

Several factors, such as dust, debris, dirt, etc., can block the path of sunlight reaching the panels, affecting the panel’s efficiency & energy generation.

Damages or poorly maintained solar panels can lead to expenses related to repairs & replacements.

Proper solar maintenance will help you protect your investment and allow your solar plant to operate at peak efficiency.

Solar panel maintenance is an easy task if you provide the necessary attention. Let’s have a look at the important tips for solar maintenance.

Regular Cleaning of Solar Panels

Keeping your panels clean is the best way to maintain your solar panel’s efficiency.

A solar panel is constantly exposed to natural elements like dust, bird droppings, and leaves, which can affect its ability to absorb sunlight.

It’s essential to figure out how often you should clean your solar panels; ideally, it’s twice a year.

But in dusty or tree-shaded areas, you need to clean the panels more frequently. 

Here are some of the best practices for cleaning your solar panels:

• Use a soft brush or sponge
• A bucket of water
• A hose with gentle water pressure

Using high-pressure washers, harsh chemicals, or abrasive materials might damage the surface of solar panels, possibly affecting their productivity and warranty.

The ideal time to clean your solar panels is around early morning or late in the afternoon. As the solar panels are usually cooler at these times.

Cleaning the panels when the climate is too hot during the day may cause thermal shock, which is a sudden temperature change that can crack the glass.

Solar Cleaning Robots

Solar module cleaning robots are the best way to ensure solar panel maintenance.

These robots use advanced technology to gently clean your solar panels and increase it’s efficiency & energy output.

TAYPRO’s automatic solar panel cleaning system uses AI & ML automation to provide a waterless cleaning solution to your panels, ensuring their safety, enhancing efficiency & plant’s overall performance.

Visual & Performance Inspections

Visual Inspections:

Along with regular cleaning, a monthly visual check is an important aspect of solar panel maintenance.

These are the few things you should always inspect on the solar panel:

• Cracks or dents on the solar panel
• Loose or exposed wiring
• Dust, dirt or debris (leaves or branches) causing shading
• Bird nests, droppings or other shades blocking direct sunlight

It’s essential to notice small cracks or shading, as they can impact your plant’s overall performance.

Performance Monitoring

Mostly, solar energy setups have smart monitoring systems, allowing you to track the energy production of each panel on your plant.

Keeping an eye on this will help you realise the fluctuations in the energy generation levels.

These are the following aspects resulting in a sudden drop in your plant’s performance:

• Unclean or dirty panels
• Damaged parts
• Shading issues
• Inverter issues

Addressing these problems quickly will save you both time & money.

Professional Maintenance

While solar maintenance is something you can do on your own, there are a few checks that should be done with professional assistance.

Conduct professional inspections at least once a year, to inspect:

• Electrical Components
• Wiring & connections
• Inverter performance
• Roof attachments or mounts

A skilled professional has the required tools & skillset to spot issues that might not be concerning to you.

Additionally, there are a few situations that require professional help as quickly as possible:

• Major damage or cracks on the solar panel
• A sudden & massive drop in the energy output
• Inverter creating strange noises or the system displaying an error message

It’s safe & more effective to let a certified technician handle critical issues such as something related to the electrical components.

Considerations for Special Conditions

Shading Conditions

Shadows from trees & other structures around the panels can cast shadows that may affect the plant’s overall performance.

So ensure your solar panel’s placement according to the nearby obstruction, also trim the trees around your plant.

The angle of the sun changes throughout the year, so adjust the panels’ position accordingly. 

Even a tree’s shade on your panels might change seasonally.

Snow Conditions

If you live in a snow-prone region, make sure you clean the snow regularly. 

A layer of snow can block the sunlight and affect the panel’s energy generation output.

Using a sharp or heavy tool for clearing the snow can lead to scratches or damage the panels.

Hence, using a soft snow rake or brush is the ideal alternative.

Warranty Considerations

Always read the terms & conditions of your solar plant’s warranty. 

Some warranties become invalid and do not cover any damage caused by improper cleaning or unauthorised repair.

For panels under warranty, let approved technicians handle any major repairs related to solar maintenanc

Specialised Maintenance Techniques

Thermal & Hybrid Panels

There are a few solar panel systems that combine energy generation with a thermal or heating system. These panels require extra attention and maintenance.

For thermal or hybrid panels, always check the following things:

• Glycol fluid levels
• System seals (for leaks)
• Pumps & Valves (to ensure proper circulation)

These systems usually have much complex designs and require dedicated solar maintenance.

Inverter & Housing Maintenance

An inverter is a crucial part of a solar panel system as it’s responsible for converting solar energy into usable electricity.

It has indicator lights that indicate its proper functioning.

Every month, make sure you check:

• If the air inlets are clean & not covered or blocked by dust
• The display lights and error codes on the inverter

If you come across any issues, go through the user manual or consult a professional.

When to Consider Professional Solar Cleaning Services

There are some situations which you can’t deal with on your own, and they require professional solar panel cleaning services.

For large-scale solar farms or commercial setups, it’s difficult to clean the panels on your own.

Solar panels installed in a tight or tall space on roofs can be difficult to reach and clean.

A professional will have the required skills, experience and tools for a solar panel maintenance service.

Consulting a professional may cost more than cleaning it on your own, but it’s a better investment for you and the plant’s safety, which will help you avoid costly mistakes while cleaning solar panels.

Conclusion

In case you missed anything, here’s a quick recap of your solar panel maintenance guide:

• Clean your panels at least twice a year with gentle tools & methods
• Visually inspect for dust, dirt, cracks or any shading issues every month
• Use the system’s monitoring tools to track your plant’s performance
• Schedule a professional inspection at least once a year
• Address conditions like shading or snowing
• Provide extra attention to thermal or hybrid systems 
• Consider professional assistance for large-scale installations and hard-to-access setups.

Following these simple steps, you can easily ensure your solar plant lasts for at least 25 years. With proper solar maintenance, your solar plant will become a perfect long-term investment and will operate at peak efficiency, delivering the best outputs.

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