More than 2 million U.S. households have switched to solar power, while of surveyed homeowners are strongly considering solar panels.
Solar panel installation costs anywhere from $13,000 to over $40,000, depending on a number of factors. Despite higher upfront costs, homeowners are in half (and even more!)
Installation is the first step. If you want long-lasting energy savings, invest in solar panel maintenance.
Follow these eco-friendly tips to get started.
Low Maintenance Tips
Solar panels are surprisingly low maintenance. They’re also durable and resistant to chipping, breaking, and crumbling.
Plus, solar PV cells come with extended (or even lifetime) warranties. These warranties should be enough to pay for cell replacements. However, it’s important to know that “lifetime” in solar panel world means 25 years.
Are you leasing your solar panels? If so, you don’t have to worry about repair costs. The solar panel company will cover the costs for you.
Cleaning Your Solar Panels
Solar panels require little maintenance, but debris does build up. Clean your panels periodically, especially after storms. If your panels are angled appropriately, debris should fall off easily.
Do you live in a dense, crowded city?
High smog levels lead to dirt buildup. This buildup affects energy production. If you don’t want to climb onto the roof, you can always hire a professional to clean your panels.
You don’t need a special cleaner, either. Soap, water, and cloth rags work fine on solar panels.
Monitor Your Solar Power System
Unlike roofing damage, solar panel problems aren’t always so obvious.
The best way to catch issues is to monitor your solar power output. A sharp increase in energy costs is a big red flag. Ideally, peak solar power output should be 90% or above.
Naturally, the output percentage decreases after 25 years. If you’re noticing significant issues, you may have some defective PV cells.
More homeowners are buying solar power monitoring systems to stay on top of energy production problems.
Choose Reputable Solar Energy Providers
Selecting reliable solar providers will mitigate future issues, like incorrectly installed panels.
Installation mistakes result in high energy bills and replacement costs. Look for providers that are NABCEP-certified and boast high ratings from the Better Business Bureau.
Top solar providers also offer financing and leasing options, helping you get energy benefits quicker. Depending on your plan, you could also enjoy a year or more of free solar energy.
Asking good questions also prevents future solar panel maintenance issues.
For example, ask about solar panel construction. An installation company should be happy to explain the science behind photovoltaic cells.
Solar panels also require the following equipment:
- Inverters
- Battery packs
- Backup generators
- Mounting racks
- Solar power meters
- Solar array direct current disconnect
- Charge controllers
- Circuit breaker panels
A great provider will suggest tools for maintaining your panels over time, like cleaning services and monitoring software.
Solar Panel Maintenance Matters
One of the best parts about solar energy systems is low solar panel maintenance. Remember to keep panels free from dirt and grime. Invest in a top solar provider to avoid energy-sucking installation mistakes.
Homeowners can never have enough home hacks. Check out the blog to discover the latest tips for homeowners.
