CRJ Contractors specializes in all things concrete and solar for those in the Colorado Springs area. Solar panels are not only a great way to leave behind a smaller carbon footprint on the planet, but a great way to reduce your utility bill, own your power, and save you money in the long run. Another benefit that Colorado home and business owners come across when installing solar panels is the minimal maintenance that they require. Contrary to some conceptions, solar panels are very durable and are built to last, especially in the thick of Colorado’s harshest weather patterns.
If you are looking into solar panels and wonder how much effort it takes to maintain and care for your solar energy system, we have a guide for you. As solar experts in Colorado Springs, we make an effort to provide as much knowledge and education as possible. Here is everything you need to know about maintaining solar panels.
Solar Panel Maintenance
Even though they are bracing the weather 24/7, solar panels last a lot longer than you may have previously imagined. After installation, solar panels can last up to roughly 30 years with very minimal maintenance. This means that after installation for either your residential or commercial roof, you can enjoy the clean energy you are producing with very little work. The only maintenance you should have to worry about is managing solar panels in the various weather patterns that Colorado brings.
Solar Panels and The Weather
Because solar panels are situated on your rooftop, it means that they are always being bombarded by the ever-changing weather that Colorado Springs and the surrounding areas have to offer. While solar panels are very durable and do not require much maintenance, it is still important to check on them during the stormy weather days.
Snow
One common question we get asked at CRJ Contractors is “will my solar panels work in the winter?” The answer is a resounding yes, regardless of the snow that falls during Colorado winter months. Snow actually causes more light to reflect on your solar panels, and keep them working just fine. However, issues can arise if your solar panels are completely covered in snow. If there is a major snowstorm, we recommend that you check to see there is a thick blanket of snow on your rooftop, hiding your solar panels from your view. When solar panels are covered, there simply is no way for the sun’s energy to be absorbed by the solar panels. It is likely that the snow will melt off quickly, but if not, you may need to manually and safely remove the snow.
Cloudy Weather
In seasons where it rains heavily and the skies are cloudy, there is nothing to worry about. Solar panels still work during these times, but they do not work as well as when they are in direct sunlight. It is important to not get discouraged about buying and installing solar panels when it comes to this type of weather because the solar panels will still perform to the best of their ability.
Hail Damage
As Coloradans, we know that the weather here is not only unpredictable but that it is also very unforgiving. When it comes to hail, there are a few ways to protect your solar panels. Luckily, the solar panels that CRJ recommends are incredibly durable and are designed to withstand things like hail. We also provide solar panel warranties that protect you from a Rocky Mountain hail storm as we experience frequently. Given their toughness, it is still important to check your solar panels after a hail storm to see if damage occurred. If your solar panels do get dinged up, give us a call.
Wind and Debris
Other types of weather and situations to look out for are high winds that might bring about debris. We believe that it is important to understand that while your solar panels last a long time, things like debris, dust, and other smaller particles can attach to your panels and cause them to not work as well as they could over time. This is the most common and fixable problem that people encounter with most solar panels. To avoid a problem like this, we recommend hosing down your solar panels 2 to 4 times a year. It does not require any fancy equipment, only a simple garden hose will do the trick. By hosing off your solar panels every quarter of the year, you can ensure that your solar panels are absorbing as much sunlight as possible.
CRJ Contractors | Contact Us for Any Solar Panel Care Questions
At CRJ Contractors, we want to make sure that you can enjoy your solar panels as much as possible. We recommend solar panels for those who want to lessen their carbon footprint on the world, save money, and raise the value of a home. They are simple to install and even easier to maintain. Contact the best solar panel contractors in Colorado Springs to install solar panels for your home or business. Let us know if you have any questions on solar panels.
