In sunny Colorado, it is no surprise that solar energy is on the rise. You may be interested in installing solar panels for your home or business. But how are you supposed to care for your solar panels? You may be asking yourself, “Do solar panels need maintenance”? Fortunately, solar panels are built to last for years to come. These solar panel maintenance tips will help you understand the care that goes into installing solar panels for your home or business.
At CRJ Contractors, we are your partner in all things solar. As a solar panel company in Colorado Springs, we are proud to offer the best resources for solar energy. Our clients often inquire about how to maintain their solar panel system. After all, solar panels are a large investment! Our solar specialists are more than happy to discuss solar panel care and maintenance. By taking care of your solar system, you can expect efficient energy output for decades.
Want to learn more about solar panel maintenance? Keep reading to learn the best tips to take care of your solar panels!
1. Examine Your Solar Panels
One of the best ways to ensure your solar system is working properly is by examining your solar panels. This makes sure that your panels are working as intended.
Check that your panels are not obstructed by debris, such as leaves or tree branches. Make sure your panels are not damaged either. You should not see scratches on the glass or other damage on the panels. Severe hail can damage solar panels, so you will want to check on your panels after serious weather, too.
2. Clean Your Solar Panels
Just like your windows, your solar panels collect dirt, dust, and debris over time. Rain will normally keep your solar panels clean, but this is not always the case. Sometimes solar panels will have a heavy layer of dirt, pollen, or other debris that needs to be cleaned to maximize the efficiency of your business or home solar system.
If your solar panels need to be washed, remember to use water and gentle cleaning materials. No rough sponges or abrasive cleaning products. Detergent cleaners can also leave streaks on the glass, which can be difficult to remove. It is best just to use water and a soft cloth to clean your solar panels. Remember that they are made of glass, so be gentle when you clean your panels!
3. Review Energy Usage
One of the best ways to make sure your solar panels are working effectively is by checking your energy usage.
Your solar panel inverter will display some data about your energy usage. Additionally, there are various technologies and apps that will connect to your solar inverter to allow you to see the energy output of your panels. You don’t have to worry about complex metrics to care for your solar panels — just the basics will do!
4. Monitor Sun Exposure
Your solar panels need to have the greatest amount of sunlight exposure to work. Your panels will be installed on your home or business in a way that maximizes the amount of sun exposure they receive.
However, over the years, trees, new construction, and other objects can block sun exposure for your solar panels. This is why it is necessary to monitor sun exposure for your panels and keep them out of shade.
5. Check Solar Panel Inverter
Your solar panel inverter will display important information about your solar system. One way to maintain your solar panels is by making sure your inverter is displaying the correct information. For example, if your inverter is not displaying the correct number of panels or is flashing red, you know something is wrong.
Your inverter is one of the most crucial parts of your solar system. You will want to check this information frequently to maintain your solar panels.
Solar Panel Maintenance Checklist
Solar panels are a large investment. Luckily, there are no moving parts on solar panels, which means you don’t have to worry about rust. Solar panels will last for decades with proper care. Installing solar panels is one of the best ways to save on your electricity bill and help the environment. Here are some other things to keep in mind to care for your solar panels:
- Keep your panels out of shade.
- Measuring day-to-day performance will help you track maintenance.
- Automated solar panel cleaners will work to keep your panels clean.
- Monitoring systems will tell you how much energy you are using.
- Use water and a soft sponge or cloth to clean your panels.
Get the Best Solar Panel Services With CRJ Contractors
Solar energy is a rapidly growing industry across the United States. Solar energy can help you save money and the environment. In Colorado especially, our 300 days of sunshine make installing solar panels one of the most beneficial investments you can make for your home or business. Yet, make sure you care for and maintain your solar panels. With these five solar panel maintenance tips, you are sure to properly care for your solar system for years to come.
At CRJ Contactors, our passion is solar energy. We specialize in residential and commercial solar services in Colorado Springs and surrounding areas. Our experts are always happy to help answer any questions you have about maintaining your solar panels. We are proud to be your best resource for solar energy. If you have any questions about maintaining solar panels, or if you are ready to hire a professional solar company to install your panels, contact CRJ Contractors today!
