Maintaining Your Panels.

Once you have solar installed, it is easy to keep your solar panels in tip-top shape. Serious cleaning usually isn’t necessary because most of the time normal weather patterns take care of any dust buildup that might reduce solar energy output. But, as all of us know, in some years the normal weather patterns turn out to be anything but normal, so it's good to know, just in case.

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Monitor Solar Power Output

Probably the easiest and best way to keep tabs on how your system is functioning is to monitor power output using the mobile app that connects to your power inverter. The great thing about the mobile app is that it will show you a real-time update on your solar array power output from the couch, the office, anywhere.

Many solar panels are rated for a maximum efficiency of 420 watts per hour. But this is not indicative of average efficiency, since a number of factors like daily sun, weather, and rooftop angles all play a part in how useful any one solar panel is.

If you notice a sudden increase in production, it could be due to a few factors. Continue to the next tab to learn more.

Rinse Them with Water

In Minnesota, cleaning your solar system shouldn't be much of an issue. You typically need to clean it more than once every few years, if that. the only time I suggest is if you notice a significant loss of production, but please call me before you clean or pay for a cleaning.

Solar panels are sturdy, but the solid glass layers that allow the sun’s rays in may get dirty on occasion. Rinsing is usually enough, and if your location experiences frequent rain, this shouldn’t be a big problem.

Since panels are located on rooftops, and there is a risk of falling, it is especially important that you do not walk on the solar panels. The glass surface can easily become slippery, and you run the risk of damaging your system or voiding warranties. Most importantly, you risk hurting yourself.

If you find fogged or discolored glazing, it may be caused by a buildup of smoke, pollen, or industrial pollution that water alone may not remove. Here are a few handy steps for a deeper cleaning:

1. Fill your bucket with clean water and add a small amount of soap.
2. Rinse the solar panels with clean water to clear away loose dirt.
3. Use a soft scrubber and soapy water from the bucket—or a mixing sprayer—to gently wash the surface of the panels.
4. Rinse the solar panels with clean water from the hose a second time.
5. Squeegee the panels dry.
6. Follow the same process, changing your position as needed, until all panels are clean.

***Pro Tip: Be careful to avoid touching the sides or underside. Also, avoid contact with any wiring harnesses and/or cables.

I recommend using a very soft sponge or squeegee to avoid any scratching. Scratches or scuffs on a panel’s glass will lower solar intake by a certain amount, depending on the damage.

Snow and Ice

Depending on how much snow there is, you may not notice a difference in production. A light dusting will typically be blown off by the wind. Production may begin to be affected by larger amounts of snowfall, but not for very long. When panels are installed at an angle on your roof, as soon as the sun is out, snow will melt and slide off. With it will come any dirt or buildup, resulting in extra clean arrays and the cells are ready to be producing efficiently again. This is the case even for areas throughout the United States that get excessive amounts of snow, just like Minnesota.

Thanks to the albedo effect, the light reflected off the snow on the ground can and will be received by your panels, adding a bit more energy into the mix.

Visually Inspect the Hardware

Performing an occasional visual maintenance check on the nuts, bolts, and mounting racks holding your solar array in place will keep you informed about how everything is holding up to time and weather. You shouldn’t have any problems. If you do, the systems we install come with a 25-year warranty. Plus, the individual components all include their own manufacturer’s warranty too.

In the unlikely event that you do notice a problem with your solar array, I'll take care of our own warranty claims plus I will facilitate a manufacturer’s warranty claim on behalf of my customers as well.

Here are a Few Things to Look for When Inspecting Your Panels:

Rusted Mounting Bolts

It’s not that a little rust will make bolts come apart. A little rust is fine. But if it looks like bolts have come loose or are rusting to the point that they could become unserviceable in the future, it might be a good idea to just replace them. The condition of the mounting racks should also be noted. Any weakness in the mounting racks makes solar panels a potential falling hazard should they break. At the very least, if a mounting rack bends or changes the angle of a panel in any way, it could negatively affect the panel’s efficiency. (We use hardware that will not rust)

Solar Panel Defects

If you notice a decline in your solar energy output, it’s a good idea to check for surface defects or a buildup of dirt. If you find cracks, chips, or delamination, it may be a manufacturer’s defect that would call for a warranty claim. While many panels are rated to withstand the heavy impact of hailstones, there’s always the possibility of something larger or heavier sailing onto your rooftop.

Frayed Wiring

Check the junction boxes to see if the wires have been chewed by any rodents or insects. That sort of thing is rare, but if you do find it, call either a local licensed electrician or your Rep to get the problem repaired ASAP.

Maintaining Your Panels.

Monitor Solar Power Output

Rinse Them with Water

Snow and Ice

Visually Inspect the Hardware

Solar Panel Maintenance is Really Easy!

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