Solar Panel Maintenance In 3 Easy Steps
Whether You Purchased Your Solar Power and Battery System From AES Or Not, We Can Help!
Having solar power and battery system for your California home or business is always a great investment.
Not only does it help increase your property’s value, but it can also reduce your monthly energy bills. While solar panels are fairly low-maintenance, it is always a good idea to check on them regularly to ensure they are performing at their best potential, delivering you the highest results.
Learn more about the three easy steps you can perform for maintenance or contact our North Valley solar energy system company team at Alternative Energy Systems(AES) to schedule a regular checkup!
Step 1: Monitor Your Solar Output
After you install solar panels, and you are determining whether or not they need maintenance, you will first want to monitor your solar output. While this can vary depending on weather and time of year, you should have a pretty good idea of your average output; you can find the average amount of energy your solar power and battery system puts out by keeping track of it all throughout the year.
If you see a sudden drop or have seen a slow decline over several weeks or months, it may be a sign that your panels need to be checked on. After identifying this potential issue, you can take a few at-home steps to help mitigate the problem and restore the solar panel output.
Step 2: Remove Dirt And Debris
If your solar panels need maintenance or are not working as well as they should, the first thing our California solar energy system company recommends is checking to see if there is any large debris like leaves or twigs obstructing them. Leaves, twigs, or other objects can accumulate on the surface of the panels over time, hindering the amount of sunlight that reaches the photovoltaic cells. This, in turn, reduces the efficiency and output of your solar power and battery system.
You can also see if there is a layer of dust or dirt that has formed on the solar panels over time. The dust or dirt acts as a barrier between the sunlight and the solar panel, inhibiting the absorption of light and ultimately reducing energy production. You should be able to remove most forms of debris with a dry brush; do not apply excessive pressure or use abrasive cleaning materials that can scratch or damage the panels.
Step 3: Wash And Rinse Your Panels
If your panels need professional cleaning due to dirt or debris, you can easily get them washed with the help of our solar energy system company. Northern California water is often too hard on the panels, but when you hire a professional cleaning team, they will have purified water that is softer and will not risk damaging the panels themselves.
Using purified water eliminates the presence of minerals and impurities that can leave behind streaks or spots on the glass surfaces of the solar panels. This ensures that the panels receive an optimal level of cleaning, allowing them to absorb sunlight more effectively and maximize energy production. Professional solar panel cleaners will also be sure to use the proper types of brushes and ensure there are no remaining soap spots when they are done!
How Our AES Solar Energy System Company Can Help
You can care for your residential or commercial solar power and battery system by calling in the experts at AES. Our solar energy system company can assist with several forms of panel maintenance, including routine check-ups and professional cleaning.
Conducting routine visual inspections is key for identifying signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, loose connections, or any other visible damage. Addressing these issues promptly with AES can prevent further damage and ensure that your panels operate efficiently. With our help, you can also receive solar battery system cleaning without worrying about accidentally causing damage.
Why You Need Maintenance After You Install Solar Panels
Ensures their long-term performance and maximizes energy production
Eliminate factors that hinder the efficiency and effectiveness of your solar panel system (i.e. debris)
Assists with sunlight absorption and helps prevent energy output reduction
Allows you to proactively identify and address any solar power and battery system issues
Optimizes your energy savings but also extends the lifespan of your solar panels
Other At-Home Solar Panel Maintenance Tips
Check for shading: After you install solar panels, ensure that no objects, plants, or structures cast shadows on them. Shading can significantly reduce energy output, so keeping the panels in direct sunlight is crucial. If necessary, trim nearby trees or adjust obstacles to optimize the amount of sunlight hitting your panels.
Maintain clear surroundings: Ensure that the area around your solar panels is clear of any debris or vegetation that can obstruct sunlight or affect airflow. Keeping the surroundings clean and free from obstacles allows for better panel performance and prevents damage from accumulating debris on your solar power and battery system.
Get Maintenance Help From The Experts
If there are residential or commercial panels you cannot reach or you are unsure how to best clean or care for your solar panels, it’s best to get help from the experts! Contact AES today to schedule a maintenance checkup. We work on any solar panels, whether we installed them or not! We will make sure your panels are clean and performing at their very best so you can keep saving on your monthly bills.