Solar Panel Maintenance Tips: 6 Key Steps
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For solar panels to remain in top operating condition, you’ll need to keep them clean, trim foliage that blocks sunlight, inspect and monitor panels regularly, replace the inverter once during the lifetime of the panels and consider installing critter guards.
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1. Minimize shade
Solar panels need lots of sunshine to produce optimum amounts of electricity. To minimize shade on your panels, inspect them regularly to see if trees or shrubs are restricting the sunlight — and if so, trim them back to allow as much sunshine as possible to shine on the panels.
Even if your solar panels were receiving full sunshine when installed, keep in mind that plant life grows, and what was once a sunny spot can become shaded.
Make sure that no other rooftop equipment (such as antennas, air conditioners, solar water heaters or satellite dishes) is casting shadows on the panels. If so, consider having that equipment moved.
Sometimes it’s not possible to move obstructions (such as a chimney or a neighbor’s large tree). In that case, consider using power optimizers or micro-inverters, which lessen the impact of partial shading on the entire solar panel system.
What you’ll pay to minimize shade depends on the work needed and who does the work. Professional tree-trimming services typically cost about $250 to $700 per tree — but could go up to $1,700 to $1,800, depending on the size of the tree and the complexity of the work.
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2. Keep solar panels clean
Dirt, dust, leaves, pollen and other debris restrict the sunlight solar panels can receive.
But you won’t need to clean the panels every week (or even monthly), because most solar panels are installed at an angle, which lets rain do most of the work. Cleaning solar panels (or bringing in a professional to do it) one to three times annually should do just fine. Hiring a professional to clean your panels typically runs up to $25 per panel.
It’s important to use gentle, proper methods to clean solar panels, or you might void the warranty. Your solar provider may provide specific instructions, but these basic tips usually apply:
Don’t ever use abrasive cleaning chemicals on solar panels, as these could cause damage. Plain water from a garden hose is all you should need. If you feel you must use something to wipe the panels down, use only a soft squeegee or cloth specifically recommended by your solar panel manufacturer.
Don’t use abrasive tools (such as rakes or hard brushes) on solar panels, as this could damage them.
Always wait until solar panels are cool before cleaning them. Putting cold water on hot panels could cause them to crack.
Never walk or kneel on solar panels.
You may want to turn off the solar panel system during cleaning, particularly if you’re using a solar squeegee. This may avoid partial-shade issues.
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3. Replace the inverter
Solar panels are designed to last 20 years or longer, but the life of a solar inverter may be somewhat shorter — on average, about 10 to 20 years. For this reason, you’ll want to monitor your inverter’s performance periodically, check for error codes and plan to replace the inverter once during the life of your solar panels. The cost of a new solar inverter typically runs from about $1,000 to $3,000 installed, so it’s wise to budget ahead for this expense.
» MORE: How long do solar panels last?
4. Monitor the entire system regularly
To catch issues early (hopefully, while you’re still under warranty), monitor your solar panels regularly to make sure they’re operating efficiently and that they’re free of damage.
Schedule a professional annual inspection of the condition of your panels, electrical connections, utility meter hookup and inverter. A professional inspection may cost between $150 and $350.
Use a home monitoring system to stay aware of your system’s energy production and efficiency — with the understanding that slight drops of efficiency (about 0.5% annually) are normal and expected. Any drops higher than this amount should be addressed.
Examine panels after severe weather to determine if they’ve been damaged.
5. Install critter guards
The space under your solar panels may be attractive to small animals such as squirrels, birds, bats, raccoons and rodents. Unfortunately, if animals take up residence under your solar panels and begin to chew on the electrical wiring, this can cause electrical issues with the entire solar array. Also, nesting materials (such as small sticks and leaves) could cause a fire hazard if they build up under the wires. As well, droppings on the panels can inhibit sunlight, making your system less efficient.
A critter guard, which is just a simple flexible mesh barrier installed between the solar panels and your roof, keeps animals and their nesting materials out of the area and prevents leaves, sticks and other debris from falling into and collecting in that space without harming animals.
Critter guards cost about $500 to $2,000, depending on the size of your solar power system. If you’re comfortable with a DIY installation, you can purchase 50 feet of mesh online for less than $40, but make sure a DIY approach doesn't jeopardize the panels' warranty.
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6. Take advantage of your warranty
Catching issues early through proper maintenance of your solar panel system has an added benefit: some of these issues may be covered under the warranty. Depending on the warranty, these covered issues can include:
Damage to panels caused by manufacturer defect or improper installation.
Decrease of energy output beyond your warranty’s specifications.
Issues not generally covered by solar panel warranties include:
Damage caused by natural disasters, storms, fires, floods, lightning or acts of war.
Vandalized or stolen solar panels or equipment.
Routine cleaning and maintenance.
Labor (unless specifically included in your warranty).
Other system components such as solar batteries, wiring, racking and inverters. These components may be covered by their own separate warranties.
» MORE: What does a home warranty cover?
Keep in mind that certain types of improper care and maintenance of your panels can void your solar warranty, including:
DIY installations.
Using unapproved contractors to service your panels/system.
Tampering with electrical boxes or inverters.
Improper cleaning of solar panels, such as the use of abrasive tools or cleaning chemicals.
Not reporting problems right away.
Can I get financing for a solar panel system?
In addition to tax incentives and rebates, there are options available. Many solar installers offer financing, but you may also be able to finance your solar investment through a home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC). These options may have lower interest rates than financing with an installer, future opportunities for refinancing and possible tax benefits.
Home equity loans and HELOCs are ways to borrow against the value of your home, converting equity into cash. With a home equity loan, you receive a lump-sum payment and then pay it back at a fixed interest rate over an agreed period of time, typically from five to 30 years. HELOCs are more akin to a credit card, something you use as needed. You’ll usually have 10 years to draw from the line of credit, during which time you only have to pay interest, and after that you pay both the principal and interest. HELOC interest rates typically are variable, meaning your monthly payment could rise or fall over time. And with each of these options, you're using your home as collateral.
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Another option is a solar loan. Many banks, credit unions and online lenders offer these to fund solar panels and installation, with amounts typically from $1,000 to $100,000, and annual percentage rates ranging from 6% to 36%. They function like a personal loan: you receive a lump sum and repay it in equal monthly installments over a set period, typically two to seven years. And unlike with home equity financing, there is no collateral required for a solar loan. This means your home or solar panels aren’t at risk if you miss payments, but you may have to pay late fees.
So, yes, you likely can get financing. If you go this route, compare interest rates, terms and fees with any financing package that a solar provider may offer you to ensure you get the best deal.
