Yes, solar panels are durable; they can last for three decades. Still, these energy suppliers need maintenance like any equipment. Else, they’ll fail you when you need them the most.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know about solar panel maintenance.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) discovered that soiling—caused by obstructing modules—leads to a 7% energy loss in dusty parts of the United States. Your modules need all the sunlight they can get; efficiency and power generation reduces by 6.5% when you block their surface.

As stated in the manufacturer’s manual, you should maintain your arrays because haphazard cleaning nullifies solar panel warranties. Repairing a module is pricey, so you should hire a professional.

Besides reducing power output, stuck debris damages the module and creates hotspots that affect the health of your solar panels. Maintain your system to maximize investment and increase productivity and performance.

The things that reduce panel efficiency are grouped into three major categories, blockages, weather conditions, and cleaning mishaps.

Blockages come in various forms, and the most typical culprits are caked dust, debris, twigs, pollen, and bird poop. They reduce yield by preventing light from reaching electricity-generating cells.

Aside from blockages, the weather can negatively impact solar efficiency. While it’s believed that the hotter the weather, the more output you get, it’s not all true because the semiconductor influences PV cells. An increase in temperature leads to an increase in voltage and a decreased efficiency.

Ever asked yourself why abandoned cars remain dusty despite frequent rains? Rainwater doesn’t wash the cars; instead, it leaves dust and chemicals. The same applies to your systems. Never rely on rainwater to clean.

Using the wrong cleaning materials can scratch the surface of your modules or leave stains that prevent sunlight absorption and lower efficiency.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) discovered that panels could last for almost three decades with a degradation rate of 0.5% each year. Although warranties last for about 25 years, regular maintenance is vital to maximizing power output.

Maintenance means cleaning modules, checking for blockages (marks, scratches, stains, or cracked glasses), and repairing solar panels and system components.

While contemplating hiring professional hands like PPM Solar, the best Florida solar contractor, we’ve handpicked some tips for maintaining solar panels.

The cleaning and maintenance ground-mounted systems are the same as their rooftop counterparts, except that they’re not always tilted. Rain and debris easily slide off angled panels, unlike flat ones which harbor water and debris because there’s no runoff.

When maintaining housetop systems, you’ll need a harness, a ladder, and two people to brace it. Ground systems on the other hand require more cleaning materials and scrubbing.

DIY-ing is undoubtedly cheaper and easier, and all you need is suitable materials. But DIY-ing comes with a long list of cons. The process is time- and energy-consuming and tedious with a high risk of error; you also cannot repair solar panels.

We’re prone to forget stuff, make mistakes, and err from poor judgment. It’s part of who we are. When cleaning solar panels, you can use the wrong washing supplies or snatch up the stiff broom leaving stains and scratches all over your modules.

The last thing you want is falling off your roof when checking for debris or trying to clean. Instead of becoming Humpty Dumpty, install CCTV for solar panel monitoring—another aspect you need expert hands.

Why take the risk when you can save with PPM Solar and get a commercial solar power systems in Florida. At PPM Solar, we use the best maintenance procedure and intelligent solutions. Our technicians are highly-trained and able to identify and fix faults in solar systems.

While the longevity of your modules does not necessarily lie in your hand as they’re built to last, their efficiency and energy yield depend on you. All you need to do is reach out to a professional installer for zero leaks (source) and apply our tips for the maintenance of solar panels.

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