Solar energy systems are a significant investment – both in terms of financial value and environmental impact. While solar panels are designed to be low-maintenance and highly durable, regular care and inspections can help ensure your system continues to operate at peak efficiency for decades.

Whether you’re a new solar owner or have had panels for years, here are some maintenance practices to protect your investment and maximize energy output.

1.Keep Your Panels Clean

Solar panels perform the best when exposed to unobstructed sunlight. Over time, dust, pollen, leaves, bird droppings, and other debris can accumulate on panel surfaces, reducing energy production.

Cleaning Tips:

• Inspect your panels every 6 to 12 months, or more frequently in dry or high-dust regions.
• Use soft cloths, sponges, or a soft-bristle brush with water to clean. Avoid abrasive tools or harsh chemicals.
• Schedule cleaning during cooler hours (early morning or late afternoon) to prevent thermal stress.
• For elevated or hard-to-reach systems, considering hiring a professional for safety.

2.Monitor System Performance Regularly

Most solar systems come with monitoring software that tracks your energy production in real time. Monitoring allows you to track your energy production and identify performance anomalies.

Key performance indicators to track:

• Daily and monthly kWh production trends
• Alerts or warning signals from your inverter or monitoring app
• Seasonal shifts – some variation is normal, but dramatic changes may require inspection

Significant deviations in expected performance may indicate issues such as inverter malfunctions, panel shading, or system faults.

3.Manage Surrounding Vegetation

Vegetation growth around your solar array can introduce shading, reducing system efficiency. This is particularly relevant for ground-mounted systems and rooftop arrays near trees or fast-growing plants.

Action Items:

• Trim any overhanging branches or vegetation that may shade the panels throughout the day
• Schedule seasonal evaluations to prevent future shading issues
• Maintain clearance around inverters and battery enclosures for ventilation and safety

4.Conduct Visual Inspections of Components

In addition to panel maintenance, it’s important to inspect other critical system components, particularly the inverter, cabling, and mounting hardware.

Inspection checklist:

• Ensure the inverter display is operational and not showing error codes
• Check that wiring is secure, free of corrosion or pest damage
• Confirm that racking systems and bolts are intact and structurally sound
• Inspect for signs of water ingress, especially around rooftop penetrations

Any electrical concerns should be addressed by a licensed technician. Unauthorized handling of solar components can void warranties and pose safety risks.

5.Schedule Professional Maintenance Checks

While basic maintenance can be done by the system owner, periodic inspections by a certified solar technician are highly recommended. A professional can perform a comprehensive assessment of your system and proactively identify potential issues.

We recommend:

• A professional inspection every 2 to 3 years
• An annual check if your system includes battery storage or is located in a high-risk environment (e.g., coastal or high-wind regions)
• Preventive maintenance before and after winter in colder climates like British Columbia

At Amor Energy, we offer full-service solar maintenance packages tailored to residential and commercial clients.

6.Safeguard Documentation and Warranties

Maintaining organized records of your system is essential. This includes installation diagrams, warranty certificates, monitoring platform credentials, and maintenance history. These documents are crucial for troubleshooting, warranty claims, and future system upgrades.

Conclusion

Solar systems require minimal maintenance, but consistent care and monitoring ensure long-term efficiency and reliability. By following these best practices, you can extent the life of your system, safeguard your return on investment, and contribute to a more sustainable future.