A guide to solar system maintenance: ensuring longevity and performance

Solar energy systems are a significant investment, providing clean and renewable energy for homes and businesses. To ensure that these systems perform efficiently and last for many years, periodic maintenance is important, but often overlooked. Proper maintenance not only preserves system efficiency but also prevents costly repairs and prolongs the lifespan of solar panels, inverters, and other components. This guide aims to educate solar system owners on the importance of maintenance, providing practical insights, tips, and best practices for maintaining their solar energy systems. Before we proceed, a general warning here: make sure you use a licensed electrician to perform this work.

Introduction to solar system maintenance

Solar system maintenance involves a range of activities designed to keep the system operating at peak efficiency. Periodic maintenance helps to identify and address potential issues before they become major problems, ensuring that the system continues to produce energy effectively. Maintaining a solar energy system involves cleaning the panels, inspecting the components for damage, monitoring performance, and ensuring that all parts are functioning correctly. By dedicating time to these tasks, solar system owners can maximise their return on investment and ensure the long-term reliability of their solar energy systems.

Routine maintenance tasks

Routine maintenance tasks are crucial for the optimal performance of solar energy systems. These tasks include cleaning solar panels to remove dirt, dust, pollen, bird droppings, and other debris that reduce their efficiency. Generally speaking, rainfall does a great job at keeping panels clean, but more stubborn debris can accumulate through time. Checking connections is another key task, involving the inspection of wiring and connections to ensure they are secure and free from corrosion or wear, as loose or damaged connections can affect system performance (this should only be performed by a licensed electrical professional).

Regularly monitoring performance metrics including energy production and overall system efficiency is also essential, as is ensuring proper ventilation for inverters and other components to prevent overheating and maintain optimal performance. 

Cleaning solar panels

Cleaning solar panels is a straightforward yet essential maintenance task. Dirt, dust, pollen, and bird droppings can accumulate on the surface of the panels, reducing their ability to absorb sunlight and generate energy. To clean the panels effectively, use a soft brush or sponge and mild detergent to gently clean the surface. Avoid using abrasive materials or harsh chemicals that could damage the panels. Rinse the panels with clean water to remove any soap residue and perform cleaning in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid rapid evaporation and potential streaking. Regular cleaning can significantly improve the efficiency of the solar panels, ensuring they operate at their maximum capacity.

Inspecting for damage and wear

Regular inspections are crucial for identifying signs of damage, wear, or degradation in solar panels and other system components. During inspections, check solar panels for cracks, chips, or discoloration that may indicate damage. Inspect mounting hardware for signs of corrosion or looseness, examine wiring and connections for wear, fraying, or corrosion, and assess inverters and other electronic components for any signs of overheating or malfunction. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent further damage and ensure the continued reliability of the solar energy system.

Monitoring performance metrics

Monitoring the performance of a solar energy system is vital for identifying potential issues and ensuring optimal operation. Key performance metrics to monitor include energy production, voltage levels, current output, and system efficiency. SolarEdge provides advanced monitoring tools that allow users to track their system's performance in real-time through the mySolarEdge app. This app offers detailed insights into energy production, helping users identify and address issues quickly. Regular monitoring ensures that the system operates efficiently and maintains long-term performance.

Identifying and addressing issues

Solar energy systems can encounter various issues that affect their performance. Common problems include shading, soiling, module degradation, and wiring issues. To address these issues, regularly check for shading caused by trees, buildings, or other obstructions and take steps to remove or mitigate the shading. Clean the panels regularly to prevent soiling from reducing their efficiency. Monitor the system for signs of module degradation, such as decreased energy production, and replace affected panels if necessary. 

Safety precautions

Safety is paramount when performing solar system maintenance. Therefore, it is always best to use a licensed solar professional.  They will de-energise the solar system and disconnect it from the grid before performing any maintenance tasks to avoid electrical shocks. They will also take the necessary precautions to avoid potential hazards such as sharp edges, using safety measures that prevent falls or injuries. 

SolarEdge systems feature SafeDC™ technology, which ensures when the AC power to the SolarEdge system is turned off, the panelsDC voltage is reduced to a safe, extra-low level (typically around 1 volt per module). This minimises the risk of electrical shock to installers or maintenance personnel working on the system further enhancing safety.

Professional maintenance services

While regular maintenance can be performed by system owners, professional maintenance services are recommended for more complex tasks. Hiring professional maintenance services or contracting with solar system installers or technicians for periodic inspections, preventive maintenance, and performance evaluations can ensure system reliability and warranty compliance. Professionals have the expertise and tools to perform thorough inspections and address issues that may not be immediately apparent.

In summary

Proper maintenance is vital for ensuring the longevity and performance of your solar energy system, while regular cleaning, inspections, performance monitoring, and timely issue resolution maximise efficiency and prevent costly repairs in your system. If you’re researching an upgrade or a new system, look no further than our full suite of residential products, including  panels, inverters, EV chargers, and many more. Got a question or a comment? Let us know.