Believe it or not, Solar panels have been around for more than 140 years! The first solar cell was founded in 1883 when inventor Charles Fritts coated selenium with a thin layer of gold. The energy conversion rate of this cell was just 1-2%. However, for a start, this was a considerable achievement.
Today’s solar panels attain a 15-20% efficiency. This high efficiency and the lowering cost of solar panels, thanks to technology, has contributed to the popularity of this source of renewable energy.
In 140 years, the solar technology has come a long way. However, the percentage of maximum efficiency that a solar cell can reap can decline if the panels are not well-maintained.
But the big question is: Do solar panels require regular maintenance?
While they don’t require day-to-day maintenance, they do require minimal maintenance for optimal performance.
In this article, we’ll explore the maintenance requirements of solar PV systems including routine cleaning to professional inspections.
What is Solar Maintenance?
Solar panel systems have three basic components: panels, inverters, and mounting systems. All three of these components require maintenance. However, the degree of maintenance is different for each.
Routine maintenance typically involves cleaning the panels to remove dirt and debris. Routine checks include inspecting the system for damage and monitoring its performance. These routine checks identify the need for major repairs.
Major repairs may be necessary in case the damage is severe, such as broken panels or faulty wiring.
Maintenance Checklist
Here’s a solar panel maintenance checklist for a brief about the maintenance of these systems:
Visual Inspection:
- Panels: Check for cracks, chips, broken glass, or discoloration.
- Mounting structure: Inspect for loose frames and signs of corrosion on the structure.
- Wiring: Inspect for damaged wiring, loose connections, and the condition of the connectors.
Inverter:
- Verify that the inverter is functioning properly and displaying accurate readings by turning on/ off high-wattage appliances.
- Inspect the inverter for any signs of overheating or visible damage.
- Cleaning:
- Clean panels according to the schedule recommended by installers.
- Always clean panels when they are not producing electricity.
- Use a soft brush or cloth to remove the debris. Rinse the panels using a gentle spray so it doesn’t cause damage.
Obstructions
- Check for any obstructions to the panels like overhanging branches. Keep trimming trees nearby to allow direct light to hit on the panel surface.
Record Keeping:
- Maintain a record of all maintenance activities, including cleaning, inspections, and repairs.
You can add this list to a solar panel maintenance PDF and stick a printout near your panels.
Do Solar Panels Need Regular Cleaning?
According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), households lose around 7% of their power through dirty solar panels each year.
The frequency of cleaning required for a panel varies from place to place. Certain climatic conditions and pollution might require more frequent cleaning.
For instance, if you reside in an area near factories or where you get a lot of dust, you might have to clean the panels monthly or bimonthly. Plus, if there are a lot of birds where you live, you can expect bird droppings to hamper electricity production too.
If you reside in a place like Southampton where it rains an average of only 9.6 days a year, cleaning might be required more frequently since there are very few wet days.
Methods of Solar Panel Cleaning
There are several methods for cleaning solar panels, including manual cleaning, robotic cleaning, and automated cleaning systems. While manual cleaning can be effective, it can also be time-consuming and risky, especially for large and angled solar panel installations.
Robotic and automated cleaning systems offer more efficient and safer cleaning.
Best practices for cleaning solar panels safely
- Clean the panels when the weather is favorable.
- Make sure the power is shut off when you’re cleaning.
- Clean during the cooler time of the day. This way, the panels won’t crack because of cold water touching the hot surface.
- If you’re cleaning your panels manually, make sure you wear a safety harness and sturdy footwear. Make sure that the ladder you use for elevation is safe to use.
- Don’t use a pressure washer for cleaning the panels as they might damage them. Instead, use a washer on the gentle setting.
- Use gentle cleaners to wash rather than abrasive ones. Also, make sure that you’re using a soft brush rather than a hard one as it might cause micro scratches on the panel surface.
- Use deionized water as they do not leave behind water spots later.
Inspecting Solar Panels for Damage
Damage and major issues usually occur due to severe weather or water damage due to deteriorated seals. The damage might be visible or not visible.
However, you will see micro scratches on the surface of your panels. While a few scratches might not affect the performance by a great deal, over time, an increase in these scratches due to wear and tear will lead to a greater loss.
Since most of the damage is caused by weather conditions, inspect the seals and check the panels for damage if your area has had a thunderstorm, hailstorm, or experienced high winds. Regular inspections can help identify potential issues with your solar panels.
Visible damage includes:
- Cracks
- Chips
- Discoloration
- Loose wiring
- Deteriorating seals
It is also important to assess the inverter for signs of overheating and damage.
If you notice any of these issues, consult with a solar professional as they can best assess the situation.
They will then recommend appropriate repairs or replacements. If you have panel warranties, it is best to call for a professional right away so you can avail repairs through the warranty.
Monitoring Solar Panel Performance
Apart from keeping an eye out for visible signs of damage, also note down the solar panel performance. Your inverter will show the electricity being produced and consumed at the moment.
You can note down whether turning on high-wattage appliances makes the inverter shift to the grid and the number of hours the solar battery lasts.
If you don’t have the time to manually note down the performance of the panel, you could invest in a mentoring system.
Solar panel monitoring systems allow you to track your system’s energy production, identify potential issues, and note down performance drops and anomalies.
These systems are equipped with software that helps track and analyze solar system output over time. This intelligent software can notify you when there’s a need for maintenance.
Common Issues and Repairs for Solar Panels
Common issues with solar panel systems include inverter malfunctions, wiring problems, shading, and wear and tear on components.
While some minor repairs can be handled by homeowners, more complex issues should be addressed by a qualified technician.
Repair or Replace the Panels?
The decision to repair or replace your solar panels depends on several factors, including the extent of the damage, the age of the panels, and the potential cost of repairs. Here’s a general guideline:
Repair:
- Minor Damage: If your solar panels have sustained minor damage, such as a few broken cells, a cracked frame, or chips, repair may be the most cost-effective option.
- Warranty Coverage: If the damage is covered by your manufacturer’s warranty, repair costs may be minimal or even free.
- Wiring Damage: If wires have been damaged due to water or loose connections, you might want to repair them rather than invest in an expensive replacement.
Replace:
- Extensive Damage: If your panels have sustained significant damage, such as hail damage or severe cracking, replacement may be the best option.
- Age of Panels: If your panels are nearing the end of their lifespan (typically 25-30 years), replacing them with newer, more efficient models can significantly improve energy production.
- Performance Decline: If your panels are experiencing a significant decline in energy production, even after cleaning and maintenance, you might have no choice but to replace them.
- Technological Advancements: New solar panel technologies offer improved efficiency and durability. If your current panels were installed a while ago and you have the budget, replacement might be a great option.
Professional Maintenance Services vs. DIY Maintenance
Basic tasks like routine cleaning can be done by homeowners themselves. Homeowners can also inspect the system for signs of visible damage.
However, if there are performance decline issues or the homeowner has identified substantial visible damage, professional help will be needed.
These professionals can repair and replace panels safely since they have expertise with dozens of projects. Plus, they also offer labour warranty which can allow you to get free repairs if the performance isn’t up to the mark after a service.
However, even if you don’t see signs of visible damage, schedule an annual professional checkup. These regular inspections can allow you to identify signs of damage and the need for repair or replacement.
If you are unable to do the cleaning yourself or think that it is unsafe for you to do so due to inaccessibility, you can call professionals for cleaning as well. A bi-yearly professional cleaning can keep your panel free from damage and keep it well-maintained.
Costs of Panel Maintenance
The cost of maintenance can vary depending on the size of your system, the frequency of cleaning, and the complexity of any repairs. Here are the estimated costs of panel maintenance for 2024:
- Solar panel servicing cost UK: £100-200
- Inspection and testing: £140–£250 per inspection
- Cleaning: £15 per panel or a lump sum cost depending on the system.
- Repairs: Anywhere between £80–£1,000, depending on the issue.
- Annual Insurance: £100–£1,000.
- Inverter replacement: £500–£1,500
- Solar batteries replacement: £2,000 to £12,000
If you have to replace your solar panels, it will cost around £2,000 per kW. This means a 5kW system with a few solar panels cost £10,000 or more. So, investing in proper maintenance can increase the lifespan of your solar panels.
Compared to the replacement costs, the solar panel maintenance cost per year would be around £500–£1,000. Therefore, spending to maintain solar is less expensive than one hefty replacement.
How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Solar Panels
The lifespan of solar panels can vary depending on factors such as quality, installation, and maintenance. With proper care and maintenance, solar panels can last for 25 years or more.
Proper installation: To maximize the lifespan of your solar panels, it’s important to ensure proper installation and positioning. Experts at Samso Solar have multiple years of experience. Therefore, they can determine the right positioning and inclination of the panels.
Replace damaged panels promptly: Keep a lookout for damaged panels and replace them promptly because if they are left unrepaired, they can also shorten the lifespan of the other panels in the array.
Regular cleaning: It is important to regularly clean the panels and keep the best practices in mind. You should also call for cleaning services once every 2-3 years too.
Regular checks and maintenance: Regularly checking the panels for visible damage and tracking the performance of the panels can allow you to identify issues before they cause further damage.
Avoid shading and obstructions: Make sure there are minimal obstructions on the cells so they can perform optimally without issues.
Conclusion
Even though solar panels are relatively low-maintenance than other renewable energy systems, they do require maintenance and monitoring. You should keep cleaning the system according to the recommended schedule with the best practices in mind. Also, schedule annual services to make sure that any signs of damage are identified before they turn into major trouble.
Regular cleaning and maintenance of a solar system can ensure that it keeps performing optimally throughout its lifespan. Although at the end of its life, the panels need to be replaced, with maintenance, you will have gotten significant benefits from them already. So, saying goodbye to these old panels will not be so hard.
