Call a pro to keep your panels clean and keep generating the most power possible
If you have solar panels, maintenance is key to keeping them running efficiently and powering your home. If you need to hire someone, contact a local solar panel repair company that can perform the necessary upkeep so your solar panels remain in good condition.
Solar panel systems don’t need much maintenance to work properly, but certain things will help them run as efficiently as possible. Because solar panels are expensive and responsible for providing power to your home, maintenance should be done carefully so as not to damage the panels or the components.
When you hire a local solar panel repair company to take care of maintenance tasks, you benefit from having an experienced professional identify issues that can impact the panels’ performance. Your pro will clean the panels, remove debris, and cut branches that could block sunlight. Another benefit is that they know the best time of day to clean the panels so they aren’t too hot.
“When it comes to maintenance, keeping your solar panels clean is essential. Dirty PV panel glass can lead to lower solar power production. If your solar panels aren’t producing as much as they used to, it might be time to schedule a cleaning service or maintenance.”
— Mike Naughton, CEO and Founder of Integrity Energy, Cleveland, OH
Solar panel repair professionals are often required to be licensed electricians, so you’re likely hiring an electrician for solar panel maintenance if you go this route. However, keep in mind that not all electricians are qualified to install or maintain solar panels. To ensure your solar panel system is maintained correctly, it’s best to hire someone with experience cleaning and repairing them.
Solar panel maintenance, while minimal, is extremely important to the system’s performance. If the solar panels are dirty or obstructed, it can affect their ability to produce power. Pros will clean the panels with the appropriate cleaner and brushes.
They’ll also remove debris caught on or around the panels, check components, and cut away branches or obstructions that could prevent sunlight from reaching them. You can also hire a solar panel repair pro to clean snow off solar panels during the winter.
Solar panel repairs cost between $250 and $1,550. Repairs can add up, but they don’t always break the bank, especially if you keep up with routine maintenance tasks. Labor falls around $100 per hour, so the less time spent cleaning and removing debris, the less it will cost. The maintenance itself will cost about $10 to $20 per panel.
DIY solar panel maintenance is sometimes possible, but there are safety considerations to keep in mind before you begin. For instance, you’ll need to take proper safety precautions to cut branches from a tree to eliminate shade on your solar panels. If your system is installed on the roof, you can use a long-handled brush to clean the solar panels from the ground.
While a solar panel pro can clean and inspect components, you can also help keep your panels running at peak performance between service visits by monitoring the power generated and checking for damage.
Cleaning your solar panels, repairing components, and trimming surrounding trees will keep your system operating smoothly. Check regularly for debris and tree branches and get a professional inspection every year. A solar panel repair pro can get your system in tip-top shape.
If you’re uncomfortable with any of the tasks that come with solar panel maintenance, hiring a pro is best. Solar panel repair professionals can also handle repair needs that come up and determine how often solar panel maintenance is necessary for your system.