Picking solar panels is the first step to a sustainable future, but the journey isn’t just about installing solar panels. Choosing and installing your solar panel system is only the first hurdle; the harder step is keeping it in working order for a longer lifetime. To ensure your system is running correctly and you are getting the benefits from your solar system’s investment, it is significant to properly care for your system.
Regular cleaning and maintenance of panels are the keys to better energy output. But is it this easy? Sorry to disappoint, but no!
There are some solar panel maintenance costs involved. Let’s understand the real aspects involved in solar panel maintenance costs and what to expect after the installation phase is done.
The straightforward answer is yes!
Advertised as low maintenance, regular maintenance helps you save costs on future fixes and issues. As you have had your solar panels installed, you are ready for clean energy for years to come. While most of this is the truth, a little regular maintenance is needed to keep your system working efficiently.
For someone who got their solar system panels recently installed or is looking to upgrade their older system to improve its performance, one suggestion that solar installers always give is to regularly inspect your system!
Just like other home appliances, solar panels also need regular maintenance to deliver efficiently. Regular solar panel checking can help you get the best results from your system. If you think the output is not expected, for example, the solar hot water system isn’t giving out hot water, get your system checked. A little maintenance now can save you a lot later!
Since your panels are installed in the open, gradually a layer of dust may sit on them if you don’t regularly clean them. This layer would cause a little hindrance in absorbing sunlight and thus result in less energy being produced and higher bills generated.
You can hire experts if you can’t access your panels to get them cleaned regularly and keep your solar energy system running through all seasons.
Sometimes, the weather can mess up your panel. It isn’t just hail or storms; even super-hot summers can spoil the panels. In most cases, you may not notice the problem until it becomes significant. Extreme weather can create small cracks, loosen pieces, etc., that can result in safety issues or permanent harm. When getting your solar panels installed, ask the professionals to coat a weather-resistant layer for extra safety.
Sometimes unattended problems become a bigger issue. It is better to keep a check on your panels and its efficiency. The biggest problem with little issues in your panel is a lack of efficiency and growing bills. It is better to regularly inspect your panels, and in case you find a problem, run an electrical test at home to identify the potential risk and save on the maintenance costs later.
We have already talked about how low-maintenance your solar panels are when inspected regularly.
Some problems may occur again after a while. It is better to keep a check after getting issues fixed to save on further investments.
Your service provider would agree that with regular solar maintenance and periodic panel cleaning, you can keep your system operating properly!
Your panel works by absorbing the sunlight that falls on it. With the layer of dirt on it, the process of absorption is inefficient, thus impacting the energy output. Use the right cleaning solutions to clean your panels for appropriate light absorption and energy generation.
Weather occasionally causes panels to develop cracks. Smallest cracks on your panel can cause permanent damage, which turns into a safety risk. Do check your panels often, and if you see the slightest crack or something feels unusual on your panels.
If your solar panel system is there for a long time, the possibility is wires may loosen or corrode. Any damage to the cable insulation can impact the output of your system or may lead to unavoidable problems. If you notice any such problem, hire professional electricians right away!
Basically, your inverter converts the solar energy into electrical energy, and if it doesn’t work fine, the solar power system collapses! If you feel any problems with the system performance, it is better to get it checked by experts to avoid any bigger problems later.
Another unavoidable situation is rodents sneaking under the panels and making homes. They are the potential risks that cause little damage to the panels, creating bigger problems. You can ask the solar installation team to use mesh guards to keep the little creatures away!
If you notice any kind of signs of overheating on some parts of your panel, these are probably the hot spots. Call professionals to check for these spots to ensure the problem is resolved and you get higher output.
If by any chance the panel is exposed to rain or storm water may drip into the panel, causing problems.
Connect with experts for electrical testing and prevent any safety hazards.
Woah! We discussed a lot of problems. Not sure how to keep your solar panels working right and protected? The simple answer is regular maintenance and keen checkups. Although solar panel maintenance costs are not much higher, it needs constant attention and quick action. The total maintenance costs can vary based on things like system size, location, and how easy your roof is to access.
Do not forget the regular maintenance to meet the warranty requirements defined by the manufacturers. Here are a few common things that sum up the cost of solar panel maintenance.
The cost of solar panel cleaning can range from $150 to $330, depending on the size of your panel. You may be cleaning regularly, but professionals have the experience, expertise, and the right tools to deliver desired results without damaging your power system.
Many companies offer a basic service for annual inspections at around $200 to $400, with basic facilities like cleaning and electrical testing. You can avail of monitoring services for the year to track the performance of your solar power system.
If any of your panels are cracked or damaged beyond repair, the only alternative is to replace them. In case of permanent damage, the maintenance costs may rise high. To avoid these costs, regular checks can help.
You can connect with the qualified electricians associated with your solar installers and take services for regularly checking the wiring and other components of your system. You can include the panel maintenance service in your package when buying the system for your home!
When you aren’t satisfied with the system’s performance or the damage is beyond repair, you may have to remove the solar panels. The removal is a little expensive, so be very sure when you decide on the process and hire experts to remove your panels.
If by chance you removed the panels for roof repair, you may need to reinstall the setup. Putting the solar system back may come with additional costs.
Track the energy output, and if it doesn’t feel right, maybe it is time to replace your inverter. Inverter replacement is a huge investment. Get your system checked before making the decision.
When it comes to solar panel maintenance costs, there’s no one-size-fits-all number. The type of solar panel system you have also plays a role, and even something as simple as how easy it is to reach your roof can affect your bill.
Here’s a quick look at what can drive your maintenance costs up, or help keep them down.
The number of panels in your system defines the energy produced for your property. With more panels comes more maintenance and cleaning costs. But it also means better energy generation and higher consumption. Discuss your needs with the service provider to pick comfortable panels that save energy and money!
The kind of solar system installation you pick determines the maintenance cost. You can pick an off-grid, grid-tied, or hybrid installation. Cleaning and maintenance costs for each vary based on the setup.
Depending on how difficult it is to reach your panel or the height of your roof, the maintenance costs may vary. For complex and higher places, it is higher.
The local environmental conditions also play a role in determining the cost of maintenance. If you are living along the salty coasts or in a windy area, the efforts needed to clean your panel are greater, and it may need more frequent cleaning.
If you maintain your panels well and often keep a check on them, the cost of maintenance would be less than checking and identifying the fault once in a blue moon.
Again, if dirt settles on your panel often, you need regular cleaning, thus adding to the cost of maintenance of your solar panels.
The rate of qualified electricians and cleaning staff in your area would also play a significant role in defining the maintenance budget.
If you see a bigger problem that may need component replacement, then you are definitely up for a big investment.
Missing regular cleaning can impact the solar panel efficiency as dirt or debris sitting on the panels would impact sunlight absorption, which would influence the energy the panels produce.
When you skip regular cleaning, the energy generation would be impacted, and you may see a rise in your electricity bills.
Stick to annual inspections to abide by the warranty requirements of the manufacturer. Skipping schedules may impact the warranty, too!
The probability of costly repairs from undetected issues increases when you are not involved in regular cleaning and checking.
The carelessness in cleaning and maintaining the system also impacts its longevity. The risk of the system failing and increasing damage increases with your negligence.
With inefficiency in operations, you would also face troubles in returns on investment. It is better to pay attention to how things function and get things sorted when you have time.
Maintaining your solar system is not just about keeping your solar panels clean; your solar system can be extremely vulnerable without proper maintenance. Our experience shows that regular maintenance will prolong your entire solar system, limit expensive repairs, and ultimately increase energy production from your solar system, maximising your investment. So, don’t let dirt, damage, or simply ignoring maintenance take away from your savings!
To get started, contact us for budget-friendly maintenance bundles, advanced performance tools, and straightforward cleaning kits that keep your solar power system performing at its best.
Looking for something else? Search our site here.
At Solahart, we’re proud to be leading Australia’s solar charge. Helping smart Aussies make a real difference to the planet, reducing their reliance on the grid, cutting their energy bills, and connecting them to their smart energy future.
Since 1953, we’ve been the trusted name in Australian solar, installing over a million solar hot water systems in over 70 countries, and over 1 million solar power panels in Australia.
