Maximizing Your Solar Investment: Maintenance Tips for Peak Performance

To ensure your solar electricity system operates at its full potential, it's crucial to pay attention to maintenance. This not only minimizes downtime but also maximizes production. Here are some tips to keep your system fully operational and productive.

Regular Cleaning: Keeping Your Panels Spotless

Dirt and debris accumulating on the tempered glass of your solar panels can significantly reduce their output. This is especially true for stubborn soils that aren’t rinsed off by rain or cleared off by snow.

In climates with frequent rain, like Long Island, hard rains can typically rinse off dust and pollen. However, rain might not rinse off:

• Tree sap: This sticks to the glass like glue, preventing dust and pollen from being rinsed off.
• Dried bird droppings: These can contain abrasive material.

It's important to clean solar panels carefully to avoid damaging them. Here are some tips:

• Never risk injury by falling from roofs or ladders.
• Avoid standing, walking, or placing hoses or tools on top of solar panels.
• Perform cleaning activities in the early morning when the panels are cool and when it’s not precipitating.
• Bird droppings and similar substances often contain grit that can scratch the glass if rubbed.
• Scratches in tempered glass can turn into cracks over time, which can lead to panel failure and void warranties.
• Avoid using brushes, sponges, squeegees, or pressure washers as these can cause damage.
• Start with rinsing with cold water, follow with a foaming cleaner like Zip Wash by Turtle Wax mixed into a water spray, allow 15 minutes for the foam to lift off the soils, and finish with a thorough rinse with cold water.
• Any remaining soils should be carefully removed with denatured alcohol and a clean microfiber towel.

System Monitoring: Stay on Top of Performance

Modern solar electricity systems often include web-based production monitoring. This allows you to:

• Verify that your system is producing electricity and how much.
• Measure production over different time periods (day, month, year).
• Detect system errors.

Ensure your system is producing electricity with no errors by checking the monitoring system weekly from April to October and monthly in winter. Compare annual production, which should vary less than +/- 5%, to identify any significant issues. Older systems without web-based monitoring should have their inverter displays and LEDs checked for errors when the sun is out.

Call for service if you detect any errors on the monitoring system or inverters.

Preventative Maintenance: Beyond Cleaning

Inspect for cracked glass in the spring and fall. Use binoculars or a drone after rain to check the panels while they’re still wet. Contact service immediately if cracks are discovered.

Ensure your homeowner’s insurance covers your system against physical damage. Address potential vermin issues that could damage your system by managing tree branches, siding, and electrical services that allow critters access to your roof.

Pay attention to shadows caused by growing trees. Aim to have sun on the roof from dawn to dusk year-round. If you notice shadows, consider removing the source.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

For ‘communications errors’ on the monitoring system, try this DIY restart/reconnect procedure:

• Turn off the monitoring system and internet router.
• Wait 2 minutes.
• Turn on the internet router and wait 5 minutes.
• Turn on the monitoring system and wait 15 minutes.
• Check the portal or monitoring app to see if the error is cleared.

If the system is not producing energy, check disconnect switches and breakers inside and outside the house. Contact service if you notice physical damage, persistent errors, or critters on your roof or under your panels.

Your solar electricity system is a long-term investment. By following these maintenance tips, you can maximize production and system life, ensuring the best return on your investment. Regular checks and proper care will help prevent unexpected issues and keep your system running smoothly.