Why Regular Maintenance Matters for Long-Term Solar Performance

We all know the benefits of solar power - lower electricity bills, reducing your carbon footprint, and earning money by selling excess energy back to the grid. But did you know regular maintenance plays a key role in ensuring your solar system runs at peak performance for many years? Just like any machinery, solar panels and components need periodic checks to diagnose potential issues early.

It's a common misconception that solar is completely hands-off once installed. While solar technology has become highly reliable nowadays, neglecting regular inspections can negatively impact the longevity and productivity of your system. A few minutes spent each month or quarter examining your system can go a long way.

Here are some key reasons why maintenance should be part of your solar care regimen:

Detect panel cracks or discoloration early: 

1. Over time, extreme weather conditions can cause small cracks or discolouration on panels that reduce efficiency. Early detection allows for timely repairs.

2. Technicians visually inspect each panel for any cracks, broken glass or damage to the frame.

3. Cracks could be hairline fractures or more visible breaks. Early cracks don't necessarily impact performance but should be monitored.

4. Using infra-red thermal imaging can also reveal hairline cracks that aren't visible to the naked eye.

5. Cracks are usually from hail damage, falling debris or excessive wind/snow load on the panels.

Check wiring and connections: 

1. Loose wires or connectors are a fire hazard. Inspections ensure all electrical connections are secure and protected from the elements.

2. All electrical connections between panels and from panels to the inverter are checked for tightness.

3. Loose wiring poses a fire risk due to arcing. Connectors are also inspected for corrosion.

4. The wiring is physically traced from each panel to detect any nicks or cuts in the insulation.

5. Automatic checking devices can be used to detect insulation resistance or continuity faults.

Clean dirt and debris: 

1. Dust, bird droppings, leaves etc reduce sunlight reaching solar cells. Regular cleaning prevents efficiency losses.

Monitor mounting hardware: 

1. Corrosion or damage to mounting frames/poles needs prompt fixing to avoid panel drop hazards.

Inspect energy production: 

1. Comparing readings to specs flags underperforming panels/inverters for diagnosis by experts.

2. The inverter displays the actual kW output which is compared to the expected/rated capacity.

3. Underperformance could point to technical issues or panel degradation to be further diagnosed.

4. Past production statistics are also reviewed to detect any gradual declines overtime.

5. Thermal imaging helps find partial shading effects or panels producing less than others.

Update vegetation:

Ensure trees/plants don't encroach and cast shadows on panels as they grow.

Frevolt certified technicians are available to conduct thorough quarterly/annual maintenance checkFrevolt-certifieds tailored to your system. Early identification of issues equates to minimal downtime and maximum solar output over the system's lifetime. After all, enjoying lower bills depends on your panels working at full sun-harnessing capacity. So be sure to schedule regular service through your solar support partner. Your investment and the environment will thank you!