One of the advantages of solar is that the panels themselves generally require very little routine maintenance.
Because solar panels have no moving parts, there are fewer components that wear out through normal operation. A well-installed system is designed to operate for decades, although individual components and warranties vary by manufacturer.
Keeping Solar Panels Clean
Most solar panels do not need to be cleaned on a strict schedule.
Rain will often remove ordinary dust and debris, but heavy dirt, pollen, leaves, bird droppings, or other buildup can occasionally reduce production. In Western Colorado, dry and dusty conditions may make buildup more noticeable at certain times of year.
If panels are safely accessible from the ground, occasional cleaning may be appropriate when there is noticeable buildup. Always follow the equipment manufacturer’s recommendations.
For rooftop systems, we do not recommend climbing onto the roof just to clean or inspect the panels. The fall risk usually outweighs the benefit.
If your system is showing an unexpected drop in production, that is a better reason to have it inspected.
What Else Should Be Checked?
Solar maintenance is not just about the panels.
Inverters, wiring, mounting hardware, monitoring equipment, and other electrical components can also affect system performance. If something appears damaged, loose, or is not operating correctly, it should be checked by qualified personnel rather than repaired as a DIY project.
System monitoring can also make it easier to spot a problem early by showing when production changes unexpectedly.
What About Warranties?
Solar systems may be covered by several different warranties, including manufacturer product and performance warranties as well as installer workmanship warranties.
Warranty terms vary significantly between manufacturers, so the length of the warranty should not be the only factor when choosing equipment. It is also worth considering equipment quality, expected degradation, manufacturer support, and the installer’s ability to help with warranty issues later.
If a property is sold, some warranties may be transferable, but the requirements depend on the manufacturer and specific warranty.
When Should You Call a Professional?
If your solar production suddenly drops, your monitoring system shows an error, you notice visible damage, or you simply aren’t sure whether the system is performing as it should, High Noon Solar can help.
We provide solar service and maintenance throughout the Grand Valley and surrounding areas, including support for systems we did not originally install.