Solar power has become a significant part of homeowners’ and businesses’ energy plans. With clean, renewable energy fueling residences and businesses, the priority is to make these systems work as efficiently as possible. That’s when commercial & residential solar maintenance services can help.
At Solar Medix, we specialize in keeping your solar system running like new. Our expert staff not only delivers the best in solar panel installation but also in solar maintenance service on all types of residential and commercial solar systems. Read on for how regular solar system maintenance can help you save money and protect your solar energy investment.
Why Solar Maintenance Matters for Homeowners and Businesses
Solar power systems represent a major investment for homes and businesses, providing both sustainability and energy savings. Still, like all complex systems, solar panels and their parts need to be maintained to optimize their output.
Indeed, research has proved that without proper or adequate maintenance within a few years, solar systems can lose 20% of their energy efficiency. This degradation can result in more expensive utility bills, which undermines the whole point of energy savings with the use of solar. A 2021 report found the median PV system annual degradation rate of residential systems to be around 1.09% and 0.8% of non-residential systems, in line with about double the initially estimated rate. (Wikipedia)
When you maintain your solar system regularly, it will not operate below potential, and you even help prolong the life of the system so that your investment well deserves value for years to come. A well-maintained system can last 25 years or longer, but a neglected one might sooner require expensive repairs or an early replacement.
In addition, by keeping your system in good condition, you will protect warranties, which often have clauses that mandate regular inspection and maintenance. Not following these terms can void the warranty, leaving home and business owners at risk for costly repairs and installations.
For instance, in 2020, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) discovered in its analysis that businesses with a PV system that conducted routine maintenance were able to save 15 – 45% in repairs over the system’s useful life of typically 25 – 30 years.
According to NREL (the National Renewable Energy Laboratory), systems that are properly maintained are prone to operating at optimum capacity and could potentially produce as much as 30% more energy over the lifespan of the system when compared to systems that do not receive the same level of attention. But with solar energy gaining popularity, making sure your system performs well is not just an option—it’s imperative to make the most of your long-term, cost-saving investment and for your impact on the environment.
- Additional Statistics
- Real-World Case Study
- Why Regular Maintenance Prevents Costly Repairs, Maximizes Performance, and Protects Warranties
- Additional Case Studies
1. Additional Statistics
- Energy Loss Due to Soiling: Studies show that in the dust zones, the efficiency of solar power systems is reduced by 15-25% when it’s not cleaned. (IFBot)
- Financial Impact of Cleaning: In California, a 7% annual soiling loss on a residential 5-kW system could cost you about $65 over the course of a year. (solar.com)
- Cleaning Efficiency Gains: Routine maintenance can improve overall efficiency by as much as 3.5%, which means additional power production. (Community Solar Authority)
2. Real-World Case Study
In California, a homeowner who neglected regular maintenance for his solar system experienced a significant drop in power production in just two years. After the advised yearly cleaning and inverter servicing, their system’s efficiency increased by 28%, which they estimate puts $1,400 back in their pockets in electricity bills every year. This further emphasizes the importance of timely service in prolonging the lifetime and performance of sol.(EnergyAid)
3. Why Regular Maintenance Prevents Costly Repairs, Maximizes Performance, and Protects Warranties
With routine solar maintenance visits, you can prevent inefficiency, system malfunctions, and a potential voiding of manufacturer warranties.
This is why maintaining solar is important:
- Prevents energy loss and underperformance: Dirty solar panels can reduce your system’s power production.
- Identifies potential issues early: Regular visits can help identify smaller issues before they become larger ones.
- Protects warranties and long-term ROI: Many warranties are contingent on carrying out regular maintenance; if you ignore them, you may be voiding your coverage.
- For example, in Candler Hills Golf Club, Florida, we installed a 297 kW solar system on their maintenance building, landing them annual savings of $30K over standard diesel generators. (USGA)
- Keeps systems compliant with regulations: With an annual check, your systems comply with state and local regulations.
- Reduces unexpected downtime: Proactively avoids unexpected system failures that could disrupt your energy transference.
4. Additional Case Studies
- Drake Landing Solar Community, Canada: This community reached a 100% solar fraction for space heating in the 2015–2016 season, saving the costs of a heating system and carbon during energy production. This system’s ongoing status paved the way for long-term efficiency, which was 30% less than typical heaters. (Wikipedia)
- Minitab’s Solar Initiative: Minitab partnered with a top solar provider to maximize savings through energy efficiency, driving annual revenue up by more than $100,000 due to better system performance, highlighting the economic value of regular solar system maintenance. (minitab.com)
Solar Medix’s Comprehensive Solar Maintenance Services
At Solar Medix, we provide solar servicing services for both residential and commercial, so we can help extend the life of your unit! We aim to deliver a personalized service to meet the unique needs of your solar system for residential and commercial clients alike.
- Residential Solar Maintenance
- Commercial Solar Maintenance
1. Residential Solar Maintenance
Your home solar system is designed to offset energy use and provide long-term savings on your electricity bills. For it to operate in top condition, regular maintenance is required.
Solar Medix provide the following services to keep your system working smoothly:
- Panel cleaning: To ensure energy efficiency, clean the solar panels so that the dirt, leaves, or dust do not affect the energy output.
- Inverter inspections: Verify the inverter is working properly by converting solar power into usable electricity.
- Wiring and connector checks: Improperly connected or loose connections and connectors can cause problems that may lead to poor performance and malfunction.
- Performance monitoring: Monitor how much energy your system has been producing to spot any underperformance.
- Safety checks: Check the whole system for any safety problems that can cause accidents or breakdowns.
2. Commercial Solar Maintenance
Commercial solar systems are bigger and more complex compared to their residential counterparts and, therefore, need more extensive and frequent maintenance.
Solar Medix offers expert services to maintain a top-performing solar system for your company:
- System diagnostics: Detect performance problems and troubleshoot them before they cause an outage.
- String-level inspections: Examine every single string of panels to make sure they’re doing their job as intended.
- Preventive maintenance: Be on the lookout for potential issues before they can hinder your power generation.
- Reporting and compliance: Offer detailed reporting and keep your system compliant with industry regulations.
- Emergency support: Be prepared to solve any emergencies so your business can keep running.
Key Signs You Need Solar Maintenance Now
Solar systems are meant to generate savings over the long term, and so sometimes problems develop that nobody pays attention to until a little late. With proper maintenance and being mindful of the most common issues that arise, you can avoid major repairs and keep your system at peak performance. But how do you know when your solar system requires maintenance?
Below are some obvious signs that it is time to schedule maintenance:
- Decreased Energy Production or Output
- Unusual System Noises or Sounds
- Physical Damage to Panels or Equipment
- Inverter Error Messages or Warning Lights
- Increased Utility Bills Despite Consistent Energy Use
1. Decreased Energy Production or Output
Are you experiencing a lack of solar energy from your system all of a sudden? If your panels appear to be producing less power than they do normally, it could be a sign that something’s wrong. This might be due to anything from dirt accumulation on the panels to more substantive problems, such as issues with wiring or the inverter.
Why is this important? Less energy generation means your system isn’t putting as much money back in your pocket from the energy bills as it should, and it could get worse over time.
2. Unusual System Noises or Sounds
Is your system being noisy? Buzzing, clicking, or strange humming from your solar inverter or elsewhere in the system can be an indication something has gone wrong. What does it mean? Strange noises are usually a sign that something has come loose, is worn, or is about to fail.
For instance, a vibrating inverter may be failing to efficiently convert from DC to AC power. Those sounds are not to be ignored, as they can indicate some underlying issue that may only get worse if ignored.
3. Physical Damage to Panels or Equipment
Can you see any cracks, chips, or visible damages on your solar panels or other parts? Why is this a concern? The actual physical damage can really get to the point where it can slow your computer down a lot.
A tiny crack in a solar panel can diminish the efficiency of the panel by casting a shadow on its cells, cutting down on sunlight that would otherwise generate electricity. Does your system experience harsh weather? Damage can also come from hailstorms, high winds, or debris. If your panels have been under such conditions, it’s time to have them examined.
4. Inverter Error Messages or Warning Lights
Is your inverter beeping or displaying error messages? How does this apply to your system? The inverter is an essential component of your solar system that “inverts” the energy your panels collect into energy you can use.
If anything goes wrong with your inverter, the whole system’s performance can suffer. Why is this serious? Failure to act can result in even more damage or a total systems failure, rendering early detection and repair incredibly important.
5. Increased Utility Bills Despite Consistent Energy Use
Is your electric bill higher than normal, even though you’re using the same amount of electricity? What’s happening here? This may be an indicator that your solar system is underperforming. An abrupt spike in your utility bills is either a result of your PV system producing less energy or inverter problems leading to more grid-dependent power in your home.
Might a technical glitch have contributed? Maybe there was a system error? Yes, it can, and a maintenance check can help you identify and resolve the cause of the problem.
Book Your Solar Maintenance Service with Solar Medix Today!
Maintaining your solar system is important as it keeps it in working condition, saves you on costs, and guarantees adherence to laws and guidelines. Whether you are a homeowner or a business owner, Solar Medix offers professional solar maintenance services that are created to maintain your investment. Book your appointment today—call now and keep your solar system working as it should!
Ready to make certain your solar system works optimally? Solar Medix is one phone call away! Contact us now to schedule your solar maintenance service and give your solar a clean bill of health. Our professional technicians are standing by to assist in all your commercial and residential solar maintenance needs. Don’t wait for an issue to occur; preventative maintenance is your best bet for long-term savings and reliable systems.
Call us today to book your appointment and optimize your solar energy efficiency today!
Also Read: Solar System Maintenance Tips for Every Season
FAQs
Solar maintenance costs will depend on the size of your system and the type of service you need. But in general, preventative maintenance is cheaper than repairs caused by neglect.
You should have your solar panels serviced annually. But you need to keep an eye on the system, and if you notice it is not working properly or generating less power, contact a professional.
You can book a service with Solar Medix by filling out a form on our website or giving us a call at our customer service number. We offer everything from residential to commercial solar systems throughout the USA.
