Have you ever thought of what will happen to the solar panels you have just installed after 25 years of installation? Most studies claim that they will lose 25 % of their energy production if not maintained well. Solar panels are an investment for a lifetime, and they need to be maintained regularly to ensure they continue performing at the highest level.
Homeowners throughout New Jersey, New York, Texas, and Massachusetts are going solar more and more every day to save money on their electric bills and reduce their carbon footprint. However, like any other significant appliance or system in the home, solar panels can lose efficiency, become damaged, and be unsafe to use if not properly maintained. That is why solar maintenance should be a top priority for homeowners.
In this blog, we will explore the reasons for solar maintenance, what happens if you skip it, and the state-specific problems solar owners are experiencing in New Jersey, New York, Texas, and Massachusetts.
We will also discuss the advantages of preventive maintenance, when to plan inspections, and why Solar Medix is the partner you can rely on to ensure your home or commercial solar energy system is consistently performing at an optimal level. Continue reading if you do not wants to waste the value of your solar investment.
Solar Ownership is an Ongoing Commitment
When you purchase solar panels, you are committing to sustaining your home’s energy use for decades. Solar panels are so durable, and with good maintenance, they could produce clean, renewable energy for even 25 to 30 years.
On average, solar panel efficiencies only decrease by as much as 0.5 percent per year. But it can still allow them to generate sizeable energy savings far beyond what would be expected during the expected life of the solar panel (National Renewable Energy Resources (NREL), 2018). However, solar panels require periodic maintenance for them to continue operating at their best.
Why Regular Maintenance Matters
- Maximizing Efficiency: Regular service keeps your system at optimal performance. According to research from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, a well-maintained solar system can outperform a similar but neglected system by as much as 25% in terms of energy production (Berkeley Lab, 2018). Regular servicing and maintenance will help ensure you get the most return on your solar investment by keeping it cruising along, trouble-free, and cost-free.
- Preventing Degradation: Your solar panels may degrade over time if they do not receive regular maintenance, which will result in reduced efficiency and expensive repairs. Inverter failure is a common issue that can lead to system downtime and diminish your home’s energy output. Without routine checks, these problems can go undetected until they start to affect your system’s performance.
Common Maintenance Issues
- Dust, Dirt, and Debris: As per the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), dirt and dust can lower a solar panel’s efficiency by up to 25% if they go uncleaned (NREL, 2019). Clean systems will be more efficient when it comes to producing energy.
- Inverter Failures: Inverters are the main component of any solar panels. They are responsible for converting solar energy into power you can use. Regular inspection by professionals can prevent problems like inverter failure and keep your system working productively.
The Bottom Line: Protect Your Investment
Maintaining your solar panels regularly is important to ensure your system performs well, stays safe, and lasts longer. Early intervention and system maintenance will increase the life of your system, extend its benefits, and protect your investment and the environment by reaping the long-term rewards of clean, renewable energy to sustain your investment.
- Are you wondering what affects your solar panels’ lifespan and how to make them last a long time? Read our blog, “What Affects the Lifespan of Solar Panels and How to Address It,” for professional advice on how to maintain optimal performance and longevity of your system. So don’t wait for a problem to occur—read now and start protecting your solar investment today!
What is Solar Maintenance, and Why Does It Matter?
Solar panel maintenance (also called Solar O&M – Operations and Maintenance) is regular monitoring, cleaning, and repairs that are needed to keep your solar power system running smoothly.
Without regular servicing, your system could become less efficient or even suffer a breakdown.
Below is a list of problems you might encounter if you neglect maintenance:
- Loss of System Efficiency: If your system is not cleaned by professionals, dirt, dust, and debris can pile onto the panels, blocking the sun’s rays and limiting the power generated. Researchers find solar panels could break even faster than they lose efficiency, up to 25 percent, if they remain unchecked.
- Inverter Failure: The inverter is the ‘heart’ of your solar power plant, converting solar radiation into the energy that powers your home. If left unexamined, it could malfunction and halt energy production.
- Water Damage or Corrosion: Panels corrode due to moisture and humidity, which can lead to system failure. Regular maintenance checks can prevent water damage by ensuring all seals and parts are functioning properly.
- Safety Risks: Poor connections, faulty devices, and other system failures can lead to unsafe conditions, arc faults, and electrical fires. Frequent servicing helps detect and eliminate these issues before they become dangerous.
In other words, regular maintenance keeps your system working effectively, safely, and for as long as possible. By taking care of your solar system, you not only prevent expensive repairs but also extend your panel’s life and maximize your return on investment.
State-by-State Challenges Solar Maintenance Helps Address
Each location has its own set of challenges when it comes to solar energy systems. Here is an overview of the challenges in New Jersey, New York, Texas, and Massachusetts — and an example of how routine solar panel maintenance can mitigate them:
New Jersey & New York
Typically, New Jersey and New York homeowners experience heavy snowfall, salt from the ocean, and tree debris, which can decrease solar panel efficiency.
- Snow Buildup: Snow can cover panels and prevent exposure to sunlight, inevitably impairing the system’s performance.
- Salt Corrosion: The salty sea breeze can lead to internal corrosion of system parts (particularly in high-exposure areas).
- Tree Debris: Leaves and branches from trees can cover panels, thus inhibiting the production of energy.
All of these issues can be avoided with regular maintenance, which helps resolve these problems and keeps your system free from debris, snow accumulation, and corrosion.
Texas
Texas is infamous for its extreme heat and dust storms, which will impact the performance of the solar system.
- High Temperatures: Solar panels are temperature sensitive, and too much heat can degrade their performance, lowering energy output by up to 1% for every degree above 77°F.
- Dust and Dirt: Dust and mud can pile up on top of solar panels like a layer. It reduces sunlight absorption significantly.
Regular maintenance can remove debris, check for overheating problems, and ensure that the cooling systems are working well.
Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, homeowners endure regular snow, hail, and cold, which can cover and damage solar panels and can cause structural stress and snow buildup on them.
- Snow and Ice: As in New Jersey and New York, snow and ice can cover solar panels and limit the production of energy.
- Hail Damage: Hail can dent the panels, ruining their efficiency and longevity.
- Cold Temperatures: extremely cold tempratures can cause parts of solar panels to freeze, and if not well-maintained, parts can get damaged permanently.
Regular solar maintenance checks these problems, ensuring the system remains snow—and ice-free and that any damaged parts can be replaced before they interfere with performance.
Note: Considering an upgrade or taking down your solar panels? Find out the important signs that it may be time to either remove or upgrade your solar system in our blog “When to Consider Removing or Upgrading Your Solar Panels.” Get expert advice on how to make the best decision for your home’s energy future.
Top Benefits of Regular Solar Maintenance
Regular solar maintenance is not only a wise idea—it’s a necessary investment in getting the most value from your solar system. Here, we delve into the top benefits of scheduling maintenance for your solar panels, including real-life case studies and industry statistics.
- Maximize Efficiency
- Extend Lifespan
- Protect Your Investment
- Maintain Warranty Compliance
- Boost ROI
1. Maximize Efficiency
- A clean and well-kept solar panel system works more effectively.
- According to research conducted by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL, 2019), regularly cleaned solar panels can generate up to 25 percent more energy than dirty panels, which can be obstructed by dust, dirt, and other debris.
- A study conducted by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in 2019 revealed that clean solar panels can generate up to 25% more energy than those covered by dirt, dust, and other debris (NREL, 2019).
- For example, a California solar farm increased its electricity generation by 7% after washing off solar panels that had collected dust from nearby agricultural operations (EnergySage, 2018).
- Routine maintenance allows your panels to remain free of such debris, which in turn maximizes the output and return on investment.
2. Extend Lifespan
- Just as with any major investment, solar panels need to be maintained if you want them to last their full 25-30-year lifespan.
- According to a 2018 report from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Solar panels tend to last longer when properly maintained because routine checkups catch problems like corrosion and wiring errors before leading to permanent damage (LBNL, 2018).
- The report also revealed that for homeowners who adhered to a maintenance schedule, their solar panels lasted approximately 10-15% longer.
- By catching small problems promptly, you can avoid major breakdowns that result in costly equipment replacements or repairs.
3. Protect Your Investment
- The solar system is a major investment for your home’s energy future. On average, homes with solar energy systems get sold for 4.1% faster than those without it (Zillow, 2019).
- Regular maintenance will help you protect your valuable investment and keep your system working and energy efficient.
4. Maintain Warranty Compliance
- Most solar companies need regular professional inspections to keep their warranty valid.
- For instance, SunPower and LG Solar have both warned that neglecting to upkeep the system could void the warranty.
- According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), warranty claims may account for as much as a quarter of the overall cost of a solar system when components prematurely fail because of negligence (SEIA, 2020).
- Regular maintenance ensures that you stay in compliance with your warranty terms, guarding you against costly repairs and maintaining your rights under the terms of the agreement.
5. Boost ROI
- Regular maintenance helps to ensure the maximum return on your investment (ROI) in solar panels.
- A study conducted in 2018 by the Solar Industry Research Data shows that homeowners who continued with regular maintenance enjoyed 18-20% higher returns than those who neglected their systems (SIEA).
- That’s because as long as you maintain your system, it will perform at maximum efficiency and continue to deliver savings on your electricity bill.
- A case study by Tesla Energy reported that a family in Arizona saves more than $1,200 in electricity costs per year after conducting regular solar system maintenance, which optimizes energy production and system efficiency (Tesla 2017).
How Often Should You Schedule Maintenance for Your Solar System?
Regular maintenance will keep your system running smoothly.
Here is when to think about inspections:
- After storms (hail, wind, snow): Inspect for damage after any storm or unusual weather event.
- If you notice a dip in energy production, A drop-off in energy output is a significant sign that something is wrong.
- Before or after the summer season in Texas: Texas’s high heat can be tough on systems, so it is a good idea to check panels before and after summer.
Book Your Solar Maintenance with Solar Medix Today & Check Why Homeowners Trust Us!
Proper maintenance of solar panels is necessary to maintain the return on investment and deliver the environmental and cost-saving benefits you expect from your system. Homeowners in New Jersey, New York, Texas, and Massachusetts have unique challenges that are associated with their climates, like snow, hot weather, dust, and salt that can affect how well the solar system operates.
Regular maintenance will ensure that they are working at their best, last a long time, and provide more value for your money. Solar Medix provides professional services so that you can avoid expensive repairs and keep your solar installation working to its fullest potential, providing you peace of mind for years.
Failure to maintain your system in optimum working condition can result in inefficiency, equipment malfunction, or worse, potentially reducing the return on your solar investment. Do not wait for a system failure or for your solar panels to fall victim to energy inefficiency — take a proactive approach today to ensure your solar panels are always working at their best.
Why do homeowners trust Solar Medix?
- Licensed and insured in all four states: Our professionals are licensed, and our services are completely insured in all four states we work in.
- Experienced in both residential and commercial systems: Doesn’t matter how big or small your system is as we handle both residential and commercial projects.
- Transparent pricing, no hidden fees: We have transparent pricing.
- 5-star rated service with fast response times: Our quick and fast service never leaves our clients unsatisfied.
- Ongoing support and performance monitoring are available. We don’t just resolve issues; we ensure your system runs at maximal efficiency continuously.
Don’t wait for issues to arise—take a proactive approach to maintain your solar investment. Contact Solar Medix today and schedule your solar maintenance to ensure your system is working its hardest.
FAQs
Solar panels usually require maintenance and professional inspection once or twice a year. However, if you live in regions with extreme weather conditions (heavy snow, high winds, or dust storms), it may be best to get your system checked more often. For example, after a storm or during peak seasons like winter or summer are critical times when you must check for damage or debris. Routine maintenance is required to keep it running efficiently and to avoid the expense of costly repairs.
Yes, Solar Medix is fully licensed and insured to perform solar maintenance in New Jersey, New York, Texas, and Massachusetts. Our technicians are certified, so you know that you are getting the best service for your residential and commercial needs.
Rain may rinse away small particles of dust, but it doesn’t scorch away stubborn grime or prevent deposits that can block sunlight. It is important to clean and maintain your system regularly to ensure it is working efficiently and generating as much energy as possible.
