When it comes to renewable energy systems, solar roofs are about as low maintenance as you're going to get. No moving parts, check. 25-year parts warranty, check. No need for specialized maintenance equipment or services, check. That said, your solar roof will be more efficient if you do some regular baseline maintenance on it. Don't worry; it's easy, quick, and inexpensive to maintain. Here are three tips on maintaining your solar panel system to keep it performing well for as long as possible.
Keep solar panels or roof tiles free of debris like dust, bird droppings, fallen leaves, and other things that might block light and make your system less efficient. If you have fairly soft water and easily removed debris, you can simply hose your solar roof off every now and then. For more stubborn debris, you may need a bar of mild soap and a soft brush. Always check with your panel or tile manufacturer for cleaning guidelines before you start, and be safe when working on or around your roof. Frequency: a few times a year, depending on your climate and surroundings.
Trim back trees or bushes that have grown to cast shadows on your solar roof. Shading is a major cause of loss of solar energy output, and although your solar installer will check for shading before installation, trees do tend to grow. Frequency: every few years, or as necessary.
Monitor your solar roof's energy output to detect problems or loss of efficiency. Although it's normal for efficiency to change with the seasons and decline slightly with age, a significant output drop signals a problem. A year's worth of monthly output data makes a great baseline to check your current solar output. It takes just a few seconds to check and update a spreadsheet each month. If you do find a drop in efficiency, you'll be able to make good on those warranties and protect your investment. Frequency: monthly.
That's it! With these tips, plus high-quality solar components and an established, reputable installer, your solar panel system will be in good working order for years to come.