Your home’s solar energy system provides sustainable, renewable energy, reduces your reliance on the grid, and can save (and in some instances, even make) you money throughout the course of a year. 

But like any other home system or appliance, solar panels, cables, and systems in general need periodic inspection and maintenance. This short guide will give you a starting point. 

General Periodic Inspection

The most basic aspect of solar system maintenance is just to take a look. Periodically inspect your solar system, inclusive of the panels, the area to which they are mounted and the mounts themselves, the solar panel cable and connections, and your home’s solar battery backup, if one is present. 

Inspect the panels for signs of damage or obstruction, such as a light coat of pollen or dust. Cracked or otherwise damaged panels should be replaced, and your provider should be able to help with that. 

Solar panel cable should be in good shape and all connections should be secure, tight, and protected. Anywhere the solar panel cable is damaged it should be replaced, though that job is best left to a professional electrician. 

The Solar Panels Themselves

While inspecting the solar panels themselves you may notice that they are covered by dust, pollen, leaves, or even ice or snow. When the panels are obstructed, they will not be effectively absorbing the sun’s energy so that it can be converted into power for your home. 

Cleaning the solar panels is one of the most straightforward solar system maintenance tasks that most homeowners can complete at home with no special skills required. Simply ensure that the power is off, then use water and a non-abrasive sponge to wipe off any dust, dirt, pollen, bird droppings or other residue. 

It is critical to note however that you should not clean the solar panels during the day when the sun is shining on them, as they will be very hot, and applying water to the surface can stress the panels and cause them to crack. Clean them only in the morning to ensure they are cool enough to handle it.

Also, if the solar panels are mounted where you can’t easily access them, you may be able to spray them off with a hose earlier in the morning to remove any residue. Make sure you rinse them thoroughly to make sure there is no soap on them (if you used it) as this can obstruct efficiency. 

For any solar panels that are mounted in areas that you cannot easily access, make sure you get in touch with a local company, as there are many providers around the country who offer solar panel cleaning services. 

Solar Panel Cable and Connections 

While surface cleaning of solar panels is important, it is equally important to inspect the solar panel cables and connections to ensure that everything is connected securely and working as intended. As above, make sure the power to the system is off when inspecting.

First, check all solar panel cables to be sure of two things: one, that they are connected securely, and two, that the insulation is in good shape. 

Poor connections can cause overheating and poor power transmission. Tighten any loose connections where you find them. 

When inspecting the insulation, make sure that it is in good shape and there is no abrasion or fraying, as if the solar panel cable’s insulation is compromised it can cause a risk of fire, or corrosion underneath the wires that will adversely affect the system. 

In addition to tightening any loose connections, you should replace any damaged solar panel cables immediately if they show signs of weathering, UV-related damage, or other wear.

For Solar Battery Backups 

If your home has a solar battery bank or backup system, keep your batteries on the same inspection schedule as the rest of the system. 

Look for signs of damage, including but not limited to swelling, warping, cracking, or leaking. If the system has lead-acid batteries instead of lithium batteries, inspect the terminals for signs of corrosion or discharge which could indicate charging problems or other issues. 

Otherwise, maintain all connections at the terminals and tighten them as needed to ensure efficient power transmission

When in Doubt, Call a Professional 

While basic residential solar system maintenance is not impossible for most homeowners to perform, it’s also reasonable to hire a solar specialist or electrician to inspect your system and make repairs and upgrades where needed. 

If you have any concerns or are not comfortable inspecting the system yourself, get in touch with a specialist in your area, as there are many businesses around the country that offer these types of services. 

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