Generally speaking, your solar system requires yearly inspections and cleaning. This typically runs $150, though you may be able to bundle a maintenance agreement with your initial solar panel purchase to reduce that cost.
These inspections are critical to make sure the panels can access sunlight. Inspectors will look for any obstructed areas or trees that need to be trimmed back so your solar system can keep producing.
Cost of Installation
Harnessing the sun’s power to produce electricity is a cost-effective and environmentally responsible way of reducing your energy costs. However, it’s important to consider the upfront and ongoing maintenance costs that come with implementing solar panels on your property. In this blog post, we’ll review the most common solar panel maintenance tasks and how much they typically cost. We’ll also help you understand the potential impact of these costs on your overall energy savings.
One of the largest hidden solar panel maintenance costs is roof work. Depending on the condition of your roof, you may need to replace or reinforce it before your solar energy system can be installed. It’s also possible that you’ll need to install a new roof altogether, especially if it’s old or damaged.
If you’re planning to hire a roofing company for this work, be sure to get multiple quotes and compare prices. It’s also important to factor in any extra charges, such as permit fees or additional materials. A reputable roofing company will be transparent about these costs and explain what they’re including in the total price.
Once your solar panels are up, you’ll need to keep them clean in order to maximize their efficiency and lifespan. Dirt, dust, leaves, and smudges can accumulate on your PV cells’ surface, preventing them from effectively absorbing sunlight and generating electricity. Ideally, you’ll have your solar panels cleaned twice a year by a professional.
While it’s possible to learn how to clean your solar panels yourself, hiring a professional is recommended for safety reasons and because it saves you the hassle of climbing on your roof. On average, it can cost you around $450 per year to have your solar panels professionally cleaned and inspected.
During the inspection process, your solar technician will look for signs of damage and wear and tear, which may include cracked cells, broken junction boxes, or loose connections. They’ll also check the overall functionality of your solar energy system, including its sizing and capacity. This will help you avoid any expensive repairs down the road.
Warranty
The type of warranty the solar panel manufacturer offers can make or break your investment. Most tier-1 solar panels come with 25-year performance warranties, while workmanship warranties are typically 10 years long. Regardless of the length of the warranty, you should always carefully read the fine print to see what is covered and for how long.
The product warranty covers any problems with the panels themselves that stem from manufacturing errors or defects. This includes anything from scratches to damaged components. Most manufacturers will cover the cost of replacing a defective panel under this warranty, including installation.
Solar panels will naturally degrade, similar to a cell phone battery losing its charge over time, but this is often not noticeable and typically less than 0.5% per year. A solar panel’s performance warranty will help cover the loss in energy production over its lifespan and is usually offered at 90% of original efficiency for the first ten years and 80% after that.
Most solar panels also have a labour warranty that covers the cost of repairing and cleaning any panels that are found to be damaged. This is a great way to save on maintenance costs and protect your investment, especially if you live in an area with extreme weather.
Some solar panel warranties also protect you from potential damage caused by trees, animals, and other factors beyond your control. You should be sure to keep your solar panels trimmed and clear of debris and leaves that could accumulate on them. You should also check with your solar company to see if they offer maintenance services and what kind of routine inspections and cleanings are required.
It’s important to track your solar panel performance closely. Any significant decrease in energy output is likely a sign that your panels need to be cleaned or inspected. Solar panel production tends to drop over the winter when sunlight is less direct and obstructed by trees and other objects.
Some solar warranties require you to use specific equipment that is paired with the panel for maximum performance. This may include an inverter that can handle the panel’s output and a monitoring system that tracks any abnormalities. If you do not use the proper paired equipment, your warranty may be voided, so it is essential to read your solar panel’s paperwork thoroughly.
Equipment
Some solar panel maintenance requires specialized equipment. A good example is the IPC Eagle Hydro Station, a professional cleaning system that allows multiple people to rinse a group of panels simultaneously. Such equipment costs can be expensive, but it is well worth the investment. It also makes tackling the task of maintaining your own home solar panels much more manageable.
Other equipment that may require replacement over time includes the solar inverter and PV module racking systems. These components are generally subject to a shorter warranty than the solar panels themselves. However, they should still be carefully examined on a regular basis to ensure that they are functioning properly and delivering energy as expected.
Although it is possible to perform some maintenance tasks on your own, working with a professional is often best. In addition to being able to spot issues that may not be obvious, they can also help ensure that you do not accidentally void your warranty. This is particularly important since voiding your warranty can be very expensive.
The most common maintenance tasks include inspecting and cleaning your solar panels. Most homeowners can easily handle the inspection, but cleaning is a different story. It is important to monitor the energy production of your solar panels closely. A sudden drop in performance could indicate that the system is obstructed by dirt, leaves, or other debris. A monitoring app can help you track these trends and see when to clean your solar panels.
While some homeowners can use a standard garden hose to clean their solar panels, the best approach is to invest in professional cleaning equipment. A high-quality cleaning brush is an excellent choice, as it will not scratch or damage the tempered glass of your solar panels. Look for one that features a built-in squeegee to make the job even easier.
On average, it costs about $150 to have a professional service your solar panels each year. While most warranties do not cover this, preventing a drop in energy production and avoiding costly repairs is usually worth the expense.
Cleaning
Clean solar panels can generate more energy, and a clean panel is also safer for homeowners. However, there are several factors that can affect the performance of a solar power system, including debris buildup and dust. As a result, homeowners may need to clean their solar panel installation on a regular basis. Fortunately, this task is relatively easy and inexpensive when completed by a professional service provider. Many of these companies offer bundled packages that include other renewable energy services in addition to cleanings and inspections.
Solar panel cleaning costs can vary between service providers, but they generally charge between $3 and $10 per panel. This price includes a full cleaning and an annual inspection. In addition, some companies may also charge for additional services, such as washing the windows, gutters, roof, and dryer vents. The best way to find out the exact solar panel cleaning cost is to speak with a customer service representative.
While it’s possible to clean solar panels independently, it’s best to leave this task to professionals with the appropriate tools and training. Additionally, attempting to clean solar panels without the proper equipment can void the warranty and cause other damage. Additionally, it’s important to monitor the energy output of your solar panels on a regular basis. If you notice a significant drop in production, it’s likely time for an inspection or cleaning.
In order to attract customers, solar panel cleaners often invest in digital marketing campaigns and participate in local events related to renewable energy. They also offer referral discounts and incentives to encourage customers to recommend their services. Additionally, many of these companies use the latest software to analyze their marketing efforts and determine the most effective strategies.
When choosing a solar panel cleaning service, it’s important to consider the location, licensing and insurance, customer support, and additional services offered by the company. A good cleaning service will have knowledgeable staff and provide expert technicians. Customers should avoid companies that cannot answer basic questions about scheduling, costs, and service areas.