What is the maintenance of solar panels?

Residential photovoltaic systems have become a popular option for generating clean energy and reducing electricity consumption from conventional sources. These systems offer numerous advantages, but they can also present problems if they are not properly maintained.

According to manufacturers’ estimates, degradation is close to 0.5% per year, while their useful life is estimated to be between 25 and 30 years. The quality of the product also has an impact on its degradation rate, as shown by the fact that while the degradation rate of premium manufacturers is around 0.3%, the rest can be as high as 0.8%.

Source Expert reveals how long rooftop solar panels last. www.huffingtonpost.es

Here are some of the most common problems in residential photovoltaic systems and useful tips on how to maintain residential solar systems to ensure energy efficiency, prolong their life and maintain optimal performance.

Risks due to lack of maintenance

• Dirt accumulation and obstructions One of the most common problems is the accumulation of dirt, dust, leaves and other elements that can obstruct solar panels. These obstructions reduce the efficiency of sunlight collection and decrease energy production.
• Problems with connections and cables Loose or corroded connections can cause a loss of power, resulting in decreased system performance. In addition, damaged or worn cables can pose a safety risk, and must be repaired or replaced immediately.
• Degradation and aging of solar panels Over time, solar panels may experience degradation and aging due to various factors such as exposure to adverse weather conditions, temperature changes and general wear and tear. This degradation in solar panels can lead to a gradual decrease in energy production. The annual degradation of the panels is expected to be 1%, but if this degradation is greater than this, some action should be taken.
• Energy storage system failures Energy storage systems are used in some residential PV systems to harness solar energy at night or during times of low radiation. These storage systems also require maintenance to ensure adequate performance. Failures of these systems may be due to inefficient charging or discharging problems, or battery depletion.

Solar panel cleaning to improve energy efficiency

• Regular cleaning is essential to avoid the accumulation of dirt, dust and organic residues that can reduce the efficiency of the solar panels.
• Recommended frequency: Twice a year, preferably in spring and autumn. In areas with high pollution or dust, increase the frequency.
• Cleaning method: Use demineralized water and soft cloths or brushes to avoid damage to the cells.
• Additional tip: Avoid cleaning during the hottest hours to prevent damage due to thermal shock.
• Prevention of electrical faults with technical inspection of components

Periodic inspections ensure that all elements of the PV system are working properly.

• Check cables and connections: Check for exposed wires, corrosion or loose connections that could cause electrical faults.
• Solar inverter: It is the heart of the system. Make sure it is operating without alerts or anomalies on its display or monitoring system.
• Support structures: Check that the supports are firm and without signs of rust or wear.

System performance monitoring for early detection of problems

Continuous monitoring is key to detecting drops in energy yield.

Monitoring tools: Use specialized software or inverter applications to evaluate daily energy production.
Key indicators: If you notice a significant drop in production for no apparent reason, it may be an indication of technical problems or dirt on the panels.

Increases system lifetime through preventive maintenance

Preventive maintenance is crucial to identify problems before they become costly breakdowns.

• Frequency of preventive maintenance: Once a year, performed by a specialized technician.
• Key actions: Deep cleaning, review of the panels and analysis of the inverter and other electrical components.

Price of not cleaning and maintaining solar panels properly

Failure to regularly clean solar panels can lead to significant economic losses due to decreased efficiency.

• Captures less light: The accumulation of dust, dirt and other debris on the surface of the panels reduces their ability to capture sunlight, resulting in lower energy production.
• Efficiency reduction: Solar panels can lose 15% to 25% of their efficiency in a year if they are not properly cleaned.
• Economic cost: This decrease in energy production can increase the electricity bill between 100 and 300 euros per year for an average solar home system.
• Panel damage: Persistent dirt, such as bird droppings, can generate “hot spots” on the panels, increasing the risk of permanent failure and reducing the life of the system.

Additional tips for extreme climates

• In snowy areas: Remove the accumulation carefully using tools that do not scratch the surface of the panels.
• In regions with frequent rainfall: Inspect drainage systems and supports to avoid water accumulations.
• In areas with high temperatures: Regularly check the panels for damage due to overheating or thermal stress.

All in all, residential PV systems are a valuable investment to reduce conventional energy consumption and reap the benefits of solar energy. However, to ensure optimal performance over time, it is crucial to perform proper maintenance on a regular basis: regular cleaning of solar panels, inspection of connections and cables, monitoring the condition of solar panels and energy storage systems. By paying attention to these aspects, owners of residential PV systems can maximize the efficiency and lifetime of their systems, thus enjoying the economic and environmental benefits of renewable energy.

Now you can enjoy our maintenance service of solar panels with guaranteed production and add, if you wish, a professional cleaning service for your solar panels. We take care of everything so that you only have to worry about enjoying maximum savings with your installation working at full capacity. Do you only need cleaning? You can also hire this service separately, you choose the option that best suits your needs!

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

1 De Llano Sosa, A. C. (2024, September 9). Expert reveals how many years rooftop solar panels last. ElHuffPost. https://www.huffingtonpost.es/planeta/un-experto-revelanos-duran-paneles-solares-tejadobr.html