Preventive Maintenance Tips for Your Commercial Solar Panels

Investing in commercial solar panels is a smart move for any business looking to reduce energy costs and promote sustainability. To ensure the longevity and performance of your solar panel system, proper preventive maintenance is essential. Read on for a few key preventive maintenance tips for your commercial solar panels.

Clean Regularly

Dirt, dust, and debris will accumulate on your solar panels over time, reducing their efficiency and overall performance. To maintain peak energy production, clean your panels regularly. Depending on your location and the level of pollution, cleaning may be necessary anywhere from once a month to once every few months. Use a soft brush or cloth and mild soapy water to gently clean the surface of the panels, taking care not to scratch or damage them.

Perform Inspections

Conduct a visual inspection of your solar panels every few months to check for any damage, such as cracks, loose connections, or corrosion. If you notice any issues, contact a professional solar technician to address them promptly. Be sure to inspect your panels after severe weather events, as wind, hail, or falling debris may have damaged them.

Monitor Performance

Keep track of your commercial solar power system’s performance by monitoring its energy production. Many solar panel systems come with monitoring software that allows you to track performance data and identify any potential issues. If you notice a significant drop in energy production, it could indicate a problem with your panels or other components in the system. When a drop happens, contact your solar installer—they’ll know how to proceed.

Check Mounting Systems

You should periodically inspect the mounting and racking systems that secure your solar panels to the roof or ground for signs of wear, rust, or loose connections. Should you spot a problem, get on the phone with your installer to address them and ensure the stability and safety of your solar panel system.

Now that you know these preventive maintenance tips for your commercial solar panels, make sure to follow them. Have employees give panels a once-over every month or so and perform a quick cleaning to keep them running at maximum efficiency.