Solar panel maintenance requires a steep start-up cost, but lasts several years and offers an opportunity for a high return on investment. Like any other piece of equipment, solar panels require a bit of maintenance to ensure your investment continues running smoothly for several years to come. While the hardest part of getting started in solar energy is the installation and start-up costs, your system will require a small amount of regular attention and engagement. It’s important to schedule annual inspections and stay on top of cleaning.
So what exactly should you keep in mind after acquiring a solar panel system for your home? How do you best maximize your investment and minimize your operating and maintenance costs?
How Often Would You Need Solar Panel Maintenance?
Thankfully, as technology systems go solar energy setups are relatively low with regard to solar panel maintenance. There are about three different kinds of solar panel maintenance schedules you should have on your radar:
1. Inspections
There should be an inspection performed on your solar panel system annually. This should be done by a professional. Consider calling on the expertise of the best solar panel companies in your area, such as Solaria Energy Solutions for those of you in the Orlando area. The average cost of solar panel installation can range from 12 to 15 thousand dollars. In other words, this isn’t an area you want to skimp on. Save yourself a headache down the line and hire a professional.
2. Cleaning
Your solar panels live outside, likely on your roof. Which is exposed to all sorts of things; birds and their waste, debris from trees, dirt and sand, etc. When considering solar panels you’ll want to keep in mind that you will need about two cleanings per year (at the very least one, and this is only if you live in an area with lots of rain).
3. Problematic/As Needed Maintenance
Unfortunately, technology can falter. Things can break, and systems can need fixing. Solar panels are no exception to this and can require maintenance outside of your regular inspections and cleanings, so it’s important to be able to recognize the signs that your system needs a little extra attention. The BEST way to tell this is by tracking your energy output. If you notice a sudden decrease in the performance of your solar panels, you may want to consider contacting solar panel companies near you. Utilizing a solar panels kwh calculator could help clearly outline the rise in operating costs you are experiencing.
The Costs of Solar Panel Maintenance
Utilizing any solar panel cost calculator can tell you that solar panel systems can come with a steep start-up cost, but then proceed to pay off the initial investment as time goes on. While budgeting for the solar energy you’ll want to include expected maintenance costs. According to Home Advisor, the average maintenance costs for solar panels (on an annual basis) fall just short of $500; $150 for an annual inspection and $300 for both cleanings.
Thankfully, solar panels tend to come with warranties (as do much of your home appliances), however, it’s important to keep in mind that often warranties only apply to systems that are properly cared for. A warranty can last as long as 25 years, but only cover unexpected damage such as that of a bad storm, meaning that simple neglect of your system due to not performing proper maintenance will not be covered.
In other words, protect your investment, and just stay on top of the solar panel maintenance. Your home – and your wallet – will thank you.
