Solar PV System Maintenance: How Much Does It Require?

While producing enough renewable energy to power a home’s heating and cooling system has broad appeal for environmental reasons, it’s only been a few years since the average homeowner could afford to install a solar PV (photovoltaic) system.

Some of the questions we’re asked most frequently before and during installation have to do with solar PV system maintenance: How much? How often? And can I do it myself? With that in mind, we’ve prepared this brief list of maintenance tasks that should be a part of a regular solar PV system maintenance plan. We recommend that these tasks be completed twice a year to ensure that your system provides peak service for all your home heating and cooling needs.

• Check for shade: Over time, shading from growing vegetation can negatively impact your solar system’s productivity. Keep trees and bushes around your home trimmed to allow maximum sun exposure to the panels.
• Keep it clean: Dust and debris naturally collect on solar panels. Removing the dirt ensures that solar panels absorb as much sunlight as possible.
• Tighten connections: A safe solar panel is a secure solar panel. Make sure that nuts, bolts and electrical wires are undamaged and properly tightened.
• Inspect for leaks: Always inspect areas prone to leaks, especially where the panels attach to the roof and where the water supply pipes attach to each other. Address problems quickly to avoid big hassles down the road.
• Check system pumps: Distribution pumps and blowers should be routinely checked to ensure they are operational. Without them, the energy you produce won’t add any value.
• Change the antifreeze: Your system needs it, but it’s best handled by the professionals.

At Roth Home, we not only design and install solar PV systems, but we service them as well. Let us handle all of your solar PV system maintenance needs. Contact us today to get started.