One of the best things about solar is how little looking after it needs. There are no moving parts on the roof, and rain does most of the cleaning. A few habits still help you catch problems early.
Simple habits
- Check your monitoring app. Compare this month with the same month last year. A sudden drop on sunny days is worth a call.
- Look at the inverter. Learn what its normal lights or screen look like, so you notice a fault message.
- Trim trees. Branches that grow over the years can shade part of the array and lower output.
- Keep the paperwork. Store the warranty documents, the system design and the installer’s contact details in one place.
Cleaning safely
Most panels only need cleaning when dust, pollen, leaves or bird droppings build up. Do not climb onto the roof yourself. Never use a pressure washer, harsh detergents or abrasive brushes, which can damage the panels and may affect the warranty. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, or ask a professional.
A yearly check
Once a year, a technician can check the panels, mounts, wiring, connectors and inverter, and look for damage from storms or animals nesting under the array. If you notice scorch marks, loose wires or a burning smell, switch off the system using the steps in your manual and call your installer straight away.