However, taking minor steps can ensure they continue to run as smoothly as when you first purchased them. Here are a few tips on how to maintain your solar panel system.

Ground panels and roof panels: what’s the difference?

Ground panels are obviously solar panels stationed on the ground, and roof panels are placed on the roof, but does maintenance differ for each? The main difference is that ground solar panels are much easier to install and keep clean.

It’s more efficient to sweep snow and debris off of ground panels than roof panels throughout seasons or after storms because, first, it’s easier to notice when something needs to be removed; and second, it’s safer to do cleaning work on the ground than on top of your home or business. For those who are older or disabled, it’s not the easiest task to venture onto a rooftop to check on your panels. Required tools might differ as well, depending on your preference.

How do you maintain solar panels?

Solar panel maintenance isn’t as complex as you might think. They can easily be maintained with periodic cleaning to remove debris caused by certain weather conditions, such as storms or particularly windy days.

Some areas of the U.S. are more prone to regular snowfall. In these areas, keeping packed snow off of your solar panel system is essential to getting the most power out of them. Both debris and snow can easily be removed with a leaf or snow blower, or even by hosing water onto your solar panel system to wash away anything unwanted.

You can find these tools at most local hardware stores. If your climate is on the colder side, remember to use warm or hot water so that ice doesn’t form after contact with the snow.

How often do solar panels need maintenance?

Solar panels should only need maintenance or cleaning under five times per year. When you begin seeing a significant buildup of dirt, debris, or snow, it’s time to clean. It’s impractical to clean your solar panel system every time a single leaf or speck of dirt falls onto it — they are outside, after all.

Maintenance is only essential when a considerable amount of buildup exists. Note that solar panel maintenance requirements differ based on the location of the installation, house style, and placement orientation, as well as climate and weather patterns in your area.

How much does solar panel maintenance cost?

Solar panel maintenance is inexpensive. You can do it yourself! If you own a ground solar panel system, you’ll have much easier access and can therefore clean with relevant tools you own or purchase, such as blowers. If your solar panel system is on your roof, you might need to buy a ladder or other method to safely access it.

It’s important that you feel comfortable and safe while doing so. Hiring Freedom Solar’s maintenance staff can rid you of this chore and any potential risks associated with your maintenance needs.

Climate and weather factors to consider

Most Solar panel systems are designed and built to be highly durable. They can withstand any form of weather, including harsh wind and rain, heavy snowfall, hail, tornadoes, and even hurricanes.

However, if the hail is 1” in diameter and falling at least 54 mph, some damage can occur. One last note is heat. While high enough temperatures can affect your solar panels’ energy output (at about a half percent for every degree over 75 degrees Fahrenheit), you don’t need to worry about overheating, fire risk, or other damage.

Monitoring your solar panel energy output

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