Homeowners Guide To Solar Panel Maintenance
Adding rooftop solar panels to your Oklahoma City home is an excellent investment! With the federal tax credit, most homeowners can switch for less than the cost of their current electric bill. But with most systems costing upwards of $25k, it's normal to have questions and concerns about the lifetime cost, especially when it comes to solar panel maintenance.
How much will solar panel maintenance cost, and what's included? This guide for OKC homeowners has you covered! Read on to learn more and get answers to our most commonly asked questions.
Solar Panel Maintenance: What's Required
There is very little you have to do to maintain solar panels. Even better, rooftop solar panels are often tilted to maximize sun exposure. This also allows rainfall to help clear debris and dust build-up for you.
If you live in an area like Oklahoma City, where we go months without any rainfall, then you will need to clean your solar panels manually. A garden hose is usually enough to remove any debris.
Outside of a light cleaning or dusting, homeowners only need to worry about the panels getting enough sun. For example, landscaping or trees can block the sun from hitting some or all of the solar panels. So you'll need to periodically check your landscaping and trim back anything getting in the way.
Can You Monitor Solar Panel Performance?
At Delta Energy Solar, we have an app that allows homeowners to track and monitor their solar panel performance. Should you see a drop in production, it could mean that solar panel maintenance is needed. You'll know if you need a solar panel or microinverter replaced immediately.
One key benefit of having an app to track performance is that you can track energy production and usage over time. For example, you've probably heard that doing some household chores like laundry at night can save energy, but this app lets you see it in real-time! Homeowners can learn trends in their energy usage that can help them make adjustments to see more savings.
Can Severe Weather Damage Solar Panels?
Oklahoma City is no stranger to severe weather! We live in the middle of tornado alley, meaning we likely see one or two major storms each year.
Should the threat of severe weather keep you from installing solar panels?
No! Solar panels are durable and can withstand harsh storms. In fact, the Department of Energy studied and found that most solar panels can withstand hail up to 2 inches in diameter. In addition, most homeowners insurance policies cover solar panels giving you even more protection should they get damaged by a storm.
How Long Do Solar Panels Last?
Solar panels can operate at peak performance for 20-30 years as long as they are not damaged by weather and are adequately maintained. Once solar panels have reached that age, they can and will continue to work to power your home but may be less efficient. However, the loss of power will likely be negligible. It will not outweigh the total energy savings generated from solar panels.
When To Repair Or Replace Solar Panels?
Did you know most solar panels come with a production warranty or guarantee? This means that if production drops within a specific timeframe, you may be able to have the solar panels replaced.
If your solar panels sustain physical damage, the replacement cost will likely be covered under a separate warranty or through your homeowner's insurance. In most cases, it's to call a professional solar installer who can do an inspection and help you take the proper steps depending on your situation.
Solar Panel Maintenance FAQs
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No! Unlike a car that needs regular maintenance every year, solar panels require very little attention. A solar panel monitoring app like the one we offer our customers makes knowing when to perform maintenance super easy!
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If you're noticing dirt or debris build-up on your solar panels, it may be time to clean them. It's best to avoid doing this in the middle of the day in the direct sunlight when it's hot. This is because the cool water can cause a sudden temperature change and shock the panels. Cleaning your solar panels in the evening or on a cloudy day using lukewarm water is best!
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No! Solar panels are waterproof and can handle being wet; however, soaps or detergents could damage the outer film and lower energy production. The same goes for abrasive sponges or cleaning tools. Also, never use a pressure washer!
One thing to keep in mind is that most manufacturers don't recommend cleaning your solar panels unless you absolutely have to. Most homeowners should be able to rely on the rain to keep their panels free from dust and dirt. Any damage sustained by cleaning will likely void your solar panel warranty - meaning you'll have to pay out of pocket for repairs.
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Leafblower can be helpful when removing dust or dirt off of solar panels, but safety should be your primary concern. Homeowners without experience walking on a roof should not attempt this.
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Yes! People talking about solar panel benefits usually refer to a 25-year timeframe. That's because it's the most common length of a loan to finance solar panels and how long manufacturers offer a warranty on energy production.
Over time, the loss of energy efficiency in solar panels is due to a natural reduction in chemical potency within the panels and is called the degradation rate. Studies show the average degradation rate for solar panels is .5% per year after year 20. Simply put, a 20-year-old solar panel produces 90% of the same energy as it did in year one.