How much will solar panel maintenance cost?

Solar panels generally require very little maintenance since there are no moving parts. A few times a year the panels should be inspected for any dirt or debris that may collect on them. Always make sure you are safety conscious when inspecting panels and don’t take any needless risks. In most cases panels should be inspected by your service provider. In this light we are going to highlight key factors on how much solar panel maintenance will cost.

Although solar panels are designed for durability when exposed to the elements, solar panels require a certain amount of maintenance. A very small amount of care is needed, if only to make them run smoothly and to generate the maximum amount of power. Solar panel maintenance doesn’t cost very much and isn’t a task you will need to do frequently. It’s simply a case of making sure the optimal conditions for power generation occur.

Furthermore, for an average household one may assume that a 1 to 5 kilowatts solar system might be installed. Solar panels need minimal maintenance, only regular cleaning with water, at least twice a month or immediately if some bird droppings or some sort of soiling is seen. The inverter will need replacement after about 10-12 years, whereas a battery system is based on additional battery maintenance cost, and this needs to be considered. For larger systems the annual maintenance cost will be around 2% of plant cost.

It is important to consider the costs incurred in the maintenance of a solar system and this will depend on many factors. These factors are the system size, structure type, number of visits scheduled, the cleaning cycle, generation guarantee, and the service package opted for. While the maintenance cost of a smaller solar system will be high, the maintenance of a larger size solar system will cost a lot less.

This is due to the fact that the cost of scheduled visits and manpower remains almost the same. Similarly, the maintenance of a low structure solar system will cost less when compared to the cost of maintaining a high structure solar system, as the cleaning of solar panels at a higher structure will require special tools and effort.

Similarly, maintenance of solar panels should be addressed to keep the system performing at top standards and is typically fairly simple. Pollen, bird droppings, dirt and dust can build up on panels resulting in decreased solar output. Pollen from evergreens is especially stubborn because of its sticky quality and should be removed before it bonds to the panels.

The cleaning of solar panels should be handled according to the manufacturer’s instructions and with materials that won’t scratch or harm the surface of the panel. In the event scrubbing is necessary, the maintenance contractor should use the finest quality window mops, taking care to change them out often. The use of good quality mobs reduces the risk of scratches while cleaning.

Inspections to check for cracks or aged and failing seals can also be done at the time of cleaning. This is important for prolonging the useful life of the panels. Water leaking into a failed silicone seal or cracked panel can damage the cells making them ineffective and resulting in the need for replacement.

Special technicians can include inspections and cleaning of solar panels along with regular window cleanings. Professionals in this field usually work with property managers and owners to ensure that the manufacturer’s instructions for their system are closely followed . In the even silicone seals are damaged, they can easily report it directly to someone who can assist with the repair, upon the request of the property manager, of course.

Going solar is a smart investment as it can help reduce your electricity bills by up to 80%. However, for consistent higher generation and maximum savings, regular maintenance is imperative. An operation and maintenance service package from an expert solar solutions provider ensures that you receive quality service and your investment is secure.