Are Solar PV Maintenance Services Important - Do I need a Solar Service?

Are Solar Panel Services a requirement?

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are engineered to demand minimal maintenance, primarily due to their absence of moving parts, which significantly lowers the likelihood of mechanical failure. Nevertheless, similar to any other electrical system, they necessitate a degree of solar panel maintenance to guarantee their continued optimal and safe operation. It's worth noting that, subject to warranty stipulations, the often-claimed imperative of annual maintenance may not be a necessity. Simply monitoring your system's performance might suffice. Should you observe a decline in performance relative to previous years, it could indicate a problem that warrants attention. Alternatively, it might simply mean that your panels require cleaning to remove residue accumulated over time to ensure optimal performance.

Performance Monitoring

Monitoring your system performance and comparing to previous years is the best way to check for issues.

Monitoring your system's performance is a crucial aspect of maintenance, and this is something that you can do yourself. Today, most solar PV systems are equipped with monitoring software, enabling you to track the output and performance in real-time via an app on your phone, offering a clear picture of your expected generation as you gain familiarity with your system over time. Regular monitoring is essential for identifying any potential issues, such as a sudden or gradual decrease in power output, which may indicate a problem.

Cleaning

As covered in more detail from a previous article (you can read here), cleaning your solar panels could be an important part of ensuring optimal performance especially in areas prone to dust, pollen, or sparse rainfall. Nonetheless, it's crucial to weigh the benefits of cleaning against the associated risks and costs. If you decide a clean is required, you may want to contact some solar panel service companies who offer such a service and can do it safely, rather than needing to access high areas yourself.

Physical Inspection

A significant component of solar PV maintenance is the visual inspection of the panels and system components. This inspection is aimed at identifying any signs of physical damage or wear and tear, such as cracks or discoloration on the panels and that there are no obvious signs of cable damage. These checks can be done by the homeowner if they feel confident in knowing where to look. Physical inspections form the first part of a solar maintenance service inspection (if you have noticed a drop off in performance), ensuring the long-term reliability of your system. However, you may want to contact a professional service if you aren’t sure what to look for.

Warranty

Checking the warranty details of your solar PV system is advisable. Some manufacturers stipulate that the system undergoes an annual maintenance inspection as a condition of the warranty, which could be crucial should you need to make a claim. It is recommended to consult with your installer and review your warranty information. If annual checks are required, ensuring these are conducted, particularly in the initial years, is prudent.

Inverter Maintenance

The inverter is a critical component of your solar PV system, converting the direct current (DC) generated by the solar panels into alternating current (AC) for home use. It is among the components most likely to require attention over the system's lifespan. Monitoring for any signs of trouble is important, and replacement may be necessary after approximately 10 to 15 years, depending on the type and brand. Some inverters come with a 5-year warranty, extendable to 10 years for an additional fee. Consultation with your installer on this matter is recommended, especially as they may offer a solar maintenance service themselves to ensure your system's efficiency.

Electrical Maintenance

Periodically, it may be sensible to have a professional conduct a thorough check of all electrical connections to ensure they are secure and show no signs of corrosion. Over time, connections can loosen or corrode, potentially reducing system performance and posing a fire risk in severe cases. Again, this would likely become apparent if you noticed a drop off in system performance.

Battery Maintenance

If your solar PV system includes a battery storage system, it is normal for the battery to deplete over time, just like a phone battery does. Battery life expectancy varies, but like inverters, they typically come with a standard 5-year warranty, extendable to ten years. It's important to note that batteries also have a set number of cycles under the warranty, usually around 6,000 cycles. A cycle occurs with each charge and depletion, typically at least once daily and possibly twice during summer months for those with a solar PV system. For systems connected to the grid without solar, the number of cycles will depend on your tariff and settings but is normally one cycle per day if charging overnight for daytime use.