3-Step Guide to Protect Your Solar Asset

Springtime and warm weather call for a solar system cleaning & maintenance reminder! Ignoring panel maintenance can greatly affect production and lead to other detrimental damages. The health and cleanliness of your system allow it to operate at its best.

Here’s our quick 3-step guide to keeping your system in excellent condition:

1. Conduct visual inspections:

Taking notice of what surrounds your system is the first step to protecting it. Be mindful of trees that could be shading your system, plants/brush that are overgrown, or any exposed wiring/conduit damage. Simple cleanups can help prevent costly system downtime.

2. Rid the area of unwanted weeds and pests:

Overgrown weeds not only shade and reduce output of your panels, but they can become a new home for rodents and other pests. Rodent infestations will lead to chewed wires and other system damage if left unattended. If you choose to use a weed whacker to clear vegetation around your system, be very careful as rocks and debris could be thrown, causing serious damage to your panels.

3. Wash your panels:

If dirt, dust, pollen, and debris build up on your panels (referred to as “soiling”), you could see up to a 40% loss in efficiency. Under normal weather conditions, your panels should be washed at least three to four times per year. During especially dusty or dry years, that frequency should increase. Utilizing a blower or empty spray rig to blow off any loose dirt prior to washing can speed up the process and improve the outcome. Plan to wash your panels during the cooler parts of the day to avoid thermal shock, and only use water with a brush and squeegee – do not use soap or chemicals.

*Safety first: Remember to always report any broken or cracked panels, or any other issues identified. Never step on panels, stay clear of electrical components, and look out for nearby farm equipment. For any electrical work, always contact a licensed professional.

Your solar system is one of your greatest assets – don’t waste it by neglecting regular maintenance & cleaning.

If you’re wanting to get even more out of your system, reach out to our team at (209) 668-5303 to see if a solar repower could be right for you.