If you’ve invested in a solar system for your home, you no doubt want to get the most out of it and keep it running well for many years to come.
While solar panels are not intended to last forever, there are several ways in which you can extend their lifespan. Wondering how long a panel should last and want to ensure you experience the maximum return on your investment in solar power?
Here are our top tips as qualified electricians and experts in solar panel installation and maintenance.
How Long Will My Panels Last?
Solar panels that are manufactured to industry standards should last somewhere between 25 to 30 years before needing to be replaced. The reason for their demise is usually due to degradation and damage over time from UV rays and exposure to the weather.
Quality solar panels are usually covered by a manufacturer’s warranty with most offering around 25 years protection.
Most performance warranties offer coverage related to the rate of degradation. This means that if your panels degrade too quickly and need replacing earlier than expected, you can request a replacement under warranty.
It is important to note, however, that without proper care, the warranty of your panels could be voided and their lifespan reduced.
Supporting Longevity In Your Solar Panels
Just as you prioritize the maintenance of your car in order to keep it running well and extend its lifespan, you should do the same for your panels.
Regular maintenance of your solar system ensures it is working properly and generating maximum energy. It also provides valuable opportunities to identify and address any issues before they become more significant problems.
Taking a proactive approach to maintenance is the single best way to extend the lifespan of your panels and solar system as a whole. For this reason, we recommend booking a maintenance check with our Narrabeen electricians and solar experts yearly.
Of course, if you have a monitoring system installed and this flags any issues with performance at any time, you should contact your local electrician or solar expert as soon as possible.
What Does Solar Panel Maintenance Involve?
When we talk about maintaining your solar panels, there are a few different steps involved including but not limited to.
Cleaning
Solar panels are exposed to the elements constantly. This can lead to a build-up of dirt and grime, lichen, moss, bird droppings, and more. If even one small section of your panel’s solar cells is obscured, its ability to generate energy is compromised.
Unfortunately, rain or a quick hosing with water is not sufficient to remove baked-on build-up, combined with the risks of working at heights this is a job best left to professionals. A professional clean should be done yearly.
Gardening
Yes, you heard right, gardening! Creeping vines and overhanging branches can all lead to an increase in the shade which impairs your panel’s energy output. Be sure to safely trim back all foliage shading your panels and remove vines or similar that block sunlight.
Keen gardeners should be mindful of planting new trees close to their houses for the same reason.
Pest Proofing
Australia is home to some incredible wildlife, but while we can admire them from afar, the last place we want them is under our solar panels. For properties where animals such as possums and birds try to nest beneath the panels, pest-proofing will be required.
This can be very effective at reducing damage to your panels while also protecting the electrical wiring and mounting hardware.
Inspection
During a professional maintenance visit, your solar specialist will check for loose connections, panel mounting issues, yellowing of panel laminate, or any micro-cracks in the panels.
These issues are all things that you cannot see unless you’re up close. Timely discovery of these concerns gives you the ability to pursue panel replacements under warranty as needed and for repairs to be done.
Your Northern Beaches Solar Specialist
At Curran-T Electrical & Solar, we are both solar specialists and licensed electricians. This allows us to deliver unmatched service to homeowners seeking support with their solar systems.
Not only will we undertake proper maintenance of your panels, but we will also perform all necessary checks on your solar inverter and system as a whole. Should any faults be discovered, we are best placed as qualified electricians to resolve these safely and efficiently.
Is your solar due for a service? Contact trusted Brookvale electricians and solar experts Curran-T Electrical & Solar today at 0439 646 823.
