How to Make Your Solar Panels Last

Most solar panels will come with a warranty of roughly 20-25 years, and there’s a very specific reason – it has to do with output. This source of green energy is thought to lose roughly 1% efficiency every two years, which equates to about a 12.5% loss in efficiency over the course of 25 years.

Once this happens, manufacturers can no longer ensure optimal efficiency, so guarantees of effectiveness go out the window at that point. That said, you can continue to get years of additional usage out of solar panels, even with waning output, if you properly maintain them.

Although you may have to rely somewhat on energy companies in Florida or other states to make up the difference over time, you don’t necessarily have to compare energy prices to know that even with reduced efficiency, you’re still getting a great deal. Considering that solar panels installed during the initial boom in the ’70s could still produce roughly 80% of their original capacity for energy, you can see the benefits to installing them.

The only question is: how can you make your solar panels last and keep paying off year after year? Here are a few tips for proper maintenance.

Annual Service

As a homeowner you contract for all kinds of annual maintenance. While you might be able to flush a water heater or check out your HVAC on your own, chances are you’re willing to pay a professional from plumbing, HVAC, or natural gas companies in Florida to handle these maintenance tasks for you.

You should adopt the same attitude when it comes to your solar panels. You don’t necessarily have to be an expert to service solar panels, but if you want to maintain them properly and prolong their usable life, hiring professional technicians for annual service is probably your best bet.

Regular Cleaning

You may not realize it, but one of the best ways to reduce the effectiveness of solar panels is by simply allowing them to collect dust, so to speak. Detritus blown around by the wind (dust, dirt, leaves, etc.) can settle on panels, as can the film left behind by rain, snow, and other inclement weather.

You should therefore consider going topside to inspect and clean your solar panels seasonally to ensure optimal performance and slow deterioration due to exposure to the elements.

Performance Monitoring

As energy alternatives go, solar power remains the most popular choice for homeowners. Even so, many have little idea how their system works, much less how well it is working.

Find out how to monitor your system so that you can see when performance levels are waning. This could give you the information you need to repair or replace solar panels in order to keep the whole system functioning at peak capacity for decades to come.