The concept of service and inspection is important for many high-value items around our properties, and solar panels are a great example. How often should solar panels be serviced or inspected, and what kind of solar inspection checklist should be used for these basic inspections?
At Intermountain Wind & Solar, we're proud to offer the very best residential and commercial solar panel services available across Salt Lake City, Utah and Boise, Idaho areas. We assist with everything from solar panel installation to repairs and maintenance needs, helping you keep your system in tip-top shape for years to come. Here are some basics on solar panel service and inspections, from DIY solar inspection checklist items to certain situations where solar panel service should be left to the professionals.
Why Solar Panel Inspections and Service Are Important
First and foremost, why are regular solar panel inspections and service important? There are several reasons:
- Maintain Optimal Efficiency: Solar panels rely on sunlight to generate electricity, but they can become less efficient over time due to factors such as dirt, debris, or damage. Regular service and inspections help ensure that your panels are operating at their highest efficiency, maximizing the power they produce for your home.
- Prevent Damage: As mentioned earlier, solar panels can become damaged over time. This damage can range from minor wear and tear to more serious issues like cracks or water leaks. Catching these problems early through regular inspections can prevent them from turning into costly repairs down the line.
- Extend Lifespan: Just like any other piece of equipment, solar panels have a limited lifespan. With proper maintenance and service, you can extend the life of your panels and get the most out of your investment. This means you can enjoy lower energy bills for longer.
- Keep Warranties Valid: Most solar panel manufacturers offer warranties that cover damage or defects for a certain period of time. However, these warranties often require regular maintenance and inspections to be kept valid. By staying on top of service appointments, you can ensure that your warranty remains in effect if any issues do arise.
Typical Service and Inspection Intervals
When it comes to maintaining your solar panels, it is important to follow the manufacturer's recommended service and inspection intervals. These may vary depending on the type of panels you have, but here are some general guidelines:
- DIY inspections: There is no singular recommendation for how often you should be inspecting your own solar panels, but at least a once-monthly inspection is recommended. This includes checking for any obvious damage, dirt or debris buildup, and ensuring all connections are secure.
- Seasonal service: Depending on the climate and environment where you live, it might be prudent to schedule a professional inspection and cleaning of your solar panels at least twice a year. This can help remove any stubborn dirt or grime buildup that may affect performance.
- Annual maintenance: It is generally recommended to have a professional inspect and service your solar panel system once a year. This can include checking for any wear and tear on the panels, monitoring output levels, and making necessary adjustments or repairs.
- Extreme weather events: If you live in an area prone to severe weather events such as hurricanes or blizzards, it is important to have your solar panels inspected after each event. This can ensure that they are still functioning properly and have not sustained any damage.
DIY Vs. Pro Inspection
There are a few key differences between inspecting your solar panels yourself versus hiring a professional to do it. Here are some factors to consider:
- Cost: DIY inspections may save you money in the short term, but hiring a professional can help catch potential issues early on and prevent costly repairs down the road.
- Safety: Climbing onto your roof to inspect your solar panels can be dangerous, especially if you are not experienced or equipped with proper safety gear. Hiring a professional ensures that the inspection is done safely.
- Expertise: Professionals have specialized knowledge and training in solar panel systems, so they may be able to spot problems or inefficiencies that you may miss during a DIY inspection.
- Kinds of issues: In general, simple standard solar panel inspections can typically be done on a DIY basis by property owners because they simply involve a basic visual look at the panels from the ground. However, for more significant needs, such as any repairs or maintenance work that may be necessary, seeking the expertise of a professional can ensure that these tasks are done correctly and safely.
At Intermountain Wind & Solar, we're proud to offer solar panel service or inspections for any system around the SLC, Utah, or Boise, Idaho areas. Contact us today for solar power services!
