Solar panels are designed to be self-cleaning. In most cases, an average rainfall is sufficient to keep the glass surface of the panel free of dust and other debris. However, during long periods without rain or if your panels are mounted at a small tilt angle (as opposed to a larger tilt angle), the panels may require manual cleaning. There are several professional solar cleaning services available or your installer can provide routine care. If you have easy access to your solar system, you can do the cleaning yourself. Clean the glass surface with an all-purpose detergent and lukewarm water with a soft sponge, soft cloth or squeegee. Solaria panels have a proprietary anti-reflective coating on the glass which can be damaged if subjected to abrasive cleaning products. Damage to this coating can reduce panel performance. If oil stains appear on the surface of the glass, Solaria recommends using isopropyl alcohol and a soft cloth to clean it. Depending on where you live, it is recommended that you clean your panels once or twice a year. Never clean the back surface of the panel. It is not necessary for proper operation and may damage the electrical components of the panel. Cleaning should not be done by yourself. Please consult your licensed solar installer or contractor regarding cleaning. In some cases, installers will include cleanup as part of the installation package.
Keep an eye on your system
In addition to cleaning, it is important to inspect the electrical and mechanical connections of your solar system at least once a year. Checking for corrosion or other safety hazards can significantly reduce disruptions to your system’s power output. If your system is floor mounted and easily accessible, you may be able to perform a visual inspection of your panels yourself. If your panels are roof mounted, it is best to have them inspected by a solar energy professional or electrician.
Monitor system performance
It is also recommended to monitor the performance of your solar panels. This can be done through the monitoring system supplied with your UPS and/or battery or can be purchased separately. Both Phase and SolarEdge, two inverters we recommend with Solaria PowerXT panels, come with an easy-to-use monitoring system that you can download directly to your phone. If you track your system’s power output, you’re more likely to notice a sudden drop in power that can alert you to a problem. If you have a battery as part of your solar system, there may be different maintenance recommendations for your solar panels. Consult your battery manufacturer or installer for more information on battery maintenance.
The maintenance of solar panels is as simple as possible. Except once or twice a year, you can just sit back and enjoy clean, affordable energy.
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