Solar Panel Repair Do’s & Don’ts

When you get a solar panel system for your house or business, the repair and upkeep of the system become critical. Worn or damaged systems in your solar panels mean that you will not get as much power from the sun every day and could put your system and your roof at risk.

Here’s a few dos and don’ts for repairing and maintaining your solar panel system.

Do clean your panels regularly. While panels are usually angled to allow rain to wash them off, it’s a good idea to clean them regularly. A good schedule is every three months or four times a year. Check the manual for your system to see how you should clean the panels and clean them all.

Don’t clean damaged or cracked panels. If a solar panel is cracked or otherwise damaged, water and debris might be worked into the damaged panel, doing more damage to the panel. This could cause the panel to fail, and might even cause a short that would damage the power control system or even cause an electrical fire.

Do monitor the power output of your solar panels. Most systems have a computer or smartphone application, and if your panels start to have sudden drops in how much power you’re getting, it might be time to call in someone to check out the system for problems.

Don’t worry about small jumps and dips in power. Clouds moving across the sky, small changes in the weather, and similar things could mean that your power levels could change a little bit on your solar panels. It’s when you have a long-term, sustained drop in the output of your panels that you should worry.

Do repair or replace damaged solar panels as needed. The cost of one or two new panels is lower than the replacement of major damaged systems such as power distributors or more panels.

Don’t assume that your installer’s warrantee covers panel replacement. Often, there is a separate warranty process for the materials, such as the panels. Check your paperwork before deciding to have damaged panels replaced.

Do schedule an annual inspection. Once a year, have an experienced and reputable expert in the repair and upkeep of solar power systems come in and check your system out.

Don’t worry if your system needs repair and you can’t get in touch with the original installation company. Westcoast Solar is here to help, and we’re able to help with most solar power systems, regardless of size.

Westcoast Solar Energy is a reputable solar power company, with years of experience and having worked on projects from small houses to large factory buildings.

If you need panels repaired or replaced on your home, your commercial system upgraded, or any number of other options, contact us today.