ARE Solar, a reliable local residential solar panel repair company in Denver, CO, adds regular solar panel maintenance to its list of solar services. Today, the company’s solar experts provide key information about home PV system maintenance, including what happens if a solar panel sustains damage and how often Denver homeowners should opt for a solar inspection.
Do Solar Panels Need Maintenance?
Generally, solar panels require little maintenance apart from regular cleaning. Most solar panels are angled so that rain will wash away dust and debris. However, Colorado homeowners may notice that their solar system’s energy output declines after a dry season if dirt, dust, and grime build up on the panels.
A solar monitoring app can be helpful in tracking how much energy the system produces. Any output dip may signal that the panels need cleaning. A typical home solar system in Colorado will require cleaning about two to four times per year.
Homeowners may clean their solar system themselves using a garden hose with a telescopic handle, a sponge or squeegee, and nonabrasive detergent. However, professional cleaning may work best for systems without convenient access.
Are Solar Panels Safe in Snow?
A professionally installed solar system with quality panels and parts should weather a snowstorm with no problems. Today’s solar panels are so durable that homeowners typically don’t even have to worry about heavy hail.
Naturally, like any object that blocks sunlight, a layer of snow will cause a temporary dip in the solar system’s output. However, this should only last until the snow melts and slides off the panels. The panels’ slick, tilted surfaces rarely retain snow beyond a day or two, and the meetings will be cleaner once the snow melts.
What Happens if a Solar Panel Is Damaged?
While manufacturers design solar panels to withstand stress, occasionally panels may break, crack, or sustain other types of damage. A broken panel’s output will drop, and moisture seeping through the cracked glass may cause corrosion. That’s why it’s important to inspect solar panels for damage after every extreme weather event, like a storm that sends tree limbs flying.
The cost of solar panel repair depends on the homeowner’s warranty and the solar provider’s terms. Homeowner who suspects solar panel damage should call their solar provider as soon as possible to assess the extent of the damage and find out what repairs their warranty covers.
Can I Repair Solar Panels Myself?
While some Colorado homeowners may attempt solar system repairs, the best course of action in cases of suspected solar panel damage is to call an experienced residential solar panel repair company in Denver. DIY methods, like covering cracked panels with laminating film, often fail to address the root of the problem and contribute to further panel deterioration.
A solar system repair company has the tools, knowledge, and experience to assess the damage and suggest the optimal solution to restore solar system function. A professional’s expertise is even more important with rooftop systems involving work at risky heights.
Finally, solar professionals know how to remove leaking toxic components from a damaged solar system quickly and safely.
How Often Should Your Solar Panels Be Inspected?
If the solar system is delivering its expected output and there have been no events to suggest system damage, it’s usually enough to schedule a professional solar panel inspection every two years.
Homeowners who notice a considerable and inexplicable dip in energy production should call their solar provider to schedule an inspection. ARE Solar recommends getting a home PV system inspected after a major storm during which the panels suffered extraordinary impact—for example, from fallen tree limbs or abnormally large hail particles.
Learn More About ARE Solar’s Residential Solar Panel Repair Services in Denver
To make sure a PV system keeps performing at full capacity for as long as possible, homeowners in Denver, CO, should invest in regular solar maintenance. ARE Solar, a trusted local solar provider and residential solar panel repair company in Denver, offers reliable, hassle-free solar maintenance services.
To learn more about ARE Solar or schedule a home PV system maintenance, call 720-706-2773 or fill out the company’s online form.
