10 Common Mistakes in Solar Panel Care, and How to Avoid Them

Solar panels are a great investment for anyone looking to save money on their energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint. You might not be aware, but solar panels save most families around $2,200 every year on their electric bill. However, like any other investment, they require proper care and maintenance to function at their best.

If you want to keep your solar panels in good condition you need to learn what not to do. Our guide below is going to go over the most common mistakes in solar panel care and how to avoid them.

1. Forgetting About Maintenance

Neglecting doing regular maintenance on your solar panels is a common mistake that can result in costly repairs or replacements. Solar panels require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

It is essential to inspect the panels regularly and identify any issues promptly. Any damage or wear should be repaired immediately to prevent more damage.

2. Not Cleaning the Panels

Believe it or not, you can’t just install your panels and forget about cleaning them on a regular basis. The panels absorb sunlight, and any dirt or debris that accumulates on their surface can reduce their efficiency.

Cleaning solar panels regularly is a must in order to remove dirt, leaves, and other debris that may accumulate. A soft brush or a squeegee with a non-abrasive pad can be used to clean them.

3. Using the Wrong Cleaners

Another mistake in a solar panel care routine is using abrasive cleaners. Abrasive cleaners can scratch the surface of the panels. These cleaners reduce the efficiency and lifespan of the panels.

When you are looking for solar panel cleaning supplies we just recommend using mild soap and water to clean your panels.

4. Ignoring Shade

Shade is another important factor to consider when it comes to solar panel care. Shading can reduce the amount of sunlight that the panels receive, resulting in reduced efficiency.

It is important to ensure that there are no obstructions that can cause shading, such as trees, buildings, or other objects. If shade cannot be avoided, you can look into using micro-inverters or power optimizers to minimize the impact of shading.

You want to also pay attention to all the trees nearby because they will keep the rays from the sun from reaching your solar panels. If there are any trees blocking the sun for hitting your panels, you need to take the time to trim the trees and if you feel that you can’t do it safely, please enlist the help from a professional.

5. Not Monitoring Energy Production

Another common mistake in solar panel care is the failure to monitor energy production. Monitoring production can help identify any issues or problems with the panels early on.

It can also help identify any changes in energy production, which can indicate potential issues with the panels or the entire system.

6. Panel Overload

Solar panels have a specific capacity that should not be exceeded. Overloading the panels can cause damage and reduce their lifespan. Always check the rated capacity of the panels and ensure that the load is within the limit.

7. Battery Maintenance

For systems that include batteries, you have to maintain these regularly. If you don’t, they can lose their capacity a lot quicker than usual. Make sure to keep your batteries clean and don’t ever expose them to extreme temperatures.

On a regular basis take the time to check the voltage levels and if you notice any batteries not functioning correctly, do not ignore them, instead you need to replace them.

8. Improper Connections

Solar panels generate direct current (DC) electricity, which needs to be converted into alternating current (AC) to be used by most electrical appliances.

Improper wiring and bad connections can cause electrical shock, damage to the panels, and other electrical issues. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for wiring and connections.

9. Placement

Something to keep in mind is how the panels are initially placed on your home because this is critical to how efficient they are. Installing them in the wrong location will reduce how much output they put out.

Panels need to be installed in an area that receives maximum sunlight throughout the entire day. This typically means facing them towards the south in the northern hemisphere and north in the southern hemisphere. Make sure that there is no shading on the panels throughout the day.

10. Ignoring the Inverter

Without the inverter in your system you wouldn’t have the power collected by the panels converted into a form that your home can use. If there is ever something wrong with your inverter, your solar panels will not have the ability to make power that you can benefit from. You need to check on your inverter on a regular basis to make sure it is working correctly.

Whenever you notice a drop in how much power you are generating this is a sign that there might be something wrong with your inverter. The key is to not ignore problems with your inverter because it can lead to bigger and more expensive problems.

Ready to Avoid These Mistakes in Solar Panel Care?

Now that you learned the top mistakes in solar panel care, you can make better decisions to ensure that you take the upmost care of your panels, so they can last as long as possible.

If you’re looking for something else to read, make sure you keep browsing this section for some more home tips.