12 June 2024
Article by Helandi Moolman, Green & You
You service your car regularly, right? If you’re a cyclist – you even service your bicycle regularly. So why are people brushing off the concept of solar system servicing? Especially if we want these systems to last (and perform) for years to come?
Probably, since the solar industry is fairly new to the scene, solar system servicing and maintenance is not something that is ingrained in our way of thinking. It is not on our annual to do list (yet).
The truth is – in order to maintain your solar system optimally, your system will need regular servicing and maintenance. It is best practice to get a professional check-up on a solar system at least every 12 months.
(For the same reason that any motor vehicle requires regular maintenance – to prevent future problems.)
Regular servicing can also assist with warranty compliance. Larger and more complex commercial systems might even need servicing at more regular intervals – not to mention solar panel cleaning.
Solar panel cleaning can dramatically optimize the production of your system, especially after dry and windy periods. It is once again important to use professional companies with the right tools. Solar panels should for instance be cleaned with descaled water – otherwise the scale watermarks on your panels will hamper performance and ultimately your payback.
What needs to be checked with solar system services? Below are a few broad guidelines for basic services.
- A thorough check of the entire system and measuring of values can give a good indication of system health.
- Compatibility with most recent regulations (especially for older systems, as these regulations are updated regularly).
- Solar panels need to be checked for damage (damaged solar panels can be hazardous).
- Checking of cabling and conduit.
- Checking for loose connections and tightening of connections at all applicable components.
- Optimizing of the solar system, if applicable.
Depending on the age and performance of the system, suggestions for improved performance can benefit your system in the long run.
And speaking of long run – the whole point of renewable energy is ‘the long run’. That’s why, especially for commercial or business use, solar is a good investment. So take care of your investment and get it serviced regularly. You’ll be glad you did – you might just need it for years and years to come.