4 Tips to Reduce Solar Panel Maintenance Cost

Has it been some time since your last solar power system check-up? Planning to get a routine maintenance check on your solar panels? Then, you should also get information about the many ways to reduce solar panel maintenance costs. Continuous maintenance can ensure that your solar power system works at full capacity.

In this article, we will give 5 tips through which you can reduce solar panel maintenance costs while getting the best out of your solar power system check-up. Let’s begin by understanding the meaning of solar operations and maintenance.

What are Solar Operations and Maintenance?

Solar power systems require minimum maintenance from time to time. Routine check-ups ensure a smooth and efficient operation of your solar power system, especially solar panels. Regular maintenance of solar power plants can safeguard against possible downtimes and safety hazards.

Solar panels are the major component of solar systems, and as a result, most maintenance costs go towards them. However, solar panel maintenance costs are not that high as the maintenance required is incredibly minimal.

The primary way of maintaining solar panels is to have a professional inspect and clean them. It is advised to get a solar system inspected at least once a year. Professionals test the circuits, check the energy production values, and identify safety issues if any. These checks are important for managing warranties for solar panels and ensuring a long product life.

In addition, in a few weeks, the panel surfaces will accumulate a thin layer of dust due to natural processes. If not cleaned for a long time, this dust affects the power output levels of the solar system. It is, however, easy to get rid of. Even light rain washes away any accumulated dirt on the panels and reduces solar panel maintenance costs. One quick and reliable method is rinsing them with water.

So, while solar operations and maintenance are quick and minimal, they still play a vital role in assuring you get the best return on your investment. Without regular inspections and cleaning, the power output from your solar system will sink and lose its efficiency earlier than expected. This also results in higher solar panel maintenance costs and could even hurt your warranty.

Therefore, timely maintenance of solar power plants is essential. In the next section, we have described some ways of reducing solar panel maintenance costs.

Ways to Reduce Solar Panel Maintenance Cost

1. Regular Cleaning: The most important part of solar operations and maintenance is addressing the soiling on solar devices. Soiling refers to the accumulation of materials, like dust, dirt, pollen, etc., on solar panel surfaces. They cause considerable power loss as they cover the surface and lower the amount of sunlight reaching the panels.
   
   Depending on the local climate, soiling should be cleaned on a timely basis. For instance, dust storms can cause soiling to occur swiftly. One simple, cost-effective way is to wash the panels with soft water. Additionally, wind and light rain also easily remove soiling. Regular cleaning helps you in avoiding frequent inspection visits and reduces solar panel maintenance costs.
2. Monitor the data: Tracking the amount of power generation can help you realize if your solar system is lacking anywhere. With data analysis, you not only prevent any additional solar panel maintenance costs but also remain informed. If you notice any fluctuations in power generation, you can call for an inspection and stay one step ahead.
3. Inverter and wiring: Maintaining equipment other than solar panels is also important for efficient functioning. Dust can accumulate over inverters too. However, cleaning inverters is very simple: wiping with a dry cloth can do the trick and help you avoid high solar panel maintenance costs. During the annual inspection, professionals can perform connection tests and ensure that the LED indicators are working.
4. Annual inspections: Having a trusted professional carry the solar operations and maintenance can reduce solar panel maintenance costs in the long run. Experts are trained to identify any problem at one glance. They check for possible defects, instantly recognize wear-and-tear in the cables, and ensure maximum safety of the circuit.

Some important defects include cracks and delamination in solar panels, breakage in the insulation of wires, corroded connections, and even incorrect mounting. Addressing these issues in time can extend the life of your solar system by years and limit solar panel maintenance costs indirectly.

Are you still worried about solar operations and maintenance? We at Luminous India offer end-to-end solar solution from site inspection to installation to post sales maintenance. Our service centers are spread throughout India, so we can support homes big and small. Connect with our solar experts today!