If you run a business, you know how important it is to maintain your equipment. Prioritizing maintenance keeps things running smoothly and prevents costly equipment breakdowns.
When it comes to your commercial solar panels, however, maintenance is less of a concern. Solar panels are low maintenance and require minimal upkeep.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about commercial solar maintenance, including how to maintain solar panels, how much maintenance solar panels need, and how to tell if your solar panels need maintenance.
Related: Commercial Solar FAQs
Generally speaking, solar panels are very low maintenance. They don’t have any moving parts, which makes wear and tear a non-issue.
Commercial solar systems, however, typically require more upkeep than residential solar panels because they are larger and more intricate.
To protect your investment and ensure your commercial solar panels last as long as possible, occasional cleaning (based on environmental conditions) and an annual inspection are highly recommended. Most annual inspections should include a visual inspection of all components, performance evaluations, torque checks on racking and electrical equipment. Some even include thermal imaging to find hot spots on your electrical connections and problems with your array, usually at an additional cost.
There are four main types of maintenance to consider for your commercial solar array, though you won’t necessarily need all of them: solar panel cleaning, annual solar inspections, storm damage repair, and maintenance to solve a specific problem.
Solar panels are constantly exposed to the elements. Over time, they can accumulate dirt and grime that blocks the sun and reduces output. Most of the time, the rain and snow will keep your solar panels clean enough. But for a large commercial array, annual solar panel cleaning is usually recommended to ensure you’re producing as much power as possible.
Once a year, you should have your entire solar panel system inspected by a professional to make sure it is working safely and properly. There are companies, such as Boston Solar, that offer annual contracts to make this easier.
Solar panels are remarkably durable and can withstand all kinds of weather, even hail up to a certain size and speed. Even though solar panel storm damage is unlikely, it’s important to be aware of the possibility and check on your panels after a storm. If your commercial solar panels are cracked or damaged in a storm, you will need to schedule solar maintenance and repairs immediately.
If you notice a problem with your commercial solar panels, like a significant drop in electricity production, you should schedule solar maintenance to find out what’s causing the problem and how to fix it. Most companies offering service contracts will set up monitoring for you and alert you when there is an issue.
Apart from your annual inspection and cleaning, your solar panels will only need maintenance if a problem arises.
The most common sign your commercial solar system needs maintenance is a drop in output. If your solar panels suddenly stop producing as much electricity as they usually do, it’s time to call for maintenance. You want to find out what’s causing the problem as quickly as possible so you can avoid a major spike in electricity costs.
Another sign your solar panels need maintenance is storm damage. As we mentioned above, storm damage is rare but it can happen. If you notice physical damage to your panels after a storm or noticed a disruption in the Boston Solar app, schedule solar maintenance right away. With the Boston Solar app, you can monitor your panels productivity.
Boston Solar is the leading commercial solar panel installer in Massachusetts. We’ve been in business for over 10 years and will be your solar company for the entire lifespan of your system. If you ever need maintenance and repairs or just have a question about your commercial system, we have a team dedicated to just that and we will always be easy to contact and happy to help.
We’ve installed commercial solar panels for businesses of all sizes, including MGM Music Hall at Fenway, and we’re a Proud Partner of the Boston Red Sox. Contact us today to learn more about commercial solar panels and whether they make sense for your business!
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