One of the great things about going solar is that most panels require little to no maintenance every decade. According to Solar Reviews, solar panels can last up to 25 or 35 years! All that said, there can still be minor repairs to make along the way. Let's take a look at the types of things that can tell you it's time to bring in a professional for the maintenance of your solar installations.

1. Check Energy Output

If your solar panels slowly or spontaneously begin to produce a lower and lower energy output, that may warrant an inspection. Solar output can vary depending on the weather, the season, and the time of day, but you should look into any long-term trends that seem off. Whether there's a hardware problem or a piece of debris blocking the solar cells, professional solar installation companies and contractors will know what to look for. This is one of the safest ways to attend to your solar panels and ensure your home is still receiving the amount of power it needs.

2. Maintain Cleanliness

Like any other asset or piece of property, you'll want to keep your solar panels clean so they can function to the best of their ability and last for decades. If you live in an area that receives a heavy dose of rain each year, you can likely get away with a single annual cleaning service. Homes in any other areas should schedule a professional cleaning by a local solar panel installation company in order to keep everything in top shape. You'd be surprised how much a light coating of dirt, dust, or debris can affect their performance over time.

3. Monitor Potential Damage

When you first work with your solar installation company, they'll likely work with you to find the best orientation and location for your solar panels before physically installing them. Logically, an area that receives a large amount of sunlight is the most ideal for solar panels. As a result, they're not usually at risk of damage by falling debris from trees or not producing enough energy to support your home. Accidents do happen, though, and it's always good to contact a professional service if they do. This puts you in a great position to understand the severity of the damage and the best actions to take to move forward.

For more information about solar installation or repair, or to get started with our services, contact us today at AEV Solar. We look forward to working with you!