{"id":84,"count":6,"description":"How do you maintain your solar panels to ensure they keep producing at maximum efficiency?\r\n\r\nThis is a common question among homeowners.\r\n\r\nProtecting and caring for your investment is essential to owning any item. Thankfully, rooftop solar panels are incredibly durable and have no moving parts, and are therefore very easy to maintain.\r\n\r\nEven so, let's explore so basic tips to keep your system as productive as possible.\r\n\r\nRelated reading:\u00a0<\/strong>How To Choose Solar Panels for Your Home<\/a>\r\n

Monitoring your solar system<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe best thing you can do to maintain your solar system is to monitor its production so you can quickly identify and address issues, should they arise.\r\n\r\n\"You should check on your system about once a month to make sure there are no anomalies or panels underperforming -- maybe a bit more if your system is charging your EV,\" said Brian Lynch<\/a>, a 15-year solar industry veteran with REC Group. \"Of course, for the first 3-6 months you'll be checking the app and showing it off all the time.\"\r\n\r\nMost modern solar systems are connected to a monitoring app, like the Enphase Enlighten app pictured below.\r\n\r\n\"enphase\r\n\r\nIn addition to being a ton of fun to tinker with and show off, a mobile app makes it incredibly easy to monitor your system's health and performance. For example, using the array view in the Enphase Enlighten app, you can see the production of each panel over time.\r\n\r\n\"enphase\r\n\r\nSlight differences in production are to be expected based on each panel's location, angle, sun exposure, and shading. However, if one panel is producing substantially fewer kilowatt-hours than the others, it's time to call your installer to address the issue.<\/strong>\r\n\r\nDepending on the app, you may even get a notification if there is an anomaly in your system's performance.\r\n\r\nTypically, your installer also has monitoring access and can do some troubleshooting remotely before making a site visit to diagnose or fix the issue.\r\n\r\nDo not attempt to perform solar system maintenance on your own! <\/em>Not only is this a huge safety risk, it may void the warranties from your installer and\/or manufacturer.<\/strong>\r\n

Cleaning Your Solar Panels<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nIn many cases, cleaning your solar panels should be very hands-off.\r\n\r\n\"In environments with periodic rain, that rain going to wash away any dust, soiling, or bird droppings,\" Lynch said.\r\n\r\nIn fact, even snow melting off your panels will clean your panels by removing dust and debris.\r\n\r\nOf course, there are cases where panels need more frequent cleanings than rain can provide. For example, if you...\r\n