Protect Your Investment With Solar Panel Repairs, Cleaning, and Maintenance

Homeowners in Northern California can turn to the full range of solar maintenance services Capital City Solar provides to maximize their investment. Regular cleaning and timely repairs of solar-powered systems will extend their service life and significantly boost energy output and efficiency. Regular solar panel cleaning alone can result in an increase of 10-25% or more in energy output, reducing your dependency on the local energy grid and lowering your annual utility costs. 

We recommend cleaning your solar power system at least once per year. Call us about solar maintenance services so we can set up a plan that works for your needs and includes cleaning and a full inspection to assess the performance of your system. You can rest assured that professional maintenance and repairs will be worth the cost for the enhanced efficiency and savings you’ll see on your energy bills.

What Issues Are Addressed With Solar Panel Maintenance?

Your solar power system is designed for continuous operation year after year, but environmental factors will eventually take their toll. Occasional cleaning is necessary to improve performance and stop corrosion and damage resulting from:

• Dirt and Debris – Accumulating dirt, dust, leaves, bird droppings, and other debris can reduce the efficiency of solar panels. Over time, this buildup can create shadows, block sunlight, and corrode the solar cells.
• Pollution and Airborne Particles – Airborne pollutants like industrial emissions or particulate matter can settle on solar panels. This pollution can create a film on the surface, impacting the amount of sunlight reaching the photovoltaic cells and reducing energy production.
• Birds and Animals – Birds, nesting materials, and other animals can cause physical damage to solar panels. Periodic solar panel maintenance will look for signs of animal activity and take steps to dissuade them from frequenting your roof.
• Weather and Environmental Factors – Harsh weather conditions, including hail, rain, or extreme temperatures, can cause physical damage to solar panels over time. Hailstones, in particular, can create dents or cracks on the surface and require solar panel repair or replacement to keep your system operating efficiently.

Periodic inspections are essential to maximize the efficiency and lifespan of solar panels and identify any signs of wear or damage. Cleaning can involve a gentle approach using water and a soft brush or more specialized methods, depending on the severity of the dirt or debris accumulation. Regularly scheduled solar maintenance service helps ensure optimal performance and a longer operational life for solar panels.

Critter Guards

Animals like birds and rodents that nest or feed in and around solar panels could damage them and reduce their performance. Our professional solar maintenance services can remediate the threat to your investment by installing Critter Guards to keep pests away. Birds and rodents can find the space beneath solar panels attractive for nesting, leading to various issues. Nesting materials and debris can accumulate, creating a fire hazard, hindering proper ventilation, and potentially causing damage to the solar panel components. Birds and rodents also leave droppings on the panels, leading to corrosion over time.

Critter Guards are a preventive measure to deter animals from accessing the space beneath solar panels. These guards are typically mesh or wire barriers designed to fit securely around the perimeter of the panels, creating a barrier that prevents birds and rodents from getting underneath. Installing critter guards requires professional expertise to ensure a secure and effective fit without compromising the structural integrity of the solar panel system.

Our technicians will assess the need to incorporate critter guards as part of your solar maintenance services. Sometimes, cutting back overhanging trees and vegetation may greatly dissuade birds and other pests from frequenting your solar paneling. Turn to our experienced maintenance services to deliver solutions that safeguard your investment and contribute to the sustainable and uninterrupted generation of clean energy from your solar panels. Contact us today for a quote for Critter Guard installation.

How Often Should I Have My Solar Panels Cleaned?

Many solar panel manufacturers suggest cleaning at least twice a year. However, more frequent cleaning may be beneficial in areas with specific environmental challenges. Some homeowners choose to clean their solar panels every 3 to 6 months, while others may do so annually.

The frequency of cleaning for solar panels depends on various factors, including the local climate, the environment, and the specific conditions at the installation site. Here are some general guidelines for determining how often you should consider cleaning your solar panels:

• Location – Frequent cleaning may be necessary in areas with more dust, pollen, or airborne particles. Similarly, locations near construction sites or industrial areas may require more regular cleaning due to higher levels of pollutants.
• Rainfall – Regions with regular rainfall may experience natural cleaning, as rain can help wash away some dirt and debris. However, rain can also contain pollutants and minerals and leave behind residue after it falls, making it necessary to clean after seasons with frequent showers. 
• Tilt Angle and Orientation – Solar panels with a flat tilt or less favorable orientation to facilitate natural cleaning from rain will accumulate dirt and debris faster.
• Seasonal Changes – Consider seasonal variations when determining the best time to schedule professional solar panel cleaning services. For example, during the fall, leaves may accumulate on the panels, and in winter, snow may cover them. Cleaning after such events can optimize solar panel performance.
• Efficiency Loss – Monitor the efficiency of your solar panels. If you notice a significant drop in energy production, it may be a signal that cleaning is needed.

Professional inspections during regularly scheduled solar panel maintenance will determine if more frequent cleaning is necessary. An experienced technician may also uncover inefficiencies in your solar system due to debris accumulation that you hadn’t noticed, potentially optimizing performance.

How Are Solar Panels Professionally Cleaned?

When cleaning solar panels, following manufacturer guidelines and using gentle methods to avoid damaging the panels or their coatings is crucial. The job is best left to professionals as part of your routine solar panel maintenance. Some considerations are the type of solar panels, how they are installed, and environmental conditions in your area. Proper cleaning will contribute to your solar panel system’s longevity and performance.

Professionals use several methods to clean solar panels, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency. Here are common approaches employed during professional solar panel cleaning:

• Water and Soft Brush – Professionals often use a soft brush and deionized water to scrub the surface of the solar panels. Deionized water helps minimize mineral deposits and streaking, leaving the panels clean and clear. Professionals may use pole-mounted cleaning systems for hard-to-reach solar panels to allow technicians to clean panels from the ground.
• Pressure Washing – Professionals sometimes use a low-pressure washer to remove dirt and grime from solar panels. Low pressure is crucial to avoid damaging the panels or their protective coatings.
• Cleaning Agents – Professionals may use mild, non-abrasive cleaning agents to remove stubborn stains, bird droppings, or other contaminants. Choosing cleaning solutions that won’t damage the panels or leave residues is essential.

Choose a solar panel maintenance company that doesn’t use abrasive materials, harsh chemicals, or high-pressure washing methods. Our technicians follow manufacturer guidelines and industry best practices to ensure effective cleaning without compromising the integrity of your panels. Please consult with us today to talk about scheduling solar panel cleaning to protect your investment and optimize its energy output.

Inspections and Output Verification

Professional solar panel maintenance services play a crucial role in ensuring the efficiency and longevity of your solar energy system. We take pride in offering a comprehensive and industry-leading 30-point inspection to meticulously assess various aspects of your solar panel system, leaving no stone unturned to guarantee optimal performance.

During our inspections, technicians thoroughly examine the condition of the system’s panels, checking for any signs of wear, damage, or debris accumulation that might hinder sunlight absorption. We assess the inverters to ensure they function correctly, as these devices play a pivotal role in converting solar energy into usable electricity. Wiring and connections are inspected to identify potential issues affecting the system’s overall performance.

One of the most valuable components of our solar power maintenance services is the output verification process. This step provides homeowners with a comprehensive overview of their solar investment. It includes an analysis of the system’s current condition, an estimation of the expected lifespan, and a projection of future production. Additionally, we can estimate the current fair market value of the solar energy system.

Output verification is instrumental in helping homeowners understand whether their system is operating as intended. If any discrepancies are identified, our technicians delve deeper to pinpoint the source of the issue. Whether it’s a fault within the system or an external factor like shading or debris buildup affecting performance, we take prompt and effective measures to remedy the situation.

By investing in our professional solar panel maintenance services, homeowners ensure the cleanliness and good condition of their solar panels and gain valuable insights into their solar energy system’s overall health and performance. Our meticulous inspections and output verification process empower homeowners to make informed decisions about their investment and enjoy the full benefits of clean, sustainable energy production.

Infrared Imaging

We implement cutting-edge technology into our solar maintenance and inspection services, leveraging advanced technologies such as thermal imaging to identify subtle signs of faulty panels that may impact the overall efficiency of your solar energy system. Each solar panel is composed of individual cells, and when one of these cells fails or is defective, it can lead to inefficiencies or, in some cases, cause further damage to the entire system.

The challenge with identifying a compromised cell lies in the interconnected nature of solar panels. All cells are wired together, and energy flows through them in a chain-like sequence. If one cell is compromised, it can affect the energy output of the entire system. Determining which specific cell is faulty can be challenging through traditional inspection methods.

Thermal imaging technology has become invaluable in these situations. Faulty cells tend to generate more heat as they radiate excess electricity in the form of heat. Thermal imaging allows us to visualize these temperature variations and pinpoint the exact location of a compromised cell. By incorporating this advanced technology into our solar maintenance and inspection services, we can proactively identify and address issues at the cellular level, ensuring the overall health and efficiency of your solar energy system.

Our solar panel repair services are designed to utilize these technological advancements to remediate identified issues swiftly and effectively. By leveraging thermal imaging and other advanced diagnostic tools, we provide a more thorough inspection and deliver enhanced value and energy efficiency to our clients. This commitment to utilizing cutting-edge technology underscores our dedication to maximizing the performance and longevity of your solar investment.

Book an Appointment or Receive a Free Quote Today

Taking the initiative to consult with us about scheduling an inspection and solar maintenance services is a decisive step toward optimizing the performance of your solar energy system. Our professional technicians, equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and expertise, will ensure the cleanliness and functionality of your panels and proactively identify and address any potential issues. 

Invest in the health of your solar system today and guarantee long-term benefits through increased energy efficiency and significant savings on maintenance and energy costs. Take charge of your solar investment and schedule a consultation with us to unlock the full potential of your clean and sustainable energy source. Get a free quote for solar maintenance services online now or call Capital City Solar at 1-916-256-2785.