Maintaining and caring for solar panels in the Midwest is a great way to ensure the system can perform to the best of its capabilities. Solar is low maintenance and self-cleans in our Midwest region with regular snow and rain throughout the year, but occasional care is a great way to ensure your renewable investment is in top condition. Here are some tips for care and maintenance:
- Routine Visual Inspections: It is good to become familiar with your system and perform routine inspections. These visual inspections can review for hanging wires, panel cracks or chips, and wildlife pest. It is especially important to check the system after a storm.
- Landscaping: Solar is meant to last 25+ years, so vegetation might grow over or around the array over time. Be sure to trim any branches or vegetation that might cast shadows on the solar panels to avoid hindering the efficiency of the system.
- Snow Removal: In the Midwest, heavy snowfall is common in the winter, so snow is inevitable, but not worry! Any solar company designing systems in the Midwest should take into consideration the snow variance of your solar array when sizing the system. Although snow will temporarily hinder production, it’s not necessary to remove it since it often will naturally slide off or melt as temperatures rise. If a person feels inclined to remove the snow, it is best to use a soft brush or snow rake to avoid scratching the panels, and only do this if it can be done safely from the ground.
- Monitor Energy Output: A professional solar array will have monitoring capabilities through the inverter and power optimizers in the system, which can be viewed via an app by the homeowner. By monitoring your systems performance routinely, you will be able to determine if there is a sudden drop in energy output and requiring a need for maintenance.
- Professional Inspections: Your solar installer should be able to provide inspections upon request, so if you have any worries about your solar array – be sure to call your solar professionals!
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