Keeping your solar panels in good condition requires knowing what not to do. Here are 7 common mistakes with residential solar care and how to avoid them.

In 2021, the solar energy industry brought in nearly $33 billion in private investments. As time goes on, this industry will only continue to grow.

One of the primary reasons is due to the increased affordability and usability of a residential solar system. However, there are many mistakes with residential solar care that people make. Let’s explore how you can establish a more efficient solar care routine.

1. Not Having a Routine

As you might expect, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is not having a routine at all. This will place your system at risk, as issues that arise will go undiagnosed until they evolve into something worse.

Without a proper solar care routine, you could substantially reduce the lifespan of your system. This will essentially equate to losing thousands of dollars since you will need to make replacements sooner than necessary. Keep this information in mind so you can get started as soon as possible.

2. Improper Maintenance

Even modern solar panel systems require maintenance. Although there might not be problems for months on end, it’s crucial you remain proactive when it comes to this responsibility.

This is the only way that you can prevent minor problems from becoming more serious. Having a solid maintenance routine will go a long way and often doesn’t take much time.

Inspect your system at least once per month to see if there’s anything that needs your attention. It’s also worth having a professional come in a few times per year, as they have the expertise to find problems that went unnoticed.

3. Not Cleaning Regularly

A large number of solar panel system issues can be prevented with regular cleaning. As dust and grime accumulate, it could interfere with the function of the system. This could lead to you getting less energy out of the panel than you should.

It could also cause more serious problems, such as overheating. The good news is that basic system cleaning is a simple process that doesn’t require specialized skills. If you find yourself dealing with areas you don’t how to handle such as cast iron guttering, call a professional to help.

Get in the habit of cleaning your system monthly. It will go a long way toward helping you make the most of the system’s utility.

4. Not Budgeting for Costs

Interestingly, many people don’t budget for the cost of solar care. This is true even for systems that are advertised as having low maintenance requirements.

Repairs, monitoring, and regular cleanings will all cost money and time. A reputable solar panel provider can give you an accurate estimate of what you’ll expect to pay in ongoing expenses. This will help ensure that you aren’t blindsided by financial surprises later on.

5. Not Reading Your Warranty

Warranties are an amazing way to protect yourself as a consumer. However, not all warranties are created equal. Terms can differ substantially between providers.

For example, one solar panel provider may offer a warranty that lasts for only 12 months. Another provider might offer one that lasts for 36 months.

The terms of the warranty will also vary when it comes to what the warranty covers. System failure, faulty parts, etc. are areas of concern that you should never neglect when reading this document.

It’s in your best interest to work with a provider who has a good reputation. This will help ensure they offer fair warranties that they can explain to you. Keep this in mind when searching for solar panels Fresno companies.

6. Not Monitoring Energy Usage

Monitoring energy usage is essential when it comes to preventing solar panel problems. To clarify, you can recognize issues in the early stages by identifying when your energy usage readings are abnormal. A common scenario could involve someone checking the readings to find that energy usage has spiked over recent weeks.

If you don’t investigate this data, you run the risk of causing significant damage to your system. There are a variety of different ways you can monitor energy usage.

You can use a smart meter, energy audit, or even a web-based application. Regardless of how you do so, document these readings so that you can identify problem areas in the future. This will also help you reduce energy costs as time goes on.

7. Improper Placement

You can’t simply place solar panels and any location you want. They need to be appropriately oriented to get the best results. After all, there’s a reason that most solar panels are mounted to the roofs of homes and angled toward the sun.

You won’t get the same results by placing a solar panel next to your home in your yard. In some cases, you could even void your warranty, something that could cost you tens of thousands of dollars if future problems occur.

You should also be aware of what areas of your home receive the most direct sunlight on average. It wouldn’t make much sense to place solar panels in an area that receives a large amount of sunlight in the morning but is later obscured by the shadows of trees as the day goes on.

Avoid These Mistakes With Residential Solar Care

Consider the above guidelines for establishing a proper solar care routine. This will go a long way when it comes to avoiding mistakes with residential solar care that other people make.

From here, you’ll get started on the right track and make the most of your residential system. Our blog has many other lifestyle articles you can benefit from. Check them out today to see what you can learn!