If you are considering a solar panel system (domestic, RV or boat, not that important), then you probably already know, that solar system requires a substantial initial investment. You have to buy a panel, betteries, charge controller, maybe invertor, somehow mount it all and hook up to each other. Now, another cost to consider is a solar panel maintenance. You did not think that once installed your solar panel will last forever on autopilot, right?
How much you spend on solar panel maintenance depends on the system and setup you choose. For example if you want and off-grid system, then your biggest headache will be batteries, because they are the weak part of the system and wear out in a several years. If you have a tracking mount (a special device which rotates your panel in order to follow the sun), then it also could experience mechanical problems, since moving parts are introduced to a system.
solar panel maintenance
But let’s say you have the simplest domestic setup with a solar panel and inverter only, what solar panel maintenance is required? Industrical (that is if you bought ready solar panel and did not make one yourself) solar panels are designed to withstand elements including rain, snow and hail for many years to come. Good manufacturers usually give a 10 year warranty for panel performing up to 90% of it’s maximum power and 25 year warranty for panel to perform up to 80% of it’s power. As you see, your panels will gradually loose electric output.
If you have a high quality panel, then you don’t have to do much solar panel maintenance. Just make sure you keep them clean, since they will produce less electricity if there is dirt or leafs on them. Also they should be installed properly with proper wire isolation, otherwise your wires could wear out. And Check roof mount from time to time to ensure that there is no leaks in the places where panel is screwed to the roof.