Most systems in a home— including HVAC, roof, water heater, and air conditioners — need regular maintenance to perform properly. Solar panels, when installed properly, require very little maintenance. This also means, choosing who you work with to install your panels is perhaps one of the most important decisions when going solar.

One of the keys to a low-maintenance solar panel system is proper installation. Poor installation can cause a number of problems, including damaging panels in shipping, damaging wiring on the roof, and more. The end-to-end solar experts at Fusion Power, make sure every aspect of a solar panel installation is controlled in a way that ensures quality performance for years. It is why we proudly offer a 25 year warranty.

Often issues with solar panels arise from systems that are older or were not installed properly. How do you know if your system needs to be repaired or replaced? Read on:

Signs Your Solar Panels Need Maintenance or Repair

• Internal Problems
  Discoloration of the panels (typically brown or yellow) likely means the ethyl vinyl acetate inside the panels is compromised. If this happens, it is typically in lower-quality panels. Fusion Power uses only the highest quality panels.
• Loose Wires
  A properly installed solar system should never have loose wires. Wires that are not properly secured can be dangerous. At the very least they can make your system less efficient. At their worst, they can be a fire hazard. Our technicians thoroughly check every wire to make sure it is properly connected, then check the voltage of the entire system to ensure the solar panels are properly installed.
• Poor Positioning
  Panels that are in the shade or that overhang the roof are less efficient and more likely to be damaged by trees or high winds.
• Cracks
  Cracks rarely occur on solar panels. If they do, it is usually during shipping to the installer. Careless installers can also crack panels. Every panel Fusion Power installs is carefully inspected before and after installation to ensure no damage has been done.
• Weather Damage
  In the Phoenix Metro we can get hail and high winds during monsoon season. If the hail is large enough, it can damage your panels. More likely is that branches from nearby trees can blow off onto your panels. Check your homeowner’s policy to make sure storm damage to your home and solar panels is covered.

These aren’t the only problems with solar panels, but they are some of the most common. The reality is we don’t see very many problems with our solar panels. Fusion Power uses only the highest quality materials, we give our technicians extensive training and we stand behind everything we sell and install.

How to Maintain Your Solar Panels

Panels that are in good working order need very little service. They are typically installed at an angle, so any dust or debris that does accumulate will typically come off when the wind blows.

If you do need to clean the panels, it can typically be done with a leaf blower. If you want to spray the panels off, make sure your water isn’t hard as it can leave a film on the panels that will affect efficiency. If you need to get on a ladder or walk on the roof, please use extreme caution.

If you are trying to figure out if your current system is damaged—or even if you’re just starting your research into solar panels—give us a call at Fusion Power at 480-676-1443 or email contact@fusionpowerco.com. Our solar experts can help you determine if your system needs to be replaced and we can also help you determine if solar is right for your home.