Solar panels are a great investment for any homeowner. One can continue reaping their immense power-saving and clean energy benefits for the next 20 to 30 years. But if you think that post-PV installation, your work is done, then you are highly mistaken. Just like any other home appliance, solar panels demand regular monitoring and upkeeping to ensure maximum productivity. But how do you maintain your system? Or should you better contemplate how to clean solar panels?
Don’t worry. Solar panels don’t require heavy maintenance other than keeping them clean at regular intervals and preventing any shadow casting. They are themselves sufficient to bear any extreme weather conditions, such as hail, snow, or rain.
For better understanding, we have created this Solar post-installation maintenance blog in which we will share the best tips to maintain and clean your PV system effectively. So, without further ado, let's dive into them.
Things to Take Care of Post-Solar Panel Installation
Schedule a solar system inspection
After your solar system installation, the first thing that needs to be taken care of is passing the solar inspection. Since the PV installation involves a lot of electrical and construction work, your local authority and utility provider go through a final inspection from a safety point of view.
For auditing, an inspector will come. They will overview the whole system, including wiring, components, and structure. If they find no issues, you are ready for the next step.
Obtaining permission to operate (PTO)
After passing the inspection test, the next thing is to set up the solar interconnection and obtain permission to operate from your utility provider. Similar to pre-installation approvals and permits, this too follows an approval process. The only difference is that this time you will work with a utility provider. After all the necessary checks, they will set up the net meter to monitor your daily energy production
Keeping track of system performance
This is another crucial part of the post-installation Solar guide. Monitoring your system performance daily helps you stay aware of your daily electricity consumption and production, any potential power drop or damage that requires immediate repair, or room for optimization. Most solar providers set up the solar monitoring system with the inverter via a mobile app. This gives the homeowners a real-time insight into system efficiency.
Check your power bill
After all, that is why you have taken so much hassle with installing solar panels to lower your power bill. If you have not paid attention enough, now's the time. To better assess your system's performance, ask yourself the following question:
Has my electricity bill dropped more than the last time?
The bill you receive only shows grid usage, not solar power consumption. But you can get the idea by comparing the dropping amount of grid electricity to the pre-installation times. If your bill is on the lower side, then congratulations, your solar system is working up to expectations. If not, you need to check it through your installer
Routine Examination
Installing solar panels alone does not guarantee you the maximum returns on investment, regular inspection of the solar power system does. Visually examining your panels consistently helps you detect any damage or problems in the early stages and reduces the maintenance of the solar panels in the long run.
For instance, there could be chipped wires, loose connections, or cracks in the solar panel glass. By locating such loopholes, you can save yourself from any long-term system deterioration loss and do the prompt fix.
Regular cleaning for maximum performance
If you truly want your solar system to keep rewarding you with long-term power and bill-saving benefits, then you need to clean them regularly.
This is even more important if you are living in an area more exposed to little chicks, dirt, pollution, or rainfall. The dust or debris accumulated on the panels can significantly impact their power production efficacy. Regular cleaning will remove all these dirt and particles.
Professional Maintenance
It’s good if you can maintain your panels all by yourself, but in case of any doubts, don’t hesitate to sign up for professional solar panel upkeep services. These experts have in-depth knowledge and techniques for inspecting, cleaning, and repairing the panels.
They also follow the necessary safety practices and warranty protection because, in some cases, the manufacturers demand experienced cleaning to maintain the warranty plan.
Why Post-Solar Care Matters
Many homeowners believe that once their solar panels are installed, they can simply let them work for decades without further attention. While it's true that solar panels are built for durability and require minimal maintenance, they still benefit greatly from regular upkeep. Without proper care, your panels might not generate as much energy as they should, which can impact your overall return on investment.
By neglecting regular maintenance, debris such as dirt, leaves, and bird droppings can accumulate on the surface of your panels. This can block sunlight and reduce the system's efficiency by as much as 20%. Additionally, damaged or loose wiring can further decrease energy output and pose safety risks. Our expert team is here to help you avoid these common pitfalls.
Our Comprehensive Post-Solar Care Service
1. System Check after Installation
Our team conducts a system check to ensure that your panels are functioning properly. This involves inspecting wiring, connectors, and inverters to ensure that everything is working as it should. We’ll also assess your system’s overall health, from physical panel integrity to the alignment and angle, ensuring optimal positioning for sunlight absorption during installation.
2. Panel Repair and Replacement
While solar panels are designed to last 25 years or more, occasional repairs may be needed to ensure they continue functioning properly. Whether it's addressing minor cracks or replacing a panel damaged by extreme weather, our team is equipped to handle repairs promptly. And if a full replacement is necessary, we can guide you through the process with minimal disruption to your energy production.
3. Inverter Maintenance
The inverter is the heart of your solar energy system, converting the DC electricity generated by your panels into usable AC electricity. Inverter issues can lead to significant energy loss. Our experts are always there to guide you if your inverter is showing any signs of malfunction or inefficiency, ensuring that your system continues to convert power effectively.
4. Battery Storage Service
If your solar setup includes a battery storage system, maintaining this component is just as important as the panels themselves. We offer battery storage services for your solar system, ensuring they store the maximum amount of energy and provide reliable backup power. Our team will check the battery's health, monitor its efficiency, and ensure it is safely integrated into your system during installation.
5. Handling Customer Queries and Concerns
After installation, customers may have questions about their system’s performance, billing, or how to optimize energy savings. We have a dedicated post-customer service team who provides ongoing support, answering questions, addressing concerns, and offering expert advice. This helps customers feel confident in their investment and ensures they have a positive long-term experience with solar energy.
6. Enhancing Customer Satisfaction
Exceptional post-installation service is directly tied to customer satisfaction. When a company is responsive to customer needs, it fosters trust and loyalty. In an industry that thrives on referrals and reputation, satisfied customers are more likely to recommend their solar provider to others, contributing to the company’s growth and success.
7. Referral Program
We do have a referral program as well. You must be a Solar Secure customer to participate in the Solar Secure referral program. For each referral who signs a contract with Solar Secure, you will receive $200. This referral offer is not valid within special monthly, stock take, below cost deals, community pricing programs or in combination with any other offer if your referral receives special pricing on their solar contract, you will receive $50. Individuals may not refer to themselves. Referrals must have no prior contact with Solar Secure to be considered a customer referral.
8. Dedicated Customer Support
Customers should have access to a responsive, knowledgeable support team. Whether they need assistance with troubleshooting, have questions about their system, or require a repair, dedicated post-customer service ensures that help is always available. At Solar Secure, our team is available to provide timely support, whether it’s through phone calls, emails, or on-site visits.
9. Financing Options for Upgrade
To make solar energy more accessible, Solar Secure offers a range of financing options. We work with financial institutions to provide flexible payment plans, including solar loans. This allows customers to spread the cost of Our solar system over time, making it easier to afford the initial investment.
10. Warranty and Repair Services
Solar panels typically come with warranties, but many other components, such as inverters or battery storage, may also need attention over time. A good post-customer service strategy includes honoring warranties, providing fast repairs, and offering replacement services when necessary. This ensures that the customer’s investment is protected for the long term. At Solar Secure we take care of all warranty and repair services.
11. Educational Resources and Guidance
Many solar customers are new to renewable energy, and they may not be familiar with how their system works or how to get the most out of it. Post-customer service should include educational resources, such as guides, tutorials, or workshops, that help customers understand their systems and energy-saving practices. At Solar Secure, we prioritize educating our customers so they can feel empowered and knowledgeable about their solar energy system.
12. Customized Solutions
Every customer’s solar energy needs are different, so post-customer service should be tailored to fit their unique circumstances. From offering customized maintenance plans to addressing specific energy usage concerns, personalized service goes a long way in ensuring that customers feel valued and well-cared for. We are here to help you with various customized solutions for your solar needs.
Conclusion
In the solar sector, post-customer service is not just a service, it’s a critical part of ensuring long-term success for both the customer and the company. At Solar Secure, we are proud to offer top-notch support that extends beyond installation, helping our customers maximize their energy savings, prolong the life of their system, and enjoy a smooth, stress-free experience.
When you choose Solar Secure, you’re not just investing in solar panels, you’re investing in a partnership that supports you every step of the way. Reach out to us today to learn more about our comprehensive post-customer service offerings and discover how we can help you enjoy a lifetime of clean, renewable energy.