How to Maintain Your Solar System for Maximum Efficiency

By PremiumCAD – Helping Solar Pros Shine Brighter

So, you have gone solar!!.The panels are up, the meter’s spinning backward, and your electricity bill is shrinking.

But here’s the big question:How do you keep your solar system running at 100% for years to come?

You’ve made a smart investment—now let’s make sure it pays off for decades.

1. Clean Your Panels (Yes, Really)

You wouldn’t leave your car windshield dirty for months, right? Dust, pollen, leaves, bird droppings—even light dirt can block sunlight and reduce panel output.

How to clean:

• Use a soft sponge or brush with water (no harsh chemicals!)

• Early morning or late afternoon is best

• Hose it down from the ground if possible—safety first!

Tip: Do it 2–4 times a year depending on your location.(If you’re in the Southwest or near farms, clean more often.)

2. Keep an Eye on Performance

Most systems today come with monitoring apps (like Enphase, SolarEdge, or Tesla). Don’t ignore them!

Watch out for:

• Sudden drops in production

• One panel underperforming

• Connection issues with your inverter

Tip: Set a reminder to check the app once a week—it only takes 2 minutes.

3. Trim Nearby Trees

That little sapling near your roof? It’s now casting a big shadow on your panels.

Even small shading can lower the performance of all panels in a string.

 What to do:

• Trim overhanging branches twice a year

• Consider microinverters or optimizers to reduce shading loss

  
  

4. Schedule a Pro Inspection Every 1–2 Years

Even if your system seems fine, it’s smart to let a professional take a look occasionally.

They’ll check:

• Wiring and connections

• Inverter status

• Mounting hardware

• Grounding and safety features

Tip: Many solar companies offer annual or bi-annual maintenance packages.

5. Maintain Your Battery (If You Have One)

Using a Tesla Powerwall or Enphase battery? Great. Just don’t forget it’s a working machine.

Check for:

• Firmware updates

• Proper ventilation

• Any unusual behavior (weird charging/discharging patterns)

Pro Tip: Let your installer update the software or troubleshoot issues—don’t DIY battery settings unless you're trained.

6. Watch for Animals or Roof Damage

Squirrels love chewing wires. (Yes, really.)

Also, if you’ve had a big storm or roof work done, your panels and mounts might need a quick checkup.

 Signs to look for:

• Debris under panels

• Loose conduit or rails

• Nesting signs near your system

Bonus: Create a Simple Solar Maintenance Calendar

Keeping solar maintenance simple = staying efficient.

Example Calendar:

• Jan/Jul: Check monitoring app, clean panels

• Mar/Sep: Inspect roof + trim trees

• Every 2 years: Hire a pro for a system check

  
  

Final Word: A Little Effort = A Lot of Savings

Your solar system is built to last 25+ years.But like anything valuable, it needs a little love.

By cleaning panels, monitoring performance, and staying proactive—you’ll keep your system running like new, year after year.

And remember—efficiency = savings. 

Connect with PremiumCAD for an effcient PV System Design and Engineering.