Commercial Solar Maintenance Tips

 Over time, dust, pollen, bird droppings and debris build up on solar panels. Professional cleaning several times per year maximizes sunlight capture for consistent energy output. Annual inspections include performance evaluations, racking torque checks and inverter connections.

Small issues that go unchecked can snowball into major repair bills. Commercial solar maintenance minimizes these problems and maximizes long-term savings.

Cleaning

The best commercial solar maintenance strategy starts with periodic cleaning services. Periodic cleanings eliminate dust, pollen, and debris that limit sunlight absorption. This enables panels to generate consistent power output and maximizes ROI.

Professional cleaning services use specialized brushes and non-abrasive cleaners to remove dirt, pollen, bird droppings, and other residues. In addition to boosting energy output, these cleanings protect the lifespan of solar modules and extend their service life.

In addition to cleaning, a comprehensive commercial solar maintenance plan includes regular inspections. These check-ups — ideally conducted by trained technicians — examine the entire system, including mounting hardware, wiring, and inverters. This helps identify early signs of wear and tear that can eat into productivity or trigger expensive failures. Annual inspections also allow businesses to monitor performance and file warranty claims if necessary.

Inspections

Solar power installations need to be inspected before activation and throughout their lifespans. These inspections assess compliance with electrical, interconnection and building codes. They also examine if the system follows the approved plan set and if it can meet load requirements such as seismic or wind.

Using drones equipped with different cameras helps inspect large or inaccessible systems. They can check every module for dirt, bird droppings and blocked sunlight. They can also look for corroded connections or wiring and make sure there are no hotspots caused by rodent damage. They can also verify that all bolts are secure and the inverter is operating within safe temperature limits.

Failing to monitor a solar energy system can lead to unexpected downtime and lost profits. A recent NREL study found that businesses that skipped maintenance lost 18% of expected generation over five years, translating to tens of thousands in missed savings. A professional in-person inspection can catch even minor problems like loose connections and hidden hotspots that basic monitoring software may miss, saving your business money.

Monitoring

Keeping an eye on solar system performance is important. This helps you identify small problems that might otherwise cause major issues, such as a sudden drop in energy production.

Commercial solar maintenance companies offer monitoring services that provide a clear picture of a solar panel system’s energy output and condition. They also provide real-time analytics and alerts, helping you to stay ahead of problems and avoid costly downtime or inefficient production.

A key component of maintenance is a visual inspection of the entire system, including the panels and racking, electrical connections, inverters, and hardware. The inspector looks for early signs of wear, loose connections, and other problems.

Other key maintenance activities include examining the panels for physical damage, checking for bird droppings and other debris, and looking for signs of animal nesting underneath the panels (in which case you might need to invest in some solar critter guards). With regular cleaning, inspections, and monitoring, commercial property owners can keep their systems running smoothly for years to come.

Repairs

Investing in solar energy helps businesses reduce electricity costs, support sustainability goals, and contribute to a cleaner environment. But just like any business asset, commercial solar systems require consistent care to maximize their potential. Without a proper operations and maintenance (O&M) strategy, even small issues like dust accumulation or loose electrical connections can lead to costly downtime and lower energy output.

A comprehensive O&M program should include regular cleaning, annual inspections, storm damage repair, and monitoring services. Professional cleaning ensures that your panels are absorbing as much sunlight as possible, while annual inspections help prevent major issues such as electrical connections and racking damage.

A good O&M provider will customize a plan that suits your needs and budget. For example, JMS Energy blends both a standard maintenance package and an all-inclusive maintenance + warranty solution for the best results. Our plans also include a range of additional service options, such as remote site visits and mowing and trimming of trees around your solar array.