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Solar System Maintenance

Understanding your maintenance responsibilities and best practices for your solar investment

Maintenance Responsibility

Your maintenance responsibilities depend on how you acquired your solar system

PPA & Lease Maintenance
When you choose a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) or lease option

The solar company is responsible for maintaining your system. This is one of the key benefits of choosing a PPA or lease option.

  • The company will monitor your system's performance
  • They will handle any necessary repairs or replacements
  • They ensure your system operates at optimal efficiency
  • They manage warranty claims on your behalf

Your only responsibility is to report any visible damage or performance issues you notice to the company.

New England Solar Maintenance

Special considerations for solar panel maintenance in New England

Panel Cleaning

Cleaning panels is not recommended in New England. The region's natural weather patterns help keep your panels clean.

  • Regular rain naturally washes away dust and debris
  • Snow melts and slides off panels, cleaning them in the process
  • Manual cleaning can damage panels or void warranties
  • The minimal performance gain rarely justifies the risk

If you notice significant debris or buildup that persists after rainfall, contact a professional rather than attempting to clean panels yourself.

Seasonal Considerations

New England's changing seasons affect your solar system in different ways.

  • Winter: Snow typically melts quickly on tilted panels. Heavy accumulation will clear naturally as panels warm.
  • Spring: Pollen season may temporarily reduce efficiency, but rain will wash it away.
  • Summer: Longer days maximize production. Occasional visual inspection is recommended.
  • Fall: Check for leaf accumulation only if panels are installed in heavily wooded areas.

Your monitoring system will alert you to any significant performance issues regardless of season.

General Maintenance Tips

Best practices for all solar system owners

Monitor System Performance

Regularly check your monitoring app or portal to ensure your system is producing as expected. Look for unexpected drops in production that persist for multiple days.

Visual Inspections

Occasionally inspect your system from the ground for visible issues like damaged panels or loose equipment. Never climb on your roof to inspect panels.

Professional Inspections

Consider having a professional inspection every 5-7 years to check electrical connections, mounting hardware, and overall system health.

Keep Records

Maintain a file with your warranty information, system specifications, and any maintenance performed. This will be valuable for warranty claims or if you sell your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about solar system maintenance

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