Keeping your solar set up in tip-top shape

By The Coffee Shops™. 

Quality equipment and installation are key to protecting solar panel efficiency and long-term energy savings. 

Solar panels and inverters are engineered for durability. But as with any product that needs to withstand 25 years of sun, wind, rain, hail and snow, it is more likely than note that there will be an issue here and there over the 25-year span. When an issue occurs, you’ll want a quick and professional resolution to get your system back up and running at 100% as soon as possible. How do you do this? O’Donnell Solar Co. recently shared some tips in an article titled “How to Select and Maintain a Solar System to Maximize Long Term Savings.” 

The key to maximizing the long-term savings of your solar system is to select a reputable equipment supplier with a solid warranty and then to have that equipment installed by a reputable solar installer. Sounds simple right?   

There are dozens of suppliers of solar panels and inverters to choose from and while many of them manufacture good quality solar products, the truth is that many of them will not be in business for the duration of the 25-year warranty that they provide. Look for durable and diversified companies that are entrenched in the US and don’t rely solely on the solar industry for survival. Companies like CertainTeed, a roofing and building products giant have a much lower risk of going out of business and abandoning their warranty obligations. Remember, a warranty is worthless if the company providing it isn’t in business anymore.  

Next, there are a few key points you’ll want to check for in their warranties.  First, does it cover labor to repair or replace defective components?  Solar equipment costs continue to decline and labor costs continue to rise. Even today, it already costs more to have someone replace a solar panel than the solar panel itself is worth. Second, does the warranty cover the workmanship on the installation of the system? Some of the most difficult issues to solve are those created by poor workmanship (like roof leaks). 

Even if you have an installation workmanship warranty, you’ll want to have that equipment installed by a reputable installer who also is more likely to be in business for the duration of your system’s lifetime. Again, companies that are diversified, particularly in durable industries provide the best likelihood of being around for 25 years. Local contractors with established customer bases and long histories are a prime example.  An added bonus is if you find a company well versed in roofing as a solar installation will include dozens of penetrations through your roof to attach the system. 

Finally, you’ll want to understand what components are included in your solar system. Two key features that many companies omit are critter guards and snow management. Critter guards cover the gap between the solar panels and your roof around the perimeter of your solar array(s), preventing unwanted critters from nesting under your solar panels. In particular, squirrels chewing on and damaging wiring below the solar panels can not only cause very expensive repairs but can create hazardous situations. Additionally, snow management should always be considered in areas with more than occasional snowfall. This is particularly critical when solar panels are located over entry / egresses (including garage doors), decks or other areas with valuable property below. An uncontrolled mass of snow sliding off a solar array can be hazardous to both health and property.  

If you’ve selected a reputable equipment supplier and installer and gotten your system (with critter protection and snow management) installed, you should have little to no maintenance to worry about over the system’s lifetime. However, you should still set up alerts and regularly check your system’s performance via its monitoring system / app. And if you notice any issues, you’ll have a reliable contractor and equipment supplier warranty to get your system back up and running at 100%!  

Learn more about solar panel maintenance here.

Disclaimer: The information provided on AskARoofer.com or information sent by emails is the opinion of the writers. It is the responsibility of the reader to check for accuracy in one's own jurisdiction, as there are different codes and restrictions for different parts of the country. AskARoofer.com does not accept any liability for the use of information on this website or email. AskARoofer.com has no controls over product failures, installation or climate conditions that may change the roofing process in your area. Our information is in general to our area and cannot be the same as your local town or state. It is advised to seek the local Building Department, Licensed Contractor and local Product Representative for proper installation requirements and code enforcement when installing a new roof.