Solar System Maintenance Guide
Keep your solar system performing at peak efficiency. Simple maintenance tips and troubleshooting guide.
Solar systems require minimal maintenance - one of their biggest advantages. However, some simple care tasks will ensure optimal performance and maximum system lifespan.
Regular Maintenance Tasks
| task | frequency | description |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Inspection | Monthly | Check for debris, damage, loose connections |
| Panel Cleaning | Every 3-6 months | Remove dust, bird droppings, leaves |
| Monitor Check | Weekly | Verify production matches expectations |
| Battery Health | Monthly | Check app for battery status/cycles |
| Professional Inspection | Annually | Detailed check by installer |
taskVisual Inspection
frequencyMonthly
descriptionCheck for debris, damage, loose connections
taskPanel Cleaning
frequencyEvery 3-6 months
descriptionRemove dust, bird droppings, leaves
taskMonitor Check
frequencyWeekly
descriptionVerify production matches expectations
taskBattery Health
frequencyMonthly
descriptionCheck app for battery status/cycles
taskProfessional Inspection
frequencyAnnually
descriptionDetailed check by installer
How to Clean Solar Panels
Safe cleaning procedure:
- Best time: early morning when panels are cool
- Use plain water and soft brush or sponge
- Never use abrasive cleaners or high-pressure washers
- Clean from ground if possible (safety first)
- For stubborn bird droppings: soak first, then gentle wipe
- In dry areas with dust: clean more frequently
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Common Issues & Solutions
| issue | check | solution |
|---|---|---|
| Low production | Panels dirty? Shade increased? Inverter errors? | Clean, trim trees, check app |
| No production | Breaker tripped? Inverter off? Grid outage? | Reset breakers, restart inverter |
| Battery not charging | Settings correct? Connections secure? | Check app settings, call installer |
| Inverter beeping | Error codes on display | Note code, check manual or call installer |
issueLow production
checkPanels dirty? Shade increased? Inverter errors?
solutionClean, trim trees, check app
issueNo production
checkBreaker tripped? Inverter off? Grid outage?
solutionReset breakers, restart inverter
issueBattery not charging
checkSettings correct? Connections secure?
solutionCheck app settings, call installer
issueInverter beeping
checkError codes on display
solutionNote code, check manual or call installer
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All prices are in South African Rand (ZAR) unless otherwise stated. Shipping costs may apply depending on your location.
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Solar Maintenance Guide FAQs
In most areas, every 3-6 months is sufficient. Dusty/industrial areas or heavy bird activity may need monthly cleaning. Rain does help, but doesn't fully clean panels. Dirty panels can lose 15-25% efficiency.
Panels themselves need virtually no servicing - just cleaning. Inverters may need firmware updates occasionally. Batteries should be monitored but require no regular servicing. An annual professional check-up is recommended but not essential.
Major retailers: Builders Warehouse, Makro, Takealot. Solar specialists: SolarShop, Sustainable.co.za, The Solar Warehouse. Always compare prices and check warranty support before buying.
For grid-tied systems, yes - you need a qualified electrician with COC (Certificate of Compliance). For simple off-grid setups, DIY is possible but not recommended. Poor installation is the #1 cause of solar system failures.
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