Photovoltaic systems are an excellent investment in a sustainable energy future and offer both economic and ecological benefits. However, to ensure that your photovoltaic system works reliably and delivers maximum energy yield over many years, regular maintenance and care is essential. Below you will find comprehensive information on the most important aspects of maintaining photovoltaic systems so that you can benefit from efficient operation in the long term.
1. Regular visual inspection
The first step to successful maintenance is to regularly check the solar modules for visible damage or dirt. Even though photovoltaic systems are considered to be largely low-maintenance, external influences such as dirt deposits, bird droppings, leaves or snow can affect the performance of your system.
Recommendation: It is advisable to carry out a thorough visual inspection at least once a year. You should look for cracks in the glass, loose connections or corrosion on the frames. Damage to the modules can significantly reduce energy production and, in the worst case, lead to a complete failure.
2. Cleaning the solar modules
Dust, pollen, bird droppings or leaves can build up on the solar modules over time and reduce their efficiency. Rain usually ensures a certain degree of self-cleaning, but if they are very dirty, manual cleaning may be necessary to ensure maximum energy yield.
How often should you clean?: The frequency of cleaning depends greatly on the environment around your system. In rural areas, near fields or industrial plants, dirt can occur more frequently. In such cases, cleaning every six months may be useful, while in cleaner urban areas, cleaning once a year may be sufficient.
Cleaning agents and methods: To clean solar modules, only use soft water (preferably distilled water to avoid limescale deposits) and a soft cloth or sponge. Be careful not to use aggressive cleaning agents or sharp objects that could damage the glass of the modules.
3. Checking the inverters
The inverter is the heart of your photovoltaic system, as it converts the direct current generated into usable alternating current. A malfunctioning inverter can affect the entire power production.
What to check?: Check the display or monitoring system of your inverter regularly. Modern inverters often offer online monitoring so that you can monitor the performance of your system in real time. Irregularities in energy production or error messages should be investigated immediately.
Service life: While solar modules often have a service life of 25 to 30 years, inverters usually need to be replaced or serviced after 10 to 15 years. Replacing the inverter in good time can prevent failures and ensure that your system continues to produce reliable electricity.
4. Check cables and connections
Cables and connections play an important role in the photovoltaic system. Damaged or loose cables can disrupt energy transmission or even pose safety risks.
What to look for?: Check all cable connections for wear, loose connections or damage caused by animals. Rodents can chew on cables, which can affect the efficiency of your system and be potentially dangerous.
Safety check: Make sure that all connections are tight and that there is no corrosion on the metal parts of the connections. An electrician can carry out this check during an annual inspection and replace defective parts if necessary.
5. Professional maintenance
While many maintenance tasks can be carried out independently, it is advisable to call in a professional on a regular basis. A professional technician can carry out a comprehensive inspection, identify more serious problems and take maintenance measures that ensure the longevity of your system.
When should you call in a professional?: Every two to three years, it is advisable to have a professional inspection carried out. In particular, the electrical components, such as the inverter and the wiring, should be thoroughly examined.
Inspection reports: A regular inspection by an expert should always be documented. This way you have proof of the maintenance work carried out and can react more quickly in the event of a warranty claim or insurance claim.
6. Use monitoring systems
A monitoring system enables you to continuously monitor the performance of your photovoltaic system. These systems inform you about the amount of electricity generated each day and can immediately indicate deviations or drops in performance.
Advantages of monitoring: By detecting anomalies early, problems such as dirt, defects or shading can be identified and resolved more quickly. Some modern systems also offer automatic notifications when the performance of your system falls below a certain threshold.
Conclusion
Regular maintenance and care is the key to the long-term efficiency and longevity of your photovoltaic system. In addition to cleaning the solar modules and checking the inverter, cables and connections should also be checked regularly. Take advantage of monitoring systems and have a specialist come in for an inspection every few years. With these measures, you can ensure that your photovoltaic system always delivers optimal performance and provides you with clean solar power for many years to come.