How to Maintain Your Solar Panel System
By Jakob Jelling

The exterior of your solar panel system consists of the solar panels, mounting hardware and wire connections. Exterior maintenance is all about cleanliness and fighting back against the ravages of the elements. Here's a simple 4-step process for getting it done:

1. Inspect your solar panels for cracks in the glass or Plexiglas panels. If cracks are detected, seal them with a high-temperature silicon product.

Cracks can let in moisture, and they can also grow deeper and wider if left unrepaired. Be sure to clean the area around the cracks with window cleaner and dry it thoroughly before applying the silicone. It's best to work on the cracks when the sun is low and the glass is not superheated.

2. Clean dirt, debris, bird droppings and other foreign materials from the solar panels, and then wash it all down with a window cleaning solvent or vinegar and water solution.

3. Check all mounting hardware to make sure your solar panels are still tight. You can spray a light coating of WD-40 on the connections if they are showing signs of exposure to the elements. Replace any seriously corroded hardware. Also check the bolts going into your roof and apply some roofing sealant to the bolt heads and around the hole, if needed.

4. Inspect the wire connectors leading from your solar panels to your home for signs of corrosion or fraying. Replace any damaged wire or connectors.

Interior Maintenance

Interior maintenance is even easier. All you need to do is inspect the area where the outside wires enter your home and make sure the opening is weatherproof. Use an appropriate sealer to close up any openings. Look for telltale signs like water stains in the immediate area where the wires come inside.

Battery Maintenance

If you are using flooded batteries, carefully remove the caps and add ONLY distilled water up to the fill mark in each cell, if needed.

Remember that the fumes from flooded batteries are caustic and potentially explosive. Keep your face away from the opening and only open the batteries in a well-ventilated area.

Regardless of the battery type you use, check each battery terminal connection to make sure it is tight and free of corrosion. You can remove mild corrosion with a diluted mixture of baking soda and water. Be careful!

There are no other user-serviceable parts in your solar system, so if you have completed all of the steps above, you're all set.

Maintenance frequency depends on your environmental conditions. If you're in a dusty area, you'll need to clean and inspect your panels more frequently.

Whenever possible, inspect your panels, especially the mounting brackets, if your area comes under a hurricane watch or warning.

Jakob Jelling runs http://www.solarpanelmanual.com which focuses on solar energy and especially solar panels.

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