As solar energy adoption surges globally, homeowners and businesses are increasingly investing in photovoltaic (PV) systems to reduce energy costs and carbon footprints.

However, without proper maintenance, even the most advanced solar installations can underperform. This article explores actionable solutions to preserve solar panel efficiency, inverter reliability, and battery lifespan, ensuring your system delivers optimal ROI for years.

1. Solar Panel

If long term uncleanliness of solar modules, the dust, bird droppings, and other dirt on the surface will cause some issues, such as:

⚡ [Hot Spot Risk]: Dust buildup on the module surface increases heat resistance, reducing heat dissipation and causing a drop in output power. Severely covered areas may overheat, leading to hot spots or other damage.

⚡ [Reduced Light Absorption]: Dust particles block, reflect, and absorb sunlight, significantly reducing the module's ability to absorb light. This can lower power generation efficiency by up to 30%, depending on the type and duration of contamination.

⚡ [Glass Surface Corrosion]: Photovoltaic glass, made of silicon dioxide and limestone, can be corroded by acidic or alkaline dust when wet. Over time, the glass coating will be damaged, further reducing power generation efficiency.

Following solutions to ensure the power generation efficiently:

A: Regular Cleaning

Ø Ø Cleaning time: Morning or evening, avoid cleaning at high temperatures;

Ø Ø Frequency: Every 3-6 months, depending on actual situation;

Ø Ø Cleaning ways:

Home Use( area <100㎡)- Manual water washing/dry cleaning with soft brushes and specific glass cleaning fluid

Commercial Use( area >100㎡)- Use smart cleaning robots for better cleaning results, freely set operating frequency and high efficiency

B: Inspect for damage

After extreme weather events like hail or strong winds, visually inspect your panels for cracks, chips, or other damage. If you notice any issues, contact a qualified technician for repairs.

C: Monitor Performance

Most solar systems come with monitoring software that tracks energy production. If a significant reduction in power generation output is observed, it may signal a problem, contact a qualified technician for repairs.

2. Inverter

Inverters convert DC power from solar panels to AC loads. Overheating and electrical stress are common culprits behind inverter failures.

Cleaning and inspection

Install inverters in shaded, well-ventilated areas. Clean dust from cooling fans quarterly to prevent overheating.

Regularly check whether the internal heat sink, connecting wires, and other components are intact. Replace damaged parts immediately.

Inspecting operating parameters

By monitoring the inverter's operating parameters, potential problems and faults can be discovered in time. For example, monitoring the inverter's output voltage, current, power factor and other parameters can determine whether the inverter is in normal working condition. Once an abnormality is found, stop work immediately to avoid the expansion of the fault.

Schedule Professional Inspections

While inverters require minimal maintenance, it's recommended to have them inspected by a qualified technician every 1-2 years to ensure optimal performance and safety.

3.Battery

Working environment: Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or freezing conditions.

Lead - Acid Batteries

Water Level Check: Add distilled water every 1 - 3 months to cover the plates (never tap water or acid)

Terminal Cleaning: Use a mixture of baking soda and water to clean corrosion off the terminals.

Charge Management: Keep the charge level above 50% and use a smart inverter to prevent overcharging.

Lithium Batteries

Avoid Deep Discharges: Keep the charge between 20%–80% for longest lifespan.

Use a Battery Management System (BMS): A BMS protects against overcharge, over-discharge, and overheating.

Inspect for Damage: Look for swelling, leaks, or unusual odors—replace immediately if found.

When to Replace Batteries

Lead-Acid: Capacity drops below 80% ( typically after 3–5 years).

Lithium: Cells swell, performance drops, or after its warranty years( normally 10 years lifespan).

Conclusion

Regular solar panel maintenance, inverter inspections, and battery lifecycle management are non-negotiable for maximizing energy output and system longevity. By adopting these practices, you can save $500–$1,500 annually in avoided repairs and energy waste.

For tailored solutions, contact UE—your trusted partner in solar system optimization. Our technicians offer custom solar energy solutions and free system health inspection.