How Much Maintenence Will My Solar System Need In Its Lifespan?

Everyone knows that solar systems save you money in the long run.  But how much will you end up paying for maintenance throughout the years?  Let’s break down the potential cost factors. For instance, you’ll need two to three inverters over the life of your panels and those inverter costs a few thousand dollars each.  But what other costs are lurking around the corner?

Photo Credit: Daily Green

PV systems are sort of like a car – you know something’s going to need repair, but you can’t predict what that part will be until it fails.  There’s a paper written by three solar industry professionals that states that only half of all installed systems are working at their peak capability. The other half are performing optimally.  That’s a touch worrisome for those thinking of the massive outlay that it takes to go solar in the home.  Silly little things can get in the way of an optimal performing system.

Here are a few things to watch out for:

• Squirrels - you wouldn’t guess it, but these little guys and other rodents can chew through the coating on the wires, leading to short-circuits.  Cute but costly.
• Birds - their droppings on your panels and their nests beneath them pose two problems: droppings withhold sunlight and nests can cause shorts.
• Dirty Panels – this is a relatively simple one.  Just wash your solar panels 2-3 times a year (depending on your environment) to keep that sunlight pumping.
• Cracked Panels – despite the fact that most panels can withstand 3/4″ hail with winds at 120 mph, panels can crack if moisture seeps between the glass and PV cells, especially if it freezes.
• Corroded Electrical Components – this one is generally a job for a professional.  All electrical systems corrode and will need some maintenance.  Batteries, connections and exposed wires are the parts most susceptible to corrosion.
• Tree Growth + Shade = Reduced Sunlight. As hard as it is, top them or cut them because they’re growing like your utility bill (and frustration at your struggling system).
• Panel Theft - according to Sunrunhome.com, this is becoming more and more prevalent.  Consider putting your panels on your homeowners insurance policy and taking down the serial numbers.
• Worn Out Inverters – You’ll need two to three inverters over the life of your panels (25-35 years on average).

So what’s the best way to avoid maintenance problems? Solar Monitoring packages.   Definitely do this.  If you don’t know there’s a problem, it’s likely to get worse.  Sunrunhome.com says a monitoring system is like insurance for your installation: you’ll know you’re getting the most bang for the buck.  There are a few options for both DIY-ers and those who’d like to hire a professional. Consult your solar installer for more information on which is right for you and the monitoring component that would best fit your existing system.

Many solar installers offer maintenance packages with their installed system. This significantly reduces costs for individually hired maintenance workers.  Since systems last 25-30 years, you can guess that there’s a fair amount of maintenance ahead.  However, most of those problems won’t require you to call somebody to deal with them.  Leave the electrical stuff for the pros and do the simple spring cleaning yourself. Checking to make sure squirrels and mice aren’t getting into your attic would be a good way to prevent squirrel damage, since I doubt they’d be standing on your roof just gnawing away at rubberized coating. But squirrels and mice may find the coziness of your attic a good spot to have a chew.   Tree growth is something to consider when you install the system initially, and depending on your level of experience and where you live, it will dictate how you handle the situation once they get that tall (and they get there sooner than you’d think).

Unless you are really, really sure you know what you’re doing, let the pros handle the electrical.  That can’t be overstated.  I’ve been dumb enough to escape within an inch of my life before.

Installers that offer a lifetime package may be best for option you, depending on the level of involvement you want to have with the maintenance of your system.  GE‘s FAQ site says that PV systems require very little maintenance (GE suggests contacting your installer if you need assistance).  Still, GE does know electricity and I’m willing to bet they’ve done at least a little research into the longevity and maintenance required.

And please don’t think this is a drawback to solar.  Take a guess at how much your standard utility pays in maintenance costs per year, I’m sure it will still be more than solar systems of equivalent capacity.  And if the price isn’t lower now, like everything else solar, it soon will be.

Source: Sunrunhome.com

Posted on November 6th in Going Solar by Craig.