One of the many beneficial aspects of solar thermal systems is that they are relatively maintenance free. It is often hard to believe, but it is nonetheless true. This has made solar thermal systems the most cost effective choice in residential, and commercial, solar energy systems. Solar thermal may have higher initial costs but maintain low operating costs compared to fossil fueled systems, which may have lower initial costs but ever-rising operating costs.

This is not to say that you can throw a system in your backyard and just forget about it (which would be hard to do anyway, as your utility bills continue to decline). There are some maintenance suggestions that should be kept in mind.

If you live in an area with yearly snowfall you may have to clean off the solar panels occasionally. But usually only after an aggressive storm, as the sun will melt snow off the glass fairly quickly, even if only a small portion of the glass is exposed to direct light. Also, many panels are set at angles of around 35 degrees and sometimes higher. Snow has a hard time accumulating on such steeply sloped collectors.

Some solar thermal manufacturers or contractors will suggest that the transfer fluids are changed every few years. This is by no means a bad idea, although many solar thermal users have made it more than a decade without a change.

Solar thermal systems are advantageous because of their longevity and negligible maintenance requirements. As long as a system is installed properly, by a qualified solar thermal contractor, then you have very little to worry about. If you just want to play it safe, many solar thermal installers will schedule regular maintenance check-ups in order to keep everything in top working order. Even these visits will be sparse, perhaps every few years.

Wondering how to maintain PV panels? It’s gets even easier, as this article explains: How Do I Maintain My Solar Panels?