If you are considering a solar panel system (domestic, Recreational Vehichle, boat, or portable camping solar system), then you probably already know that solar systems require an up-front initial investment. You have to buy a panel, batteries, charge controller, maybe invertor, and then pay to mount it all and link the pieces. But, once it is up and running your recurring costs should be minimal.
How much you spend on solar panel maintenance depends on the system and setup you choose. For example if you want an off-grid system, then your biggest headache will be batteries, because they are the weak part of the system and wear out in a several years. If you have a tracking mount (a special device which rotates your panel in order to follow the sun), then it also could experience mechanical problems since moving parts are introduced to a system.
solar panel maintenance
But let’s say you have the simplest domestic setup with an RV solar panel and inverter only — what solar panel maintenance is required? Industrial (that is if you bought ready solar panel and did not make one yourself) solar panels are designed to withstand elements including rain, snow and hail for many years to come. Good manufacturers usually give a 10 year warranty for their solar panels, stipulating that they will perform up to 90% of maximum efficiency, and a 25 year warranty for the panels to perform up to 80% of efficiency. As you see, your solar panels will gradually lose electric output, but they do have a long life-span.
If you have a high quality panel, then you don’t have to do much solar panel maintenance. Just make sure you keep them clean, since they will produce less electricity if they are scratched or there is dirt on them. Also they should be installed properly with proper wire isolation, otherwise your wires could wear out. You also need to check the roof mounts from time to time to ensure that there are no leaks in the places where panels are screwed to the roof.
All in all though, maintenance is easy. Affordable solar panels allow reduced costs not only in RV campground fees, but also replenish the resources of your on-board electrical system increasing its lifespan. It’s a win-win.
