- Regular Cleaning
- Clean panels at least twice a year—or more frequently in dusty areas—to maintain optimal efficiency en.wikipedia.org+10solar.huawei.com+10reddit.com+10.
- Use soft cloths, mild soap, and low-pressure water. Avoid pressure washers and harsh chemicals reddit.com+6homebuilding.co.uk+6solarpanelhubs.com+6.
- Visual Inspection
- Check for cracks, discoloration, loose wires, corrosion, nests, or rodent damage solar.huawei.com+4solarpanelhubs.com+4blog.ecoflow.com+4.
- Inspect inverter operation—look for error codes or drops in energy production greenlancer.com+7solarpanelhubs.com+7reddit.com+7.
- Monitor Performance
- Use monitoring systems or inverter data to track energy output. Sudden dips may signal dirty panels, shading, or wiring issues reddit.com+1solarpanelhubs.com+1.
- Inverter & Wiring Check
- Inverters typically need replacement after about 10 years; inverter failure stops all power production .
- Faulty wiring, loose connections, or damage from pests can reduce output or create hazards—call a professional if detected .
- Handling Physical Damage
- Cracks or shattered glass usually require panel replacements; repairs with sealants are often not recommended mobile2b.com+15familyhandyman.com+15greenlancer.com+15reddit.com.
- Microcracks may be temporarily patched using laminating film or resins, but long-term fixes usually involve replacing the panel .
