Local Service and Support
Whether you need to troubleshoot a malfunctioning system, temporarily remove panels for a roof replacement, or get support after your original solar installer vanished, we’ve got you covered. Maybe you just want peace of mind knowing your system is in top shape—we’re here to help.
Our team is ready to provide reliable, solar repair and maintenance services near you in Washington and Oregon.
A&R Solar: Local, Experienced, Employee-Owned
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Certified B-Corp
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AMICUS Solar Cooperative Member
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NABCEP Certified Solar Installer
Customer Testimonials
Solar Maintenance FAQ
Do Solar Panels Need Maintenance?
While solar panels themselves are designed to be durable and low-maintenance, it’s important to occasionally monitor your system’s performance with the help of your solar inverters monitoring software. Homeowners should occasionally check this system for any unusual drops in performance, which may indicate issues such as shading, dirt buildup, or equipment malfunctions.
Our expert technicians provide comprehensive care, ensuring every component—from panels to batteries—operates at peak efficiency.
How To Maintain Your Solar Panels?
Maintaining your solar panels and other solar equipment is essential to ensure your system operates efficiently for years to come.
Clean Your Solar Panels
Solar panels naturally lose efficiency when covered with dirt, dust, or debris. To maintain optimal performance:
Clean solar panels once or twice a year, or as needed based on local conditions.
Use a soft brush, mild soap, and water to gently remove grime.
Avoid abrasive tools or high-pressure hoses that could damage the surface.
Inspect Solar Inverters
Solar inverters are critical for converting the energy your panels generate into usable electricity. Regular checks include:
Check your solar monitoring system for error messages or performance drops.
Ensuring proper ventilation around the inverter to prevent overheating.
Scheduling professional inspections to test functionality and address potential issues.
Maintain Battery Storage Systems
For systems with battery storage, such as Tesla Powerwall:
Regularly check battery health via the monitoring system or app.
Inspect and Protect Wiring
Regularly check for exposed or damaged wiring caused by weather, pests, or other factors. If you notice any issues, contact a professional for repairs immediately.
Diagnosing Issues with Your Solar Energy System
Check Your Solar Monitoring System
Your solar monitoring system is the first tool to identify performance issues.
Look for error messages or alerts indicating faults with specific components, such as the inverter or battery.
Compare your system’s energy output to previous periods or your expected production. A significant drop may signal shading, dirt buildup, or a malfunction.
Inspect Solar Panels
Dirty, damaged, or shaded panels can reduce performance.
Visual Inspection: Check for dirt, debris, cracks, or physical damage to the panels.
Shading: Look for new sources of shade, such as tree growth or nearby structures.
Assess the Solar Inverter
Inverters are a common source of system issues.
Indicator Lights: Most inverters have lights to signal their status (e.g., green for normal, red or orange for faults). Refer to your inverter’s manual for details.
Error Codes: Note any error codes displayed on the inverter or monitoring app and consult your manual or contact a professional.
Examine the Battery Storage System
For systems with battery storage, like Tesla Powerwall:
Check the battery’s state of charge via the monitoring system or app.
Look for warning alerts or error messages related to capacity or functionality.
Look for Environmental Factors
External factors can impact your system:
Weather: Prolonged cloudy weather can reduce output but doesn’t mean there’s an issue.
Power Surges: Check if a recent surge or outage may have affected your system.
How Long Do Solar Panels and Solar Equipment Last?
Solar panels typically last 25 to 30 years or more. However, other solar energy system components, such as solar inverters, battery storage systems, and wiring, may require maintenance or replacement sooner.
- Solar Panels: Over time, solar panels experience a slight decline in efficiency, usually around 0.5% per year. They can continue producing energy well beyond their warranty period with proper care.
- Solar Inverters: Inverters, which convert solar energy into usable electricity, generally last 10 to 15 years. Regular maintenance and monitoring are key to ensuring they operate efficiently.
- Battery Storage Systems: Batteries, such as Tesla Powerwall, typically last 10 to 15 years, depending on usage, maintenance, and environmental conditions. Routine inspections and software updates can extend their lifespan.
- Wiring and Mounting: The wiring and mounting systems are built to withstand harsh conditions but should be inspected periodically for wear, corrosion, or damage.