With Halloween right around the corner, Sugar Hollow Solar knows a neglected solar system can be spooky! Solar is built to last, but even the best systems need a little attention to perform at their best. A buildup of dirt, a loose connection, or a quiet dip in production can go unnoticed for months and truly affect savings for home and business owners.
Sugar Hollow Solar started our Service Department almost 10 years ago with you in mind. Just like any home improvement or business investment, solar needs some occasional TLC to keep the spooky surprises away! Serving both our own customers and owners of systems installed by other companies, we’ll break down what to look out for with your system, and how we can help.
What’s Lurking On Your Roof?
Over time, panels pick up more than you think! Here are a few of the usual suspects we see:
Buildup on your panels. Pollen and dust settle in during the spring and summer, and fallen leaves pile up fast (we see this a lot in the fall season!). Bird droppings, sap, and tree debris can add to the mess, and over time, dirt film can form across the glass. It adds up, too! A National Renewable Energy Laboratory study of solar sites in NC found that pollen cut performance by as much as 15% during peak season, and rain alone didn’t wash it away!
Loose connections and worn components. Weather, temperature swings, critters, and time can take a toll on wiring, connectors, and electrical components. A small issue can go unnoticed until it starts to really affect your system.
Quiet dips in production. Your system may still be running but producing less than it should. Sometimes it's buildup, and sometimes it’s an equipment issue, but you may not notice until you see it in your savings! And for commercial systems, even a small dip in production can add up to real money that affects your bottom line. Sugar Hollow Solar’s regular Commercial O&M visits help catch issues early.
Panels are built to last and work in all conditions, but these small issues can keep your system from producing at its best, and they’re much easier (and cheaper!) to catch early.
Spot The Warning Signs (Before They Spot You)
“Is my system working correctly? Is there anything I should check before calling?” These are questions we hear often! We keep it simple. Green lights mean good; red lights mean bad. Most inverters have a number of LED lights that indicate performance (we can help you interpret them!). A red light on your inverter, an error code, or a monitoring app that has gone quiet are all signs something needs a look.
Panel Washing: Dirt, pollen, and debris don’t take long to settle onto your panels. They’ll keep working through it, but with a decrease in production. A professional wash helps your system perform at its best and gives your roof a fresh look. Skip the DIY – harsh chemicals and power washers can damage panels. Our crew uses specialized equipment made to clean them safely.
How Often Should You Schedule Panel Washing?
Manufacturers usually recommend panel washing every 2-5 years, but it really depends on how dirty your panels get. If you can see a film or some buildup, it’s probably a good time to schedule a cleaning. Depending on how dirty they are, washing can boost production by up to 20%! Can’t tell if your panels are dirty? Let us come out and take a look.
Troubleshooting & Repairs: Production looking off? Seeing an error message? Our Service Department will dig into what’s going on, pinpoint the cause, and map out the best way to get your system back to normal.
Reroofing: If your system is roof-mounted, a new roof doesn’t have to be a headache. We coordinate the removal and reinstallation of your system as part of the reroofing project, so your panels are back up and producing when the work is done. (We can even coordinate directly with your roofer for scheduling – one less thing for you to worry about!)
Selling or Buying a Home With Solar: Solar adds a few extra questions to a home sale or purchase. If you’re selling, we can help you get ready. If you’re buying a home with an existing array, we’ll help you understand what you’re getting and what to expect. Our Service Department offers both real estate inspections for Sugar Hollow systems and home purchase inspections, so everyone involved has a clear picture of the system’s condition and performance.
Commercial O&M: When a larger solar or battery backup system is part of your operations, regular maintenance protects that investment. With annual or semi-annual visits, we assess overall system health, inspect key electrical components, and confirm monitoring and communication are working, so small issues get caught before they affect your bottom line. Learn more about Commercial O&M.
Don’t Let Your Solar Get Spooked!
At Sugar Hollow Solar, we strive to protect the beauty of our Southern Appalachian landscape by helping solar systems perform at their best. By providing maintenance for residential and commercial solar, as well as systems installed by other companies, we’re proud to keep clean energy running strong across our region!
And this Halloween, we believe the only thing haunting your roof should be a little fall color. Ready to schedule service? Call us at 828.333.9322 or explore our Service 101 page to get started.