One of the biggest selling points of solar energy is that it is largely “set it and forget it.” Unlike a generator that needs oil changes or an HVAC unit that needs filter swaps, solar panels have no moving parts.
However, many homeowners confuse “low maintenance” with “no maintenance.”
If you are looking for Solar Panel Maintenance Knoxville, it is likely because you have noticed a drop in production or you just want to protect your investment. While you don’t need a technician on your roof every month, a little attention goes a long way in ensuring your system lasts for 25+ years.
At Your Home Solar & Home Energy Solutions, we believe in data-driven maintenance. Here is what you need to know about keeping your system running at peak performance in East Tennessee.
The Annual “Health Check”: What to Look For
You don’t necessarily need to pay for a professional solar system maintenance package every single year, but you should perform your own visual inspection at least once every 12 months.
Here is a simple checklist for homeowners:
1. Monitoring: The “Check Engine” Light
Your monitoring app (Enphase, SolarEdge, Sol-Ark, etc.) is your best tool. Check it once a month.
- What to look for: Compare this month’s production to the same month last year. Weather varies, but if your production has dropped by 20% or 30% with no obvious weather cause, you might have an issue.
- The specific check: Look for individual panel dropouts. If you have 20 panels and one is showing zero production while the others are fine, that panel or microinverter needs service.
2. Physical Condition and Debris
From the ground (don’t climb on the roof unless you are comfortable and safe!), look up at your array.
- Debris: Are leaves from the fall stuck under the panels? This can trap moisture and rot your shingles, even if the panels themselves are fine.
- Damage: Look for cracked glass. While rare, heavy hail storms in Knoxville can damage panels.
3. Inverter Status
If you have a central string inverter (usually a box on the side of your house or in the garage), check the display.
- Green Light: Good to go.
- Red Light or Error Code: This indicates a fault. It could be a grid error or an internal failure. Write down the code before you call for solar system servicing.
4. Tree Growth
This is the silent killer of solar production in East Tennessee. That sapling in the backyard might not have been an issue five years ago when you installed the system, but today it might be casting a shadow right during peak sun hours (11 AM – 3 PM).
- The Fix: If shading has increased, you don’t need new panels—you need a tree trimmer.
Do Solar Panels Need to Be Cleaned in Knoxville?
This is the most common question we get when people search for solar panel maintenance near me.
The short answer: Usually, no. Rainfall is sufficient for most homes. The “East TN” answer: It depends on the pollen.
In Knoxville, we experience heavy pollen seasons in the spring. You might see your panels turn completely yellow. While a thick layer of pollen can reduce output by 5-10%, a good heavy rain usually washes it off.
When to clean:
- Severe Soiling: If we go through a long dry spell during pollen season and you see a noticeable drop in monitoring production.
- Bird Droppings: If you have heavy bird activity, droppings can create “hot spots” on panels that permanently damage them. This should be cleaned off.
- Flat Roofs: If your panels are flat (0-5 degrees tilt), water doesn’t run off as easily, and dirt accumulates. These systems need cleaning more often than pitched roofs.
Note: Never pressure wash your panels! High pressure can force water into the seals and ruin the electronics. A garden hose and a soft brush are all that is needed.
When to Call for Professional Service
While DIY checks are great, there are times when you need to call in the pros. If you encounter any of the following, it is time to schedule Solar Panel Maintenance Knoxville:
1. Sudden Production Drop
If your bill spikes and your monitoring shows a cliff-dive in energy production, something is broken. It could be a blown fuse, a rodent chewing a wire, or a failed inverter.
2. Repeated Inverter Errors
If your inverter resets constantly or shows an “Isolation Fault” (ISO) error, this usually indicates moisture getting into the system. This requires a professional electrician to trace and fix.
3. You Bought a Home with an Existing System
We are seeing this more often: You bought a house in Farragut or Maryville that already had solar, but you don’t know who installed it, or the original company went out of business.
- We offer “orphan system” inspections. We can come out, inspect the wiring, set up the monitoring in your name, and ensure the system is safe.
Local Solar Service Across East Tennessee
Solar is a long-term relationship. Whether you need a one-time checkup, a cleaning due to heavy soiling, or a repair on an older system, you need a local team you can trust.
Your Home Solar & Home Energy Solutions is based right here in Knoxville. We service what we sell, and we often help homeowners who can’t get their original installer on the phone.
Do you have questions about your system’s health? Call (865) 800-8702 to speak with a solar service expert today.