Without O&M Your Solar System Warranty is Void

Since 2010, there has been a 69% reduction in cost for commercial solar systems. And as those costs shrink, businesses continue to see the potential of renewable energy.

Yet solar panels need maintenance like any other piece of equipment. And doing it wrong can damage the panels and void your warranty.

Keep reading to learn how to avoid doing so.

Why Optimization and Maintenance (O&M) Is a Crucial Part of Commercial Solar Systems

Optimization and Maintenance (O&M) is vital for any mechanical system.

Commercial solar systems are no different. A well-maintained system performs better, and regular maintenance maximizes your return on investment.

Preventive maintenance, regular inspections, and upkeep are vital parts of O&M. Keeping on top of it prevents issues before they occur. Regular upkeep tasks include:

• Solar panel cleaning
• Inspecting solar panel mounts
• Checking electrical systems
• Monitoring overall performance

Regular preventive maintenance optimizes performance by keeping your panels free of dust and contaminants that block sunlight. It also extends the lifespan of your solar panels by identifying issues early.

Moreover, O&M should include corrective maintenance: identifying and rectifying system faults or failures. It's the change to fix minor problems before they snowball into larger ones.

This is where your relationship with a reliable commercial solar company comes into play.

How Neglecting O&M Can Void Your Solar System Warranty

Most commercial solar installers include a clause in their warranty terms that requires the system owner to undertake regular O&M. Failure to comply can make your warranty void.

Why is this?

Neglecting upkeep leads to problems that could have been prevented with regular maintenance. Remember, solar panels are complex electrical systems that are exposed to the elements at all times. Dust reduces performance, while unchecked electrical problems can cascade into serious issues like system failure.

Often, if these problems result from a lack of maintenance, the warranty may not cover the damage. To this end, most warranties demand proof of regular O&M as evidence.

This means that not only do you need to stay on top of O&M, but you also need to document your efforts. Company maintenance policies and maintenance logs should be used to demonstrate consistent maintenance.

Hiring a Solar Company for O&M

Partnering with solar companies helps your business carry out professional preventive maintenance early. Commercial solar companies have the right resources for the job. They can conduct detailed inspections that identify issues you may need to notice.

Plus, they keep systems running optimally at a low cost.

A qualified solar company can provide a comprehensive O&M plan. This removes the burden, allowing you to focus on your business while your solar system operates at peak efficiency.

Invest in a Sustainable Future

Commercial solar systems are an expensive initial investment that pays for itself in the long run. To protect that investment, it's crucial to prioritize maintenance.

Transform Energy is your lifetime partner in implementing, developing, and maintaining your renewable energy strategy. Book an O&M consultation here.