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The correct technical term is “solar system maintenance,” as it involves more than just the solar panels. However, for simplicity and ease of understanding, we will refer to it as “solar panel maintenance” throughout this article.
As Singapore continues to embrace renewable energy, solar power is emerging as a vital component of our country’s energy landscape. In fact, within the first half of 2024, there were a total of 9,763 solar PV installations in Singapore. Out of which, residential installations accounted for a solid 41% of them.
However, the effectiveness and safety of solar installations hinges not only on their initial setup but also on consistent and thorough operations and maintenance (O&M). Let’s explore how to maintain solar panels, the frequency of maintenance, and key checks for different components.
For detailed solar panel maintenance services in Singapore, visit our solar maintenance page to learn how FOMO Energy can support your solar investment.
Maintaining solar panels primarily consists of preventive maintenance and corrective maintenance. If we compare solar panels to human health, preventive maintenance is analogous to taking health supplements and following a regular exercise regime, and corrective maintenance is like paying a visit to the doctor’s when we are down with a flu. It involves a combination of regular inspections, cleaning, and testing of components to ensure optimal performance. Given Singapore’s unique tropical climate—characterized by high humidity and occasional heavy rain—solar panel maintenance becomes even more critical as this could lead to micro-cracks, which may endanger the integrity of your solar panel system. Here’s a detailed look at the maintenance practices tailored to different areas of solar installations.
Solar panels are a long-term investment, offering sustainable energy with minimal environmental impact. However, their efficiency and lifespan can decline without proper care. Regular maintenance ensures:
Do take note that all solar panels will have an annual degradation rate, regardless of whether solar panel maintenance is done or not (which is about 0.5% to 1% per year.)
However, solar panel maintenance is crucial as it ensures that your annual degradation rate is in check, and also helps identify any critical symptoms of your solar panel system, should they arise.
(Quote format) Tip: If you wish to monitor your own solar panel performance, you can use the mobile application tied to your solar panel inverter brand. For example, Huawei uses the FusionSolar app which helps track performance on output. If you have issues connecting your FusionSolar app to your inverter, do refer to this guide.
The inverter is the heart of a solar system, converting direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC). Regular checks are essential for maintaining efficiency, longevity, and safety.
The distribution board is critical for managing the flow of electricity from the solar system to the grid or building.
(Quote format) Note: Sometimes your solar panel system may also falter because of RCCB trips, which occur particulary during stormy weather. These are normally ad-hoc & require immediate attention by the homeowner. Do refer to our guide here if you are encountering issues with your RCCB.
https://fomo.energy/While the specific frequency of maintenance tasks can vary based on the installation and local conditions, a general guideline is as follows:
In Singapore, you can expect solar panel maintenance to incur between $300 to $500 per year.
While installers typically offer a contract or package that covers solar panel maintenance costs for the first 1-2 years—often called a Defects Liability Period (DLP)—they generally do not provide free lifetime maintenance for solar PV systems, which usually last between 25 and 30 years.
Thus, you might have to seek your own solar panel maintenance partner, or make arrangements with your Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor regarding solar panel maintenance after DLP.
Proper maintenance of solar panels in Singapore are essential for maximizing efficiency and ensuring the longevity of installations. By adhering to a structured maintenance schedule and conducting thorough inspections, we can safely harness the full potential of solar energy in our pursuit of a sustainable future. Regular O&M not only safeguards the investment in solar technology but also contributes to a cleaner, greener environment for all Singaporeans.
By prioritizing these maintenance tasks, we can help ensure that solar power continues to shine brightly in Singapore’s energy landscape.
Are you currently considering going solar for your home, but are concerned about solar panel maintenance? At FOMO Energy, we offer rent-to-own plans (RTO), which allow you to start saving on your energy bills immediately, while having your solar panel maintenance taken care of from day 1. To date, we have more than 30 satisfied customers under our belt, who have chosen to go RTO with us.
Ready to protect your solar investment with regular maintenance? Check out FOMO Energy’s solar maintenance services in Singapore to keep your system running at its best,Contact our solar experts here for more information!