What You Need to Know
As a homeowner with rooftop solar panels, you may wonder if and when you need to replace them. While solar panels are built to last for decades, they are not immune to wear and tear and will eventually require replacement. This blog post will discuss when you should replace your rooftop solar panels, what the replacement process involves and how you can prepare for it.
When Should You Replace Your Rooftop Solar Panels?
The lifespan of solar panels can vary depending on several factors, including their quality, exposure to sunlight and maintenance. Generally, most solar panels are designed to last 25-30 years, or more.
However, there are three primary signs that indicate that your panels may need replacement:
- Age: If your panels are approaching or have exceeded their lifespan, you may want to consider replacing them. Older panels may not be as efficient as newer models and may require frequent repairs if poorly maintained.
- Physical Damage: If your panels have physical damage, such as cracks or corrosion, they may need to be replaced. Damaged panels can impair performance and reduce energy production.
- Poor Energy Production: If your panels are not producing as much energy as they once did, this could be a sign that they are deteriorating and need to be replaced.
What Does the Solar Panel Replacement Process Involve?
If you are seeing signs that your panels require replacement or have purchased a home with an old solar system that is well past its prime, you may be ready to begin the process of replacing your rooftop panels. The solar panel replacement process typically involves the following steps: a system inspection, panel removal, panel replacement and post-replacement testing.
Before the replacement process begins, a professional solar installer will inspect your panels to determine if they need to be replaced. They will assess the condition of the panels and evaluate their energy production to determine if they are functioning properly. Once it has been determined that your panels need to be replaced, they will be carefully removed from your roof. A professional solar installer will take precautions to prevent any damage to your roof during the removal process.
When the old panels have been removed, the new panels will be installed in their place. The installation process typically involves securing the panels to your roof with racking systems and wiring them to your existing electrical system. After installing the new panels, our professional solar installer will conduct a thorough inspection and testing to ensure they are functioning properly and producing energy efficiently.
How Can You Prepare for Solar Panel Replacement?
If you have determined that your solar panels need to be replaced, there are several steps you can take to prepare for the replacement process.
When you're ready to move forward, schedule a consultation with our professional solar installers to discuss the replacement process and obtain a quote. We can help you understand the full cost of a solar PV system replacement and guide you in budgeting and preparing your home for replacement day.
On the day of panel replacement, we recommend that you:
- Move all vehicles and other potential obstacles (like lawn furniture, children's toys, bikes, etc.) away from your home
- Clear a space where our solar panel replacement team can work, such as your driveway or lawn
- Keep your pets and children inside during the entire replacement process
- Notify your neighbors that work is going to be performed
At Valley, we can help with all stages of the solar replacement process, including helping you obtain any necessary permits and clearances from your local building department before the replacement process begins. Call us today to schedule your solar panel replacement inspection.
Whatandrsquo;s Going on at Valley in June
Summer is the perfect time to tackle some of those big home projects. The weather is nice and as we move out of the rainy season, you can handle the larger projects that require nicer weather, like overhauling your backyard, replacing your solar panels and upgrading your HVAC system. Here at Valley, we are focused on tackling big projects, too.
On the blog, we discuss how to prepare your cooling system for the coming summer, including the things you can do around the house to maximize its efficiency. From DIY tips to professional maintenance, we have the info you need to stay cool this summer. Similarly, we are helping many residents get more out of their outdoor spaces this summer and extend the use of their backyards into the evenings with improved lighting. Read our blog post for helpful tips and information on current outdoor lighting trends.