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Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-10-31 Origin: Site
After installing solar panels in 2025, one of the most frustrating issues is seeing a 5% drop in power generation efficiency within just one year, or facing costly repairs due to neglect. Many households and businesses focus on "choosing the right panels" but overlook "proper maintenance"—a mistake that can force a system, which should last 25 years, to retire early.
How often should solar panels be cleaned? What tools are safe to use in 2025? How to troubleshoot sudden efficiency drops without hiring an expensive technician? This guide answers these questions and incorporates technical advice from Ocean Solar (a 15-year solar manufacturing veteran) to help keep your panels operating at peak performance for decades to come.
Climate conditions may become more unstable in the future—with longer heatwaves, more frequent heavy rains, and more hailstorms—all of which will cause additional wear and tear on solar panels. Well-maintained panels can withstand these challenges, while neglected ones may experience:
A 10%-15% drop in power generation efficiency within 2 years (mostly due to dust buildup and loose wiring);
Premature failure of waterproofing (if junction boxes aren't inspected during rainy seasons, water seepage will cause problems);
Bracket damage (heavy snow or strong winds may bend the brackets).
Ocean Solar's panels are designed for extreme climates—features like scratch-resistant glass and waterproof junction boxes reduce maintenance needs—but even durable panels require regular upkeep. Here's how to do it properly.
Using the wrong tools can scratch panel coatings or damage wiring—2025's panel coatings are more efficient but also require gentler handling. Below is a toolkit compatible with Ocean Solar's 590W-730Wand other mainstream panels:
Soft-bristle brush (24-36 inches, approx. 60-90 cm): Reaches high panels without climbing onto the roof; choose synthetic bristles (natural bristles leave residue). Ocean Solar's scratch-resistant glass is durable, but this soft brush avoids micro-scratches that affect light transmittance.
Low-pressure washer (pressure ≤1500 psi): Used for cleaning heavy dust or pollen. High-pressure washers over 2000 psi will strip the panel coating—a common cause of efficiency loss in 2025. Use a 45-degree nozzle to avoid spraying directly at junction boxes.
Digital multimeter: Tests voltage monthly. If the reading is more than 5% lower than the panel's rated voltage (e.g., Ocean Solar's 630W panel has a rated voltage of 50V, and the measured value is below 47.5V), there may be an issue.
Silicone-based waterproof sealant: Repairs small cracks on junction boxes or panel edges. Choose a model that can withstand -40°C to 85°C—matching the operating temperature range of Ocean Solar panels to prevent sealant cracking in extreme weather.
Steel wool or scouring pads: Scratches anti-reflective coatings, causing an 8%+ drop in efficiency;
Vinegar or ammonia cleaners: Corrode metal terminals on panels;
Ladders without stabilizers: Easily damage panel frames; use roof-specific climbing racks instead.
Extreme weather in different seasons of 2025 requires targeted maintenance. The following checklist, developed with advice from Ocean Solar's engineering team, will reduce climate-related wear on your panels:
Clean panels every 2 weeks—spring pollen is abundant and easily forms a "film" on panel surfaces, blocking sunlight;
Check junction boxes for water leakage (spring rains are frequent; even Ocean Solar's IP68 junction boxes need loose wiring checks to avoid short circuits from water seepage);
Trim tree branches that shade panels—trees grow quickly in spring, and new branches can cause a 10%-15% efficiency drop.
Clean panels in the early morning or evening—when midday temperatures exceed 35°C, water forms watermarks on panels that are hard to clean after drying;
Check if brackets are overheating—2025's prolonged heatwaves can deform metal brackets; tighten loose screws and apply high-temperature lubricant;
Test voltage during heatwaves—Ocean Solar panels can withstand extreme high temperatures, but if the multimeter shows a voltage drop of more than 7%, contact a technician (it may be caused by inverter overheating).
Clean fallen leaves and small branches weekly—wet leaves stick to panels and mold, corroding coatings over time;
Check for cracks on panel edges—autumn winds carry debris that hits panels; use silicone sealant to repair small cracks;
Test waterproofing—pour a bucket of water over junction boxes; reapply sealant immediately if water seeps in (Ocean Solar recommends their original sealant for better compatibility).
Gently remove snow—use a plastic snow rake (not metal) to push snow off.Ocean Solar panels have a slight slope design that allows some snow to slide off, but thick snow still needs manual removal;
Check for icicles—icicles under panels can lift and damage frames; melt icicles with a low-temperature hair dryer (on low heat); do not use salt or deicers (they corrode metal);
Reduce cleaning frequency—dust buildup is slow in winter, but clean panels after snowstorms to avoid mineral deposits from melted snow.
Even with regular maintenance, sudden efficiency drops may occur. Follow these steps to resolve many issues on your own:
Check for new obstructions (e.g., a neighbor's new fence, overgrown shrubs);
Confirm weather conditions—low efficiency on cloudy or rainy days is normal, but if it's low on sunny days, move to the next step.
Check for glass cracks and loose frames—small cracks allow water to enter and damage internal components;
Check for bird droppings or debris (e.g., plastic bags)—these stick to panels in high temperatures, blocking light and corroding coatings;
If you have Ocean Solar bifacial panels, remember to check the back side—wind-carried debris easily accumulates there and is often overlooked.
First, turn off the inverter, then connect the multimeter to the panel's positive and negative terminals;
Compare the reading with the rated voltage on the back of the panel;
If voltage is more than 5% lower: Check for loose wiring and tighten with a screwdriver; if the junction box is damaged, repair with sealant or contact support.
Call a technician if: Voltage drops by more than 10%, panels have large cracks, or the inverter shows error codes (e.g., "Low Input Voltage", "Short Circuit");
Ocean Solar users: Contact 24-hour technical support directly—provide your panel model and multimeter reading, and they will offer remote guidance;
Incorrect maintenance concept can harm panels. Below are 3 common myths, clarified by Ocean Solar with 15 years of manufacturing experience:
Fact: Rain leaves mineral deposits and pushes dust to accumulate on panel edges. Ocean Solar tests show that even in rainy areas, uncleaned panels lose 8%-12% efficiency after 6 months—monthly cleaning is still necessary.
Fact: Wind or temperature changes can loosen wiring, causing voltage drops. Ocean Solar's technical team states that 40% of efficiency issues can be solved by simply tightening wiring—monthly voltage tests with a multimeter allow early detection and resolution.
Fact: Ocean Solar's 2025 bifacial panels only require additional checks for debris on the back side. Their dual scratch-resistant coatings are as durable as single-sided panels, requiring no extra cleaning or maintenance.
To save time and reduce mistakes, Ocean Solar recommends developing these two habits:
Create a maintenance calendar: Use phone reminders to note monthly cleaning, quarterly voltage tests, and seasonal inspections;
Store tools in a waterproof box: Keep soft brushes, multimeters, and sealant in a waterproof box near the inverter, avoiding the hassle of searching for tools each time.
As long as you use the right tools, perform seasonal maintenance, and troubleshoot efficiency drops promptly, solar panels installed in 2025 can generate electricity stably for over 25 years. For Ocean Solar users, warranties cover manufacturing issues, but regular maintenance ensures this protection play its maximum effect.
Want to optimize panel performance? Visit Ocean Solar for help, and contact their support team directly to get personalized maintenance advice based on your panel model and local climate.
