How Do I Maintain My Solar Carport or Ground-Mounted Solar System?

One of the best parts about choosing a solar carport or ground-mounted system is the minimal maintenance required. At BC Solar, we believe in doing it right the first time — so your system runs smoothly for decades. Here’s how to keep things in top shape without much hands-on effort.

What You Need to Know About Maintenance

Most of the upkeep boils down to three simple habits:

1. Keep Panels Clear of Debris

Dust, pollen, bird droppings, and leaves can reduce panel efficiency. Especially during spring and fall in Central Ohio, you’ll want to:

• Check the panels every month or two.

• Hose them off gently with water if needed.

• Use a soft brush or leaf blower for dry leaves — never harsh chemicals or pressure washers.

2. Watch for New Shading

What wasn’t shaded last year might be now. Trees grow, and nearby buildings or structures can impact performance. Once a year, walk around your system:

• Look for new tree growth, fencing, or construction.

• Trim branches if they’re casting shadows on your panels.

• Let us know if a new shading issue shows up — we can help evaluate and adapt.

3. Leverage Our Monitoring and Seasonal Checkups

Every BC Solar system includes monitoring tools, so we can both see how your panels are performing in real-time. If something’s off, we’ll catch it before you do.

We also offer optional seasonal checkups — usually in spring and fall — where we:

• Inspect for wear and tear.

• Check wiring, racking, and inverter status.

• Clean and tighten connections if needed.

This keeps your system running at peak efficiency, especially during Ohio’s intense weather swings.

What You Don’t Have to Worry About

You won’t need to:

• Manually clean panels every week

• Reset the inverter yourself

• Perform electrical diagnostics

We’ve designed these systems to be low-touch and high-reliability.

FAQ

How often should I check my solar panels?

Every 1–2 months is a good routine. Or sooner if you notice a big drop in energy output.

Do I need to turn anything off to clean my solar carport or ground mount system?

No. If you're just gently rinsing with water or brushing off debris, you don’t need to power anything down. Just avoid touching wires or connections.

What if my system is in a rural or wooded area?

We recommend adding a quarterly walk-through and clearing schedule if you have heavy leaf or pollen fall. Consider mesh guards if animals or birds are nesting nearby.

Can BC Solar handle all of this for me?

Yes — our seasonal checkup program can take care of everything, and our remote monitoring will alert us to any issues. You stay focused on your home or business — we’ll handle the system.

Looking for a solar installation with minimal fuss? At BC Solar, we build it right, monitor it carefully, and keep it running with honesty and transparency.

Want help with a checkup or system evaluation?

Call BC Solar at (614) 442-9700 or visit us online to schedule your service.