Monitoring and maintaining your solar energy system

Consider a professionally installed monitoring system if you want to track your solar panel performance more closely. When performance drops, you can determine which solar panel needs repair. Most monitoring services require a monthly subscription fee.

The State of California maintains a database of authorized performance monitoring providers.

1. New Solar Homes Partnership Program, NSHP Webpage
2. Solar Equipment Lists, SEL Webpage

For additional information:

• Visit the California Solar Initiative (CSI) program.
• Visit the California Public Utilities distributed generation and solar tracking data.

NOTE: If a leasing company or power purchase provider owns your system, performance monitoring and reporting may be included in your contract. Read your contract for specific terms and conditions.

Dirty solar panels can reduce the amount of energy your system generates. Sources of dirt include dust and soot from nearby roads, bird waste, and debris from rainy or dry weather conditions.

Have your solar panels inspected

PG&E suggests that you have your solar panels inspected every two years, or whenever you notice a significant drop in performance during clear weather. NOTE: Only a licensed professional solar contractor should perform system maintenance and inspections. Customers with non-solar technologies can refer to the manufacturer's specific instructions for maintenance. Solar panel inspectors check for the following conditions:

• Twigs and leaves on or underneath solar panels
• Loose screws and wires
• Cracked or stained panels
• New tree growth or other obstructions shading panels

NOTE: If a leasing company or power purchase provider owns your system, maintenance might be included in your contract. Read your contract for specific terms and conditions.