Solar panels are designed to generate electricity for many years while requiring relatively little routine maintenance.
However, keeping an eye on system performance and understanding when to request service can help protect your investment.
This guide explains how to look after your solar system, identify common monitoring issues and request assistance from Stellr Solar.
How Much Maintenance Does My Solar System Need?
Most modern rooftop solar systems require very little regular maintenance.
Solar panels do not contain moving mechanical parts, and inverters are designed for automatic operation.
As a general practice, we recommend:
- Periodically reviewing your solar monitoring app.
- Looking for visible damage from a safe location.
- Keeping accessible equipment areas clear.
- Reporting persistent error messages or unexplained shutdowns.
- Arranging professional inspection when needed.
- Following the maintenance instructions supplied by equipment manufacturers.
For larger commercial systems, scheduled maintenance and inspection may be appropriate.
Do My Solar Panels Need Cleaning?
In many parts of Canada, rainfall helps remove ordinary dust and light debris.
Most customers do not need frequent panel cleaning.
However, professional cleaning may be appropriate if panels develop substantial buildup from dirt, bird droppings or other materials.
If cleaning is needed, the work should follow the manufacturer's requirements.
For your safety, do not climb onto your roof or use pressure washers, metal scrapers or abrasive cleaning tools on the panels.
How Does Snow Affect Solar Panels?
Solar panels can produce electricity in cold weather when sunlight reaches them.
However, snow covering the panel surface can temporarily reduce or stop production.
It is normal for solar output to vary during winter because of shorter daylight hours, cloud cover, lower sun angles and snow.
Snow often clears naturally as temperatures and weather conditions change.
We generally recommend allowing it to clear naturally rather than attempting to remove it from the roof yourself.
Never climb onto a snowy roof or use hard tools to remove ice from solar panels.
Common Solar Monitoring Issues
My Monitoring App Says the System Is Offline
An offline message does not always mean the solar system has stopped operating.
The monitoring device may have lost communication with the internet.
Start by checking whether your internet service is working.
If the app has stopped updating after a router change or internet outage, the monitoring gateway may need reconnection.
If the issue continues, contact Stellr Solar with a screenshot.
Do not open electrical equipment or attempt unauthorized repairs.
Why Is My Production Lower Than Expected?
Solar production changes naturally from day to day.
Possible reasons include:
- Cloud cover.
- Seasonal weather.
- Temporary shading.
- Snow or debris.
- Equipment operating limits.
- An actual system fault.
Compare production across similar periods rather than comparing one cloudy winter day with a sunny summer day.
If the decline persists under comparable conditions, our team can help investigate.
What Happens During a Grid Power Outage?
Most standard grid-connected solar systems shut down when utility power is lost.
This is a normal safety function.
Systems with properly designed and approved battery backup equipment may continue supplying selected loads while safely isolated from the grid.
Backup duration depends on available stored energy and electricity consumption.
During an outage, consider reducing unnecessary loads to preserve battery energy.
If your backup system does not operate as expected, contact us for assistance.
How Should I Maintain My Battery System?
Modern battery systems are designed to manage charging and discharging automatically.
To help maintain safe operation:
- Keep the surrounding installation area clear.
- Follow manufacturer clearance and ventilation instructions.
- Do not block required access to equipment.
- Avoid storing combustible items next to battery equipment.
- Review repeated alerts.
- Report visible damage, abnormal heating or unusual odors.
- Do not open or modify battery enclosures.
Professional service must be performed by appropriately qualified personnel.
What If I Notice a Roof Leak?
If you notice water entering your property near the solar installation area, please contact us promptly.
Take photographs from a safe location if possible.
Do not climb onto the roof or attempt to adjust solar mounting hardware.
Our team can review the concern and help determine whether an installation-related inspection is necessary.
What If I Need to Replace My Roof?
If your roof requires major repairs or replacement in the future, solar panels may need temporary removal and reinstallation.
This work should be coordinated with a qualified solar installation contractor.
Please contact Stellr Solar before arranging roofing work that may affect the solar mounting system or electrical connections.
Removal and reinstallation are not automatically included under a workmanship or manufacturer warranty.
Understanding Your Solar Warranties
Your solar installation may include several different warranties.
Always refer to your contract and manufacturer warranty documents for the exact coverage, exclusions and claim conditions.
How Do I Request Warranty Assistance?
If you believe your solar or battery system has developed a problem, contact us with:
- Your name and installation address.
- A description of the concern.
- The date you first noticed the problem.
- Screenshots of monitoring errors.
- Safe photographs of any visible damage.
- Relevant utility bills if the issue concerns electricity costs.
Our team will review the information and explain the next steps.
Where a manufacturer warranty claim is required, further diagnostics or inspection may be necessary.
Coverage for repairs, replacement equipment and associated labour depends on the applicable warranty terms.
When Is It an Electrical Emergency?
If you notice smoke, fire, sparking, severe overheating or another immediate electrical hazard, stay clear of the equipment and contact emergency services as appropriate.
Do not touch damaged electrical components, open battery enclosures or attempt to repair wiring yourself. Safety should always come first.
Need Help or Have Questions?
Our team is here to support you throughout your solar journey.
Stellr Solar Customer Support
Email: info@stellrsolar.ca
Phone: 1-800-971-1295
Website: www.stellrsolar.ca
Explore our other guides in the Stellr Solar Learning & Support Centre for more information about installation, monitoring, maintenance, and energy savings.