The impact of maintenance on the lifespan of residential solar energy
- enze6799
- Jul 7, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 13, 2025
Maintenance has a significant impact on the lifespan of residential solar energy, mainly reflected in the following aspects:
Solar water heater
Vacuum tube maintenance: Vacuum tubes are the core components of solar water heaters. Inert gases in the air may penetrate the glass, causing a decrease in vacuum degree and affecting thermal efficiency. Ordinary coated vacuum tubes are prone to aging, with weakened absorption and heat transfer capabilities. Regularly check the condition of the vacuum tube. When the "barium titanium getter" turns white, it indicates a decrease in vacuum degree and should be replaced in time. Regularly clean the vacuum tubes and reflector plates to prevent the accumulation of scale that corrodes the water tank and affects the heat absorption efficiency of the heat collection tubes.
Water tank maintenance: The material and manufacturing process of the insulated water tank affect its service life. High-quality insulated water tanks can effectively insulate heat and reduce heat loss. Regularly inspect the sealing performance and insulation layer of the water storage tank. If the sealing performance is damaged, repair it in time. Regularly remove the scale in the water tank to prevent it from affecting the water quality and system operation.
Pipeline system maintenance: The pipeline temperature of the solar water heating system is relatively high, so daily maintenance and care are important. Ensure that the insulation layer and surface moisture-proof layer of the pipeline are free from damage or detachment to prevent thermal Bridges and condensation and dripping. Ensure there is no air in the pipeline to prevent hot water from being blocked by air and unable to be transported. Ensure the unobstructed flow of system pipelines, and regularly flush them to prevent rust and scale from accumulating and blocking the pipelines.
Maintenance of brackets and accessories: The quality of brackets and accessories affects the stability of the water heater. Accessories used to fix the installation bracket of water heaters. Big brands mostly use steel wire strips, which are strong and corrosion-resistant. If small manufacturers use iron wire for fixation, the water heater is prone to fall over in bad weather. It is necessary to regularly check whether the brackets and fasteners are firm and reliable.
Maintenance of usage habits: When using a solar water heater in winter, the amount of water to be filled should be determined based on the weather conditions. If the temperature is not too low and there is still hot water in the tank after using water that night, it is advisable to fill it up immediately. When the temperature is low, it is advisable to water the next morning. When the temperature is below 0℃, use a small amount of water in the water heater several times a day to prevent the water pipes from freezing.
Solar photovoltaic system
Cleaning and maintenance: Solar panels are exposed to the natural environment for a long time and are prone to being covered by dust, bird droppings, leaves and other debris, which affects the light transmittance, reduces the power generation efficiency, and may also cause surface corrosion or scratches due to long-term accumulation. Clean the photovoltaic panels regularly (it is generally recommended to do so at least once every quarter) to keep the surface clean and unobstructed.
Prevent mechanical damage: During installation and use, avoid impacting, stepping on or pressing the photovoltaic panels with heavy objects to prevent cracking or deformation. Regularly check whether the brackets and fasteners of the photovoltaic panels are firm and reliable to prevent loosening or falling off, which may cause damage to the photovoltaic panels.
Angle adjustment: Regularly monitor and adjust the installation Angle of photovoltaic panels. As the seasons and the Angle of sunlight change, appropriately adjust the tilt Angle to better receive solar radiation and improve power generation efficiency. At the same time, pay attention to changes in the surrounding environment, such as tree growth and building obstructions, and take timely measures to ensure that the photovoltaic panels are not obstructed.
Electrical connection inspection: The stability and safety of electrical connections are crucial to the overall operation effect of the system. Regular checks should be conducted to ensure that the electrical connections of photovoltaic panels are in good condition, including whether the connections of components such as cables, junction boxes, and inverters are tight, free from looseness or corrosion. At the same time, waterproof and moisture-proof treatment should be carried out on electrical components to prevent short circuits or leakage caused by moisture.
Intelligent monitoring: By installing an intelligent monitoring system, the power generation status, temperature, humidity and other parameters of photovoltaic panels can be monitored in real time, and potential problems can be discovered and dealt with promptly. The intelligent monitoring system can also provide data analysis functions, helping users understand key indicators such as the operational efficiency and failure rate of photovoltaic panels, and providing a basis for formulating maintenance and upkeep plans.




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