Regular Solar System Maintenance: Clean, Inspect & Optimize

Keeping your solar setup in top shape isn’t hard — but a little maintenance goes a long way. Whether you’re using your system for camping, caravanning, 4WDing, or off-grid backup, regular checks help maximise performance, extend the life of your gear, and avoid unnecessary breakdowns.

Here’s your easy guide to cleaning, inspecting, and optimising your solar system.

✅ Why Solar Maintenance Matters

Even the most reliable solar systems need occasional attention. Dust, corrosion, poor cable connections, and shading can all reduce your panel's efficiency or even stop charging entirely.

Regular maintenance helps:

• Maintain peak solar output

• Prevent early equipment failure

• Identify issues before they become major faults

• Extend the life of your battery and charge controller

? Cleaning Your Solar Panels

How often? Every 1–3 months, or more often in dusty or coastal areas.

How to Clean:

1. Turn off the system before cleaning (especially if it’s wired to a battery).

2. Use clean water and a soft sponge or cloth – avoid anything abrasive.

3. For greasy marks or bird droppings, use mild soap (no harsh chemicals).

4. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a microfiber towel.

5. Do not use pressure washers — they may damage panel seals.

Tip: Even a thin layer of dust can reduce panel efficiency by 10–20%!

? Inspecting Your System

What to check (every 1–3 months):

• Wiring & connectors: Look for corrosion, looseness, or wear

• Mounting hardware (for fixed setups): Ensure nothing has shifted or come loose

• Charge controller: Confirm it’s reporting accurate input/output

• Battery terminals: Tighten if needed and check for corrosion (white or green powder)

• Panel surface: Watch for cracks, hot spots, or discolouration

Pro Tip: Gently wiggle Anderson plugs or MC4 connectors to ensure a firm connection and no movement.

☀️ Optimising Solar Performance

Even a well-installed system can lose efficiency over time if not monitored and adjusted.

Boost performance by:

• Positioning panels toward the sun (especially important with portable panels)

• Avoiding shade at all times, even partial shading, can dramatically cut output

• Using an MPPT charge controller to maximise energy harvest

• Tracking battery voltage regularly to avoid deep discharges

? Seasonal Maintenance Checklist

⚠️ When to Call for Support

Contact us if you notice:

• The solar panel output has dropped significantly

• Your battery is not holding a charge

• The charge controller shows error codes

• You find cracks, melted parts, or heavy corrosion

Submit a support ticket here → customersupport@starpoweradvancesolartechnology.com

Final Tip: Keep a Maintenance Log

A simple checklist in your glovebox or caravan drawer will help you track inspections and spot trends over time — like declining output or recurring faults.