ROOFING FOR THE SOL
Maintenance Resources
Roof Maintenance, Solar & Battery Maintenance
Roof Maintenance
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Asphalt: Every 3-5 years after 10 years
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Tile: Every 3 years after 5 years
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Metal: Every 5 years after 10 years
Should I do roof maintenance?
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Yes! If you have a new roof you don’t need to think about this until 5 years out. If your roof is over 10 years old you should do roof maintenance every 2-3 years and clean your gutters every year.
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Here’s how:
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Clean out valleys and gutters, inspect all flashings for cracks- seal as needed.
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Look for flashing nails that are pushing out.
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Inspect and replace drain waste vent collars
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If you do not want to do this yourself, please reach out because we are happy to take care of this for you.
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Solar Maintenance
Summary
Why Check Production?
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Delight in your clean energy
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Ensure your system is working properly
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Ensure your utility is giving you proper ~credits~
How to Check Production
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How to install the Tesla or enphase app
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How to read the Tesla app
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How to read the enphase app
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How to do this when you don't have an app
Cleaning Solar Panels
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If you can spray off your system with a hose from the ground, it’s worth a once a year cleaning around September.
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Inverter Replacement
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String inverters need to be replaced every 10-14 years. “Schedule inverter replacement now” button.
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You can monitor your Microinverters through your enphase enlighten app. If one is not working, it will tell you which one. This may be covered under your manufacturer’s warranty. First contact enphase, they may be able to solve the problem virtually. If needed, we are happy to come out to replace or troubleshoot if that doesn’t work.
Check Solar Production
Tesla App
What to look for:
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Peak SOLAR power should be 60% or more of system size. (Eg. Your system is 5kW, your Peak power should be >3kW).
- Your system production will be affected by
- season - Apr-Jun often have highest peaks
- system design - module angle and directio
- shading on modules, clouds
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Sunny days should have smooth curves unless there are shadows
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Learn what is normal for your system
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Monitor throughout the year to notice any unusual patterns
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Check Solar Production
Enphase
More info coming soon
Check Production
No App/ Old School
Production 101:
Best production is in full sun, mid-day, during long days (summer)
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Start by Checking your Meter
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Is it running backwards during a full sunny day? That's good!​​​
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Meter in image has left arrow to indicate "backwards"​
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Check Your Utility Bill
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If it's been 3+ months since you were granted Permission to Operate (PTO), your bill should say either "Net Metering", "Net Billing" or "True Up Estimate"
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​Check Your Inverter
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Most inverters have visuals like lights to indicate system status
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Steady green light usually means your system is operating normally
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Do you see error codes, flashing lights or red lights?
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If yes, there might be a problem.
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Text boxes may indicate your kWh of daily solar energy produced
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Troubleshooting
Enphase and Tesla
More info coming soon