How to turn the solar system on
How to check if the solar system is working properly
- If the system is owned by a third-party owner, you can contact them to get more information. All the third party owners that GRID has worked with, and how to contact them, are listed on this page.
- If you own the system and have SolarEdge inverters, English | Español
- If you own the system and have Enphase microinverters, English | Español
How to take care of the solar system
Keep Panels Clean
To optimize your savings and keep the system in good working order, you need to keep the solar panels clean and free from anything that could block sunlight from shining through to the internal workings of the panel. Even small amounts of dirt can sometimes lower the system’s electricity production and your bill savings. For most homes, it is best to clean the panels at least once a year. If you live in a dusty area (for example, near a freeway or a construction site) it may help to wash the panels more often, especially before summer when the system produces the most electricity. If you live in an area with a lot of rain, you may never need to clean them.
If the panels are owned by Sunrun - You agreed in your contract to call them BEFORE attempting to clean the solar system. The benefit of calling them is that Sunrun tracks the system's performance, so they can let you know whether or not the panels actually need to be cleaned. To contact Sunrun prior to cleaning the solar system, call 855-478-6786 or email customercare@sunrun.com.
To clean the panels - If it is safe for you, simply hose them down with water while standing on the ground. You can use a hose nozzle to help increase the water pressure. The best time to clean them is early in the morning after they have cooled all night. Washing panels when they are hot can damage them.
- DO NOT STAND ON THE ROOF TO CLEAN THE PANELS - IT WILL BE WET AND SLIPPERY AND YOU SHOULD NEVER COMPROMISE YOUR SAFETY
- DO NOT WALK ON THE PANELS - THIS CAN DAMAGE THEM
- DO NOT WASH THE PANELS WHEN THEY ARE HOT - THIS CAN DAMAGE THEM
- DO NOT TOUCH THE WIRES OR CONDUIT
- DO NOT USE CHEMICALS OR CLEANERS TO CLEAN THE PANELS
Reduce Shading
To optimize your savings, you need to keep the areas around the solar panels free from anything that could shade them. Any amount of shade can lower the system’s electricity production and your bill savings. Be sure to trim trees, plants or shrubs around your home that may shade any part of the solar panels. If you are installing an antenna, satellite dish, or air conditioner make sure it does not shade any part of the solar panels. Also watch for shade that may be caused by new buildings or new trees near your home.
What to do if pigeons or other animals are dirtying the panels
If you discover that pigeons or other wildlife have dirtied the panels or the area underneath the system, please contact GRID Alternatives and we will assess the situation. We may clean up and/or install guards around the solar panels to prevent animals from harming the panels in the future. Animal waste can be a health hazard, so please do not try to clean the panels yourself.