Official portal of the Government of Puerto Rico 
TAKE CARE OF YOUR SOLAR PANELS AND ENSURE YOUR HOME'S ENERGY SUPPLY!
If you have a solar energy system, here we explain how it works and give you tips on how to take care of it and ensure your home’s energy supply.
HOW IT WORKS
Do you know how a solar panel system works?
Here we explain it in a simple manner.
The panels absorb energy from the sun.
The energy generated is stored in batteries for use when there is no sunlight.
The direct current flows to a device known as an inverter.
This energy is extracted through the electrical connections and is used to power your home.
INVERTER:
An electrical device that transforms the current so that the voltage is the same as in any socket.
WARRANTIES
These are the minimum warranty requirements that must be met by a certified solar energy installation company certified by the Department of Housing for our programs.
SOLAR PANELS
10 years
for system panels
25 years
for linear performance for solar modules
BATTERY BANK
10 years
INVERTER
10 years
Warranties Include*:
- parts
- labor
- defective materials
- manufacturing defects
- defective items
- emergency work
- installation costs related to equipment failure
- repair or replacement of all system components
*Systems have a 10-year warranty for operating equipment.
CARE
When purchasing a solar panel system, follow these tips to ensure your entire equipment has a long life.
Clean them twice a year:
Solar panels should be cleaned twice a year to avoid dust, leaves, and other debris from building up and blocking the sun’s rays. Ideally, hire professional cleaners, to avoid damage to the equipment or to prevent you from climbing onto the roof on your own.
Monitor each billing cycle:
To know whether your solar panel system is working optimally, you should check your monthly bill to find out how much electricity your home uses in a month. Any drastic increase could be a sign that your panels are not performing optimally. There are also apps that you can download into your phone that measure your system’s performance (each system brand has its own application). Lean here how these apps may be of help.
Caution:
We do not recommend that you attempt to handle the battery yourself. The high amount of power flowing through the system could be dangerous for someone inexperienced. Seek professional assistance to check the solar panels on your roof and handle the battery.
*If you experience any issues with your system, it is important to contact your renewable energy installation company.
Keep your solar panel system in optimal condition by avoiding:
- Dirty build-up on the panels
- Leaving loose cables around the panels
- Growing vegetation that casts shade on the panels
- Sharing extension cables from your home to your neighbors
- Altering the system on your own; you could lose the warranty
- Placing objects that cast shade on the panels or reduce their exposure to the sun
- Connecting electrical systems not contemplated in the original energy measurement
HURRICANE SEASON
You may be worried about your solar panel system if a hurricane comes. We share tips to ensure that your solar energy system responds when you need it most without affecting your equipment warranty.
What to Do
- Take photos of the equipment in case you must make an insurance claim.
- Keep the battery charged to its maximum capacity.
- Disconnect the solar energy system from the electrical grid.
- Monitor your system through the app on your phone.
What Not to Do
- Remove the panels.
- Cover the panels.
- Install additional anchoring.
- Turn off the storage battery.
MONITORING
Monitor your Solar Panel System from your phone, tablet, or computer
Did you know you can monitor your solar panel system from the palm of your hand? Learn how to use your system’s app to maximize its performance.
- Monitor your solar energy system’s inverter in real time by synchronizing it with the app.
- Know the daily, monthly, and annual performance of your system.
- Set up an alert to be aware of any power incidents.
- Control the system from your mobile phone wherever you are to make the most of the sun’s energy.
*Each solar panel system has its own monitoring application.
If you do not know which app to download, contact your renewable energy installation company.
CONSUMPTION HABITS
How to achieve energy efficiency in your home
By investing in a solar panel system, you are offering your family energy security. Together, create habits to save on bills and achieve efficient energy use to benefit the planet.
Unplug appliances that are not in use. Even when off, electronics, lights, and appliances use electricity when plugged in.
Turn off lights that are not in use. If possible, replace incandescent bulbs with LEDs to reduce energy consumption by up to 90%.
When buying new products and appliances, ensure they have the Energy Style logo. These consume up to 90% less energy and generate up to 70% less heat.
Tips for using the stove
- Use pots and pans on burners of corresponding sizes.
- Defrost food before cooking.
- Start cooking on high heat and gradually lower the temperature.
- Keep burners clean.
