How Much Maintenance Does a NOREASTER® Solar System Require?

The short answer is less than you think.

Once your NOREASTER® Micro Solar Farm is producing power, maintaining it should not become another full-time job. Farming already comes with enough equipment, schedules, and unexpected repairs to manage. Your solar energy system should make your operation more predictable, not add more work to your day.

However, low maintenance does not mean no maintenance. Like any long-term investment, your solar system will perform best when it is monitored, inspected and properly cared for throughout its lifespan. Here is what NOREASTER owners can expect after installation and how The Smart Energy Company helps protect their solar investment for the long haul.

Solar Systems Built for Canadian Farms

Every NOREASTER Micro Solar Farm is designed specifically for the realities of Canadian agricultural operations, including heavy snow, high winds and extreme temperature fluctuations.

In the past, we worked with solar systems that rotated or tilted to actively track the sun. While these tracking systems can produce slightly more energy, we found that they also introduced a major drawback: too many moving parts. Over time, those components led to more breakdowns, more service calls and more maintenance than most farm operations want to deal with.

When we designed the NOREASTER, we made a deliberate decision to keep it stationary. By removing moving parts, we reduced the number of things that can go wrong and kept ongoing solar system maintenance to a minimum so the system runs reliably over the long term.

Instead, performance is optimized through design. The structural aluminum racking is engineered to withstand heavy snow and high winds, while the system is fixed at a 35-degree angle and faces south to maximize solar energy production and help snow shed naturally from the panels. We also use bifacial panels, which generate electricity from both sides by capturing sunlight reflected from surfaces like snow. This helps boost energy production, especially during the winter months.

The result is a durable, low-maintenance solar system designed to perform in Canadian conditions without adding more work to your operation.

What Solar System Maintenance Will You Need to Do?

For most NOREASTER owners, regular solar system maintenance is straightforward.

Occasional Visual Check

A few times a year, take a quick look around the solar system for anything unusual. This may include accumulated debris, grass growing too close to the array or anything blocking the front or underside of the panels.

Keeping the surrounding area reasonably clear also makes it easier to access the system if an inspection or service visit is required.

Let the System Handle Most Snowfall

The NOREASTER solar systems are designed with Canadian winters in mind. The snow should shed off the panels naturally, so manual snow removal is not normally required.

If snow or ice accumulates, avoid using tools or removal methods that could scratch the panels or damage the system. Contact The Smart Energy Company if you are unsure whether anything needs to be done.

Check Your Solar Monitoring

Your solar monitoring provides a clear view of how much energy the system is producing in a day. You can review current production, historical performance and any system alerts using the mobile app or your computer.

With a Preventative Maintenance Plan, our team also monitors alerts and reports. If an issue arises, we investigate and determine whether further action is needed, so you don’t have to be responsible for diagnosing the system yourself.

Why Preventative Maintenance Still Matters

A NOREASTER is a long-term asset. Although it requires little routine attention, preventative solar maintenance can help protect its performance, identify wear before it becomes a larger issue and provide greater cost certainty over time.

It’s just like any other essential piece of farm equipment you rely on every day. It may be operating exactly as it should, but regular inspections can help keep it that way.

The Smart Energy Company offers three levels of preventative maintenance coverage to help NOREASTER owners protect their systems for the long term. Every NOREASTER also comes with a 50-year racking warranty, the only warranty of its kind on the market. It reflects our confidence in the durability of the system and its ability to serve your farm not just for decades but for multiple generations.  

A Solar Farm System That Does Not Add to Your Workload

The NOREASTER Micro Solar Farm was built to do its job quietly. It produces dependable, lower-cost electricity without demanding constant attention.

Its durable design keeps routine solar maintenance to a minimum. Preventative maintenance plans provide the professional support and protection needed to get the most from your system throughout its lifespan.

That means less time worrying about your energy equipment and more time focused on your operation.

Already own a NOREASTER and want additional maintenance coverage? Considering solar for your farm?

Contact us for a full breakdown of our Preventative Maintenance Plan options. →