Solar panel repair costs $884 on average, but ranges between $226 and $1,559 depending on the type of damage and your specific system.
On average, solar panel repair costs $884 to repair solar panels, but the level of damage can put these costs between $226 and $1,559. Installing solar panels can increase your home’s value by over 4% and help you save $10,000 to $30,000 across their lifespan, according to Energy Sage. But when hail, water, or tree branches damage your solar panels, you’ll need to be prepared to pay for their repair.
Hurricanes, hail storms, and other severe weather events can seriously damage your solar panel system. In some cases, it may be more cost-efficient to simply replace the faulty panels or the entire solar energy system. Removing the panels entirely will be $400 to $600 before factoring in the price of roof repairs and the cost of purchasing brand-new panels.
But if repairs make more sense, here are the factors that can affect the cost of solar panel repairs.
A contractor who makes solar panel repairs can safely diagnose and repair issues with your solar energy system. These repairs can range from something as small as a blown fuse to something as major as a shattered glass panel. The type of repair has a major impact on cost.
| Type of Repair | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Cracked panel | $120–$550 |
| Broken Panel | $200–$550 |
| Loose or chewed wiring | $100–$400 |
| Rust and corrosion | $150–$350 |
| Solar inverter replacement | $150–$3,000 |
| Battery | $300–$15,000 |
| Fuse | $100–$150 |
Repairing broken glass on a solar panel costs $120 to $550. Your contractor will fill small chips or cracks with epoxy or tape them with stained-glass tape. For large cracks, they’ll need to replace the glass. In this case, it’s usually more cost-effective to replace the whole panel.
In the event of a serious crack, your contractor will check your solar panel’s output to determine if it’s worth replacing. Panels with broken glass still work; they’re just not as efficient.
Sometimes the glass isn’t the issue—it’s the solar cells. If the damage to your solar panel is severe, you can expect to spend $200 to $550 for a replacement panel or replacement tile (if you have solar shingles).
Repairing loose or damaged wiring on your solar panels costs $100 to $400. Your wiring can sustain damage from weather (like heavy snow collecting on your panels) or pests (such as hungry squirrels biting your wiring). Contractors may cut open the silicon inside your panel to access the back of the cell, then resolder the wiring.
Repairing rust and corrosion on your solar panels costs $150 to $350. Over time, the mounting, hardware, or casing around your panels can rust or corrode. A solar panel contractor can clean the area to remove the loose rust and apply a protective coating to help prevent future corrosion.
A solar inverter is a key component that converts the electricity your panels create into electricity you can use in your home. If it’s damaged, you may need to replace it. The cost to replace a solar inverter is $800 to $2,500 for a string inverter or $150 to $350 for a microinverter.
Some solar systems come with a battery. Like all batteries, the ability to charge will eventually diminish. If you need to replace your solar battery, expect to spend $300 to $15,000. The cost of the battery depends on its size. Large solar energy systems require large (read: costly) batteries, but they’re typically reserved for homeowners who want to go fully off-grid.
A fuse replacement is a simple fix, and most contractors will charge their hourly minimum. Expect to spend $100 to $150 to replace a solar fuse, though the cost may be slightly higher if you need to replace multiple fuses.
There are several different solar panel energy systems and complicated systems often require higher repair costs. This can be due to the overall cost of replacement materials or the complexity of the system itself.
| Type of Solar Panel System | Panel Replacement Cost (per watt) |
|---|---|
| Monocrystalline | $1–$1.50 |
| Polycrystalline | $0.90–$1 |
| Thin-film | $0.70–$1 |
If you’re repairing numerous panels in a large energy system, or repairing the system itself, increased repair costs are a given. Larger-than-average solar panel systems will also require more time for an inspection after the work is completed, and cleaning will take longer too.
You can expect to pay a local solar panel professional $100 an hour to repair or replace your panels. This labor will typically be divided into numerous tasks. Count on $600 to uninstall current mounting hardware, if necessary, and another $100 for each panel that needs repairs.
The location and various components of the solar panels can significantly impact your repair costs. If the panels are on your roof, any repair job will have to factor in access and the time it will take to remove the hardware. If the panels are on the ground next to your home, you’ll pay less.
If the panels are located on a particularly steep area of your roof, the contractors will likely have to take safety precautions that could affect the cost of repairs. This will increase the number of professionals needed to complete the solar panel repair. Have information about your roof grade ready for the pro when you’re getting an estimate.
In some cases, the roof and solar panels will have to be repaired together. The overall cost of a roof repair will depend on the panels’ location and the job’s difficulty. You should allow around $800 for roof repairs, but most people spend anywhere from $400 to $1,950.
| Type of Roof Repair | Cost |
|---|---|
| Leak | $360–$1,550 |
| Ice dam removal | $500–$700 |
| Sagging | $1,500–$1,700 |
| Hole patching | $100–$1,000 |
| Hail damage | $700–$4,000 |
Most solar panels come with a warranty of 10 to 25 years, so you may not need to pay for repairs if your panels are still under warranty. Your homeowner’s insurance may also cover damage—though wind and hail damage are often excluded. You may need an add-on policy if you have ground-mounted solar panels or a solar carport.
In addition to making repairs, you should also perform regular maintenance on your solar panels. This includes cleaning your panels and removing debris, especially after major storms. Aim to clean your panels two times per year. Dirt and debris can cause up to 30% in energy losses. Additional maintenance costs include:
Cleaning: $15–$35 per panel or $150–$350 for the whole system
Tree branch trimming: $250–$750
Debris removal: $75–$250
Yearly inspections: $150–$300
Solar panel repairs are highly dependent on the cost of local labor. You will pay more in areas with high labor costs or areas with a shortage of solar panel specialists. This is a growing industry that doesn’t thrive in every climate, but technology and awareness are growing rapidly.
| City | Price Estimate |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $250–$1,900 |
| Denver | $250–$915 |
| Austin, TX | $330–$1,100 |
| Miami | $180–$990 |
| Phoenix | $220–$1,050 |
| San Francisco | $275–$1,900 |
| New York | $500–$2,780 |
Cleaning your solar panels, repairing components, and trimming surrounding trees will keep your system operating smoothly. Check regularly for debris and tree branches and get a professional inspection every year. A solar panel repair pro can get your system in tip-top shape.
Minor damage on solar panels—like small hairline cracks or loose wiring—can usually be fixed by a qualified contractor. Problems with voltage can damage electrical components over time, but something like a tiny crack may not significantly affect the electrical output. That said, you should replace your solar panels if:
They’re severely damaged with several large cracks or chips
You notice your energy bill creeping up to pre-panel levels
Your panels are at the end of their life span
Repairs will cost about the same as a replacement
Homeowners may be able to clean their solar panels and remove obstructions like fallen tree branches or snow. However, it’s not a good idea to make repairs yourself—especially if you have roof-mounted panels. DIY work can void the warranty or your homeowner’s insurance policy. Beyond that, it’s dangerous to fix the electrical components without the help of an electrician. Even climbing on your roof comes with a potential fall risk.
If your solar panels are ground mounted, you can save about $100 per hour on labor by doing small maintenance tasks, like securing loose mounting or sealing a small crack with epoxy. Keep in mind that poor repairs can diminish electrical output or damage your system down the line, so only DIY if you know what you’re doing and your panels are no longer under warranty. For everything else, hire a solar panel repair pro near you.
The best way to save on repairs is prevention. Fix issues as soon as they pop to avoid stressing your system and causing more damage over time. Beyond that, here are some tips to help you save money on solar panel repairs:
Clean your system: Ideally, clean your solar panels twice a year. Remove overgrown branches or debris that could potentially fall on your system and damage it in the future.
Use a protective cover: If you live in an area prone to severe weather, consider covering your panels with a soft or hardshell cover before a major storm. Keep in mind that your panels won’t have electrical output while they’re covered.
Install a pest guard: For homeowners dealing with chewed wires or bird nests, you can install a critter guard (sometimes called a pest barrier or bird guard). This is a protective mesh that still lets light through.
Schedule an annual inspection: An annual inspection can catch issues before they become expensive repairs.
Understand your warranty: Certain repairs are covered under warranty, but DIY repairs may void your warranty altogether. Understand your warranty so you know what’s covered and don’t have to unnecessarily spend money.
Make sure your panels are at the right angle: Roof panels are ideally situated facing the Northern Hemisphere at an angle between 30 and 40 degrees. This helps rain, snow, hail, and other debris roll off the panels while maximizing electrical output.
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Most solar panels last 25 to 30 years and have a warranty to match. Over time, you’ll see a diminishing electrical output. This is normal wear, but certain things can hasten solar degradation. These include heavy rainfall, high temperatures, constant humidity that corrodes the frame, and cracks or chips in the glass.
You should clean your panels at least twice a year. It depends on your location. In dusty climates (think the Arizona desert) you may need to clean your panels more frequently. Dust can dramatically impact the electrical output. If you live in a climate with extreme weather, you may want to check your panels seasonally.
Just about anything that can damage your roof can damage a solar panel. It’s common for panels to sustain damage from hail or falling branches. Critters can chew through the wires. Snow and heavy rainfall can cause additional wear, along with extreme temperatures, which can degrade or stress the individual components. Even the UV rays that create electricity slowly damage your panel over time.
Solar panel systems are a significant investment for modern homeowners, so it is important to protect that investment by hiring a reputable contractor. Conduct thorough research on the service technician and their company and make sure they are insured and licensed.
To make sure the repair or replacement process runs smoothly and without incident, consider asking the following questions:
Do you have proof of insurance and a professional license? A professional contractor should have no hesitation to show you this and answer any questions about the policy.
Are you a member of any national trade organizations, such as the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)? While not required to do a great job, this shows investment from the contractor and that they’re dedicated to best practices.
Do you have references you can provide from former clients? This will allow you to talk to people who have worked with the contractor before, and to potentially even see some examples of completed work.
How much have past jobs similar to this one cost? You can get a better idea of the rate range you are being quoted, and what your final cost could be.
What is your typical turnaround time for a project like this one? While they may not be able to give you an exact date that your project will be complete, this can help you get an idea of when the repair or replacement will be finished.
What potential issues could increase the cost mid-project? By being aware of these from the beginning, you can budget for potential extra costs in case something out-of-the-ordinary happens.
