Solar Panel Maintenance Guide: How Often Should You Maintain Solar Panels?

Solar panels are a green way to improve your home’s efficiency and lower your electricity bill. Like all things, they require some maintenance—but they’re pretty easygoing. Most solar panels last 25 to 30 years with a warranty to match. You’ll have to clean them occasionally and make repairs as needed, but that’s pretty much it. Read this guide to learn how often solar panel maintenance is required and how to care for them.

How Often Should You Maintain Solar Panels?

Solar panels only need maintenance two to four times per year, depending on your climate. You should clean your solar panels every three to six months to make sure they’re free of debris (like pollen and dust) and obstructions (like growing tree branches or bird droppings).

Cleaning

Clean your solar panels two to four times per year. If you live in a dustier climate, clean them seasonally. Most homeowners schedule their cleanings in the fall when trees drop their leaves and in the spring to clear the dust and debris that build up on solar panels during the winter. 

Solar Panel Inspection

Checking on your panels seasonally and after major storms is a good idea. This can help catch issues early on before they become costly problems. Hail, in particular, can crack the glass. Strong winds, critters, and snow accumulation can loosen fasteners or wiring. 

If your panels aren’t accessible, you can hire a pro for an annual inspection. On average, solar panel inspections cost $150 to $350. 

Tree Trimming

Tree branches can grow and shade your solar panels, reducing efficiency and raising your electric bill. If you have nearby trees, trim branches that are getting too long. This can also prevent branches from falling and causing damage. 

Snow Removal

After a storm, snow melts and slides off your panels, but occasionally it sticks around for too long. You can remove snow from your solar panels with lukewarm water.

Monitoring Energy Output

Monitor your energy output monthly. If your panels have a problem, there’s a chance you’ll find an increase in energy costs on your monthly electric bill. Additionally, some panels come with an app that lets you monitor the output of each panel. 

Repair and Replacement

If issues arise, hire a solar panel repair pro near you to repair or replace components in your solar energy system. Luckily, most solar panel systems rarely need repairs or replacement. You’ll occasionally encounter broken and cracked panels or loose wiring, which could be covered under warranty. Your solar inverter should last 10 to 15 years.

How to Maintain Solar Panels

Solar panels don’t require much maintenance. Most solar panels are tilted, so rain will roll right off the surface, washing debris away with it. You should still clean your solar panels at least twice a year and perform other maintenance tasks as needed. Follow these tips to properly maintain your solar panels:

• Clean your solar panels: You can clean solar panels by spraying them down with a hose. Don’t use harsh soaps or cleaning agents, which could streak the panels and reduce the electrical output.

• Clear obstructions and debris: You can use a leaf blower to blow away fallen leaves and twigs.

• Look for visible damage: When you inspect your panels, check the surface for cracks or other types of surface damage. A pro can repair minor damage with polyurethane or epoxy.

• Check wires and connections: Ensure the wiring is in working order, and tighten loose fasteners if necessary. Hire a pro to fix frayed wires from curious critters.

• Trim landscaping: Trim back branches that grow over your panels.

• Monitor energy output: Decreased energy output results in higher energy bills. You can install an energy monitoring system, though some solar panels come with an app.

• Remove snow: You can spray your panels with lukewarm water to remove snow that won’t melt. Don’t use hot water, or the panels could crack.

• Repair and replace as necessary: Call a solar panel repair pro to repair and replace broken components.

• Get an annual inspection: A pro can help address issues before they become expensive problems. A solar inspection once a year can identify areas that need attention. 

Though you can do a large amount of maintenance on your own, not all solar panels are accessible. Climbing on your roof is dangerous and can result in falls and injury. If your panels are on your roof, contacting a solar panel pro to maintain them is the safest option.

Cost to Repair or Replace Solar Panels

You can purchase an operations and maintenance (O&M) service package that covers regular professional cleanings and inspections. These plans cost a few hundred dollars per year. Beyond that, solar panel repairs cost $250 to $1,600 on average, and replacing a broken solar panel costs about $150 to $350. Some warranties cover certain repairs and replacements, so check your warranty coverage. 

How to Know When Your Solar Panels Need Maintenance

Not sure when to check up on your solar panels? Here are some signs that it’s time to bring in a contractor who repairs solar panels for some much-needed maintenance:

• You notice reduced electrical output 

• There’s visible damage on your panels or the surrounding hardware

• It looks like pests are cuasing issues on or around your solar panels

• You need an inspection after a major storm

• Tree branches are casting shade on your panels

• It’s time for your twice a year (or seasonal) cleaning

• Your solar panels aren’t working