How Much Does a Solar Panel Inspection Cost? [2024 Data]

Solar Panel Inspection Cost Breakdown

Photo: Eloi_Omella / E+ / Getty Images

Solar panel arrays vary greatly from home to home. Some people have just a couple of panels to supplement their power supply, while other properties may rely entirely on a large solar array for all their power needs. Beyond this, different arrays use different components and set-ups to work properly. These and several other factors can affect the final price of your solar panel inspection.

Solar panels are an investment that pays off over their lifespan. In order to make the most of your investment, it’s recommended to have your solar power array inspected and maintained at least once a year. This helps keep you safe from electrical hazards and ensures the panels are working as efficiently as possible and generating enough power to make them worth the high upfront costs.

Location

The price of your solar panel inspection can vary depending on where the array is located on your property. Most homes have their solar panels on the roof, which will likely cost more to inspect since the company will need to spend more time and money on ensuring their team can access the array safely. The same goes for solar panels on the sides of a building. On the other hand, an easy-to-access solar array at ground level may result in a lower cost for the inspection.

Labor

Some properties have several smaller arrays of panels in order to make the most of the available sunlight. Complex set-ups and high-output arrays that are connected to batteries tend to be more labor-intensive to thoroughly inspect. The more people and hours needed to inspect your solar power set-up, the more you can expect to pay.

Array Size

Of course, the size of your solar array is one of the main factors in the final inspection cost. If you just have a couple of panels, the inspection could be as short as 20 minutes, while a large-scale set-up could take hours to inspect properly. Consider the size of your solar power array when adding inspections to your solar panel cost budget.

Inverter Type

Generally speaking, different types of solar panels mostly function the same way, and inspections are carried out quite similarly from project to project. One exception is with the type of inverter that your array uses. Inverters are components that turn DC power (which is what your solar panels generate) into AC power (which is what your home is powered with). There are two kinds of inverters: string inverters and microinverters.

String inverters are relatively simple components, which makes them cheap to inspect and easy for your solar panel inspector to troubleshoot. Microinverters are more complex because they are wired in parallel, meaning your inspector will need more time to assess and troubleshoot the inverter and the rest of the system. Because microinverters take more skill and time to inspect, you can expect to pay a little bit more for the longer inspection.

Nearby Obstacles

If your solar panel inspector needs to assess obstructions to your panels, it may result in an additional cost. This won’t be an expense if your array gets uninterrupted sunlight all day, but it may influence the final bill if there are trees, structures, or anything else casting shadows on your panels. Your inspector will be able to advise you on any obstructions that should be removed, but this level of inspection may end up costing you more.

State-Specific Inspection Fees

Some states and jurisdictions have unique requirements for solar inspections, which might affect the final costs. In some parts of the country, for instance, a licensed electrician must be on-site during the solar panel inspection. Other areas might require state or municipality-specific permitting fees, some of which will be recurring costs each time you get an inspection.

Cost of Common Solar Panel Inspection Add-Ons

Solar panel inspections are often offered in conjunction with additional services—and since you’ll likely want to address any issues discovered with your array as soon as possible, it’s worth considering these as expenses when creating a budget for solar panel maintenance. Here are a few common add-on services for solar panel inspections:

Solar Panel Cleaning

Photo: Imagesines / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

Solar panels need to be clean in order to capture as much energy from the sun as possible. Dust, dirt, bird droppings, and other debris can gradually build up on your panels, making them less efficient over time. Solar panel inspectors may offer cleaning as an add-on—this cost has an average range of $150 to $330, though it can go up depending on the number of panels being cleaned in larger arrays.

Solar Panel Maintenance

Any small issues discovered in a solar panel array should be addressed as soon as possible to stop them from becoming bigger problems later on. Depending on the kind of service your array needs, maintenance costs can range from $300 to $700 for an average-sized array of 10 panels.

Solar Panel Repair

For more pronounced problems, solar panel repair may be another necessary add-on cost. This price ranges depending on the extent of the damage—small jobs, such as replacing some corroded wiring may cost just $20. Fixing cracked glass on a single panel could cost you up to $350. More essential repairs, such as fixing the all-important power inverter, could run you up to $3,000.

Solar Panel Replacement

If an inspector finds that some or all of your panels are too damaged (or inefficient) to be worth repairing, you may have to replace them. This can vary depending on the type of panel you go with and how many you need, but a substantial replacement job can run you as much as $15,000 to $21,000.

Tree Trimming

Another common solar inspection add-on, tree trimming is often a vital part of making the most of your renewable energy investment. Depending on how much shade is being cast on your

Tips to Reduce Solar Panel Inspection Costs

Since solar panel arrays tend to be big upfront expenses, you naturally want to find ways to save money here and there when it comes to inspecting and maintaining them. Solar arrays are complex systems, and it’s recommended that you leave any major repairs and electrical maintenance to an expert for the safety of your system and yourself.

With that said, you can save money by taking on some solar panel maintenance yourself. One great example is cleaning—a dirty solar panel isn’t as efficient, so it’s vital that you keep the glass clean. Rainwater is often enough, but you can finish the job yourself with a soft brush, a garden hose, and a soft cloth. This is recommended especially for easy-to-access ground arrays.

If you’re thinking about installing solar panels, look for solar panel installation companies near you that offer a warranty or a period of free maintenance and inspection services. This can be an invaluable way to save money on upkeep that you’ll need to do anyway.