How Much Does a Solar Panel Inspection Cost? [2025 Data]
Solar panel inspection costs around $225. What a pro charges depends on the size of your panels and any add-ons, like cleaning or repairs.
Harnessing the power of the sun feels monumental, but solar panel inspection costs aren’t. Solar panels need to be inspected regularly to ensure safe, efficient power output. The cost of an inspection can range from as little as $110 to as much as $525, depending on the location of the array, its size, the type of array components being used, and the region you live in. Add-on services like cleaning, repair, and obstruction removal can bring up the actual cost even further. Learn about the factors of the average solar panel inspection cost, the typical charge for essential add-on service, and how to find a great local solar panel inspector.
Solar Panel Inspection Cost Breakdown
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 setups to work properly, which can affect the final price of your solar panel inspection.
You should have your solar power array inspected and maintained at least once a year to ensure it's working properly and lengthen the solar panels’ life span.
Array Size
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 setup could take hours to inspect properly. Consider the size of your solar power array when adding inspections to your solar panel cost budget.
Location
The price of your solar panel inspection depends 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 needs to 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 inspection cost.
Labor
Some properties have several smaller arrays of panels to make the most of the available sunlight. Complex setups and high-output arrays connected to batteries tend to be more labor-intensive to thoroughly inspect. The more people and hours needed to inspect your solar power setup, the more you can expect to pay.
| Labor Hours | Labor Cost Estimate |
|---|---|
| 1 | $16–$26 |
| 2 | $32–$52 |
| 3 | $48–$78 |
| 4 | $60–$94 |
| 5 | $76–$120 |
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. 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 a 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.
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.
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 a 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.
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
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.
| Number of Panels Cleaned | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 1 | $15–$35 |
| 5 | $75–$175 |
| 10 | $150–$350 |
| 25 | $375–$875 |
| 50 | $750–$1,750 |
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
Tree trimming is another common solar inspection add-on and is often vital to making the most of your renewable energy investment. Depending on how much shade is being cast on your solar panels, the additional cost of tree trimming can be anywhere between $75 and $1,500.
Tips To Reduce Solar Panel Inspection Costs
Since solar panel arrays tend to be big up-front 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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Solar panels that haven’t been properly inspected and maintained pose several risks to homeowners. Firstly, a dirty, obstructed, or malfunctioning solar panel won’t be able to generate as much power, which could lead to power shortages and wasted money. But more importantly, neglected solar panel arrays can become dangerous if left for too long. Corroded wires and exposed circuitry are fire hazards, so it’s strongly recommended to keep up with regular maintenance to protect your home.
You should schedule a solar panel inspection annually to ensure your system is working properly. This helps prevent electrical hazards, ensures the panels are working as efficiently as possible, and generates enough power to make them worth the high up-front costs. This is also a good time to add on solar panel cleaning to remove any built-up grime. If you’re not sure who to hire for a solar panel inspection, turn to the company that initially installed it.
There are a few great questions to ask a solar contractor or inspector when you speak to them. You’ll probably want to find out about the energy yield and efficiency of your array, ensuring the actual output matches the amount you calculated when installing the array in the first place. It’s also a good idea to find out about any damage or wear and tear on the array and to inquire about how soon you need to make repairs or replacements to essential components.
