What you need to know about solar panel maintenance
Prolong the life of your solar system with the right cleaning habits.
Solar panel maintenance is crucial for maintaining the safety and efficiency of your solar system, prolonging its lifespan, and keeping it in warranty. Whether you’re planning your installation or managing an existing setup, understanding proper maintenance is one more way to protect your investment and maximize your energy savings for years to come.
This guide walks through what solar panel maintenance looks like, when to call in the professionals, and what you need to know to troubleshoot common solar panel issues before they compromise your solar installation.
In this article:
- Why solar panel maintenance matters
- Routine solar panel maintenance tasks for homeowners
- When to call in the professionals
- Seasonal maintenance considerations
- Troubleshooting common issues
- Preventative measures to extend system lifespan
- Solar panel maintenance is key to a long lifespan
- Frequently asked questions
Why solar panel maintenance matters
Dirt, weather events, and pollution from plants, the air, and dust can limit your solar system’s ability to function. Soiling loss is the term the industry uses to describe how dust, grime, pollen, and other materials affect solar panel performance. Maintenance is crucial for making sure your solar system is operating at its optimal level of efficiency — and is often required as part of your solar panel warranty coverage.
Routine solar panel maintenance tasks for homeowners
Now, let’s look at what exactly is involved in solar panel maintenance.
Visual inspection
The first step is simply a thorough visual inspection and review of the panel surface. There are several things you want to check for, including physical damage (such as cracks and discoloration) and any trees or structures that could cause output-limiting shade. You’ll also want to monitor the solar system for signs of corrosion or loose connections, which can happen over time.
Cleaning your solar panels
Once you’ve inspected your panels, you can move on to the next step: cleaning them. The frequency of your cleaning routine will vary depending on your panels’ location related to sources of grime (like trees or streets), as well as your regional climate, such as whether you’re in a coastal or desert area.
If you live in coastal areas with a lot of seabirds, for example, you may need to clean more frequently to deal with bird droppings. Additionally, those living in arid, dry, and dusty climates may need to clean their panels more regularly, as the dust and debris can limit the output of the solar panel system.
While it can be tempting to jump up on the roof and get started, always consult your installer or a solar pro before doing anything yourself. They’ll have the most reliable, up-to-date information and can make sure you don’t do anything to harm the system or void your warranty.
Learn more about best practices and safe panel cleaning tips in our step-by-step solar panel cleaning guide.
Monitoring system performance
Keeping a close eye on your system’s performance is a critical part of solar panel maintenance. This simple step can provide insight into how your system is performing and whether it needs cleaning or additional support to perform at its best. Many solar monitoring systems include panel-level monitoring, while some just have system-level monitoring. Check with your installer to confirm what your system supports.
If you notice signs that your solar system’s performance is lower than expected, like visual error messages on your internal tracking display screen or a substantial reduction in your system’s output, it’s time to contact a solar professional. You can typically get recommendations and support by reaching back out to your installer or vendor.
When to call in the professionals
The rule on solar system issues is: When in doubt, call. DIY assessments and fixes can be dangerous, and attempting to fix problems yourself could lead to an unintentional violation of your warranty’s terms.
A call or email to your installer, on the other hand, won’t cost you anything. They’ll be able to tell you if your problem has a simple fix (“reinstall your monitoring app”) or is more complex (“looks like you may have an inverter issue”).
Signs of common issues
While your first call should always be to your installer, here are some common issues and who can usually help fix them.
| Signs of Common Issues | Who to Call |
| Noticeable drop in energy output compared to past performance | Licensed solar technician to test system efficiency |
| Cracks, chips, or discoloration on the panels | Solar installation company for panel inspection/replacement |
| Build-up of dirt, leaves, or bird droppings blocking sunlight | Professional solar panel cleaning service |
| Inverter warning lights flashing or showing error codes | Inverter manufacturer’s support line or certified solar electrician |
| Wiring that looks frayed, loose, or chewed (pests/rodents) | Licensed electrician specializing in solar systems |
| Frequent system shutdowns or unusual noises from components | Solar maintenance contractor for diagnostics |
| Persistent shading from new tree growth or structures | Tree trimming service or solar installer for repositioning options |
Working with your installer, or another licensed and bonded solar professional, helps make sure your maintenance work is done right — whether it’s electrical or you’re dealing with cracks and surface damage. Beyond the convenience, these experts give you peace of mind, knowing that you have a professional on the case who is up-to-date on maintenance best practices for your specific system — and you can rest easy knowing you’ve kept your warranty terms intact by avoiding DIY solutions.
Routine professional maintenance
Most sources recommend scheduling solar panel inspections and service at least once a year to ensure your panels remain secure and functional throughout the changing seasons. If you live in an area with a more severe climate or notice concerns early, it’s important to book a call with an expert.
Professional solar cleaning averages $150–$330 per visit, according to Homeguide. Annual inspection & maintenance plans may run $300–$850, depending on what’s included. Before you sign with any company, make sure to check with your installer. Your contract may include some of these services already. If not, make sure to get quotes from a few trusted sources in your area before making a decision to be sure you get the deal that works best for you.
Seasonal maintenance considerations
As the seasons change, so do the conditions your solar system faces. Here are a few tips to keep your system as resilient as possible throughout the seasons, regardless of your climate.
Adjusting maintenance routines based on seasonal changes
Depending on where you live, most solar experts recommend inspecting and cleaning your panels once or twice a year, typically in the spring and/or fall, when the shifting conditions are most likely to impact performance. However, this depends on the weather in your area — if there isn’t a lot of debris buildup, cleaning this often may not be necessary.
Spring maintenance helps clear away winter debris, pollen, and grime, while fall cleaning addresses dust, ash, and leaves that can accumulate during dry summers or wildfire season. These seasonal touchpoints ensure your system is primed for peak energy production and can help catch minor issues before they affect long-term efficiency.
Preparing your system for extreme weather conditions
Standard residential solar panels are quite resilient in all kinds of weather. But if a solar maintenance professional is able to safely access your solar panels ahead of severe weather, such as a hurricane, they can follow the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s checklist for preparing photovoltaic systems for storms. The checklist covers a variety of tasks that ensure solar systems are structurally and electrically secure ahead of an extreme weather event.
Troubleshooting common issues
When it comes to solar panel maintenance, a couple common areas are often at the root of any issues: electrical function and physical issues with the panels.
We’ve summarized a few key details to help you troubleshoot common areas below, but we want to reiterate: You should never attempt a DIY solar fix, as this can cause serious injury or death. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), solar energy workers are exposed to a variety of hazards, including electrocution, falls, and burns. Always consult a professional to ensure your safety during solar panel maintenance.
Electrical issues
Common signs of electrical issues with your panels include:
- Incorrect or reduced output reporting in the monitoring app
- Reduced output showing on your electric bill
- Connection trouble on the monitoring app
If you think your system is having any sort of electrical issues, get in touch with your solar company as soon as possible. They’ll be able to give you guidance on how serious the issue is and what to do next.
Physical damage
Routine cleaning can help prevent physical damage caused by dirt and debris buildup, but it can’t fix physical defects like cracks or warping.
If you notice signs of physical damage to a panel, such as warping, cracking, or discoloration (like a “hot spot”), document what you see, ideally with photos, and get in touch with your installer or a solar maintenance company. They may recommend you shut your system down to be safe, or may have other options.
Preventative measures to extend system lifespan
Looking for other ways to extend your solar system’s lifespan? Here are a few more strategies:
- Install critter guards to proactively limit system and wire damage caused by raccoons, possums, and other small animals that chew.
- Have a routine vegetation maintenance schedule to help prevent overgrown plants that can limit the light that reaches your solar panels.
- Install drainage support to prevent water pooling if you have a flat-roof install.
- Consult your maintenance log regularly to ensure that you’re up-to-date on panel best practices for your specific system.
Solar panel maintenance is key to a long lifespan
As we’ve seen, solar panel maintenance is crucial for making sure your system produces the most power possible, for as long as possible. In addition to keeping your panels in good health, a routine panel maintenance schedule, ongoing cleaning, solar panel inspections, and service calls are often required to keep your warranty intact.
Solar panel maintenance starts with finding the right company to install your system. Find the right solar installer for your home with Aurora Solar.
Frequently asked questions
What type of maintenance do solar panels need?
The main types of maintenance required to maintain a solar system are visual inspections, routine cleanings, and annual or biannual service calls from a licensed and bonded solar expert.
How much does solar panel maintenance cost?
Solar panel maintenance costs an average of $10 to $20 per panel for cleaning, according to Homeguide. However, every residence is different, different locations may have different pricing or specials, and the extent of your solar panel maintenance directly affects the price you pay. We recommend calling your installer or a local solar maintenance expert and requesting information about pricing before booking.
Can weather damage my solar panels?
Weather can damage your panels, leading to cracking, water pooling, and panel inefficiencies. Proper maintenance, routine inspections, and solar panel cleaning are essential to maintaining the health of your solar panels, especially after significant weather events (like storms and blizzards). Contact your solar provider for information on how often to clean and service your specific system.
What are the signs that my solar panels need maintenance?
Common signs your solar panels need maintenance include loose and broken connections; visible damage to the panels, system, or wiring; loud buzzing noises; decreased panel output; and inverter problems.
Does regular maintenance affect my warranty?
Yes, regular maintenance can affect the warranty on your solar panels. Many warranties require homeowners to take steps to maintain the health of their panels, including routine inspections, cleaning, and preventative maintenance visits from a licensed and bonded solar specialist. Please consult your installer and your manufacturer’s guide for specific information about your warranty, and check your warranty terms for required maintenance frequency or documentation
Is it safe to perform maintenance myself, or should I hire a professional?
You should never attempt to perform solar panel maintenance yourself beyond a visual inspection and routine cleaning — it can be dangerous. Always consult with a licensed and bonded solar expert if you suspect an issue with your solar panel system.
