Solar panels can deliver decades of electric bill savings and greater independence from your utility. They can only deliver those benefits, though, if they’re working.
Solar panels are typically low-maintenance equipment, but what about when issues do arise? Here’s what you need to know about solar maintenance, what you can do on your own, and what you should leave to the professionals.
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Do Solar Power Systems Need Maintenance?
Solar panels are very reliable and can provide trouble-free performance for 25 years or more. That said, it's good to regularly check your system’s performance to ensure everything is working correctly, get your panels cleaned for optimum performance, and catch issues before they become a more serious problem.
Rainfall is often sufficient to rinse dirt from your panels, but you can also rinse your panels by gently spraying them with a hose from the safety of the ground. Professional cleaning services are available, too, in case the hose isn’t cutting it.
How to Know My Solar System Needs Maintenance
If you suspect your solar panels need maintenance, a good first step is to check their energy output and see if the system is generating the expected amount of power.
A solar production tracker like the Palmetto App makes it easy to spot changes in production. Start by determining how much power your home was receiving in the same month last year, and then compare this figure with the current production.
Reviewing your electricity bill is another way to get more insight. If there's a significant change in the amount of power you’re using from the grid, it may be time for a service call.
Some manufacturers also have an indicator light on their solar equipment that can alert you to problems by flashing or changing color.
Solar Leases and Maintenance
If you own your solar panels, you’re responsible for maintenance. If you lease your solar panels, you’re not.
Because the leasing company owns your panels, it’s responsible for their maintenance and upkeep. That’s one of the perks of a solar lease.
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Can I Do My Own Solar Service and Maintenance?
Generally, no. While it’s safe to rinse your panels from the ground, working with electrical equipment on the roof is best left to professionals.
If you notice any changes in your power output, it may be time to contact a solar service expert. They'll check the system and fix any problems they find.
Roof-mounted vs ground-mounted solar maintenance
The only difference between roof-mounted and ground-mounted solar panels when it comes to maintenance is ease of access — it’s a lot easier to work on panels when they’re on the ground. Cleaning ground-mounted solar panels is pretty straightforward, as you can usually access them with a garden hose to give them a gentle rinse.
How Much Does Solar Power Maintenance Cost?
It's tricky to provide a 'one-size-fits-all' cost for solar maintenance. The answer depends on variables like the system design, equipment manufacturer, maintenance contract, inverter type, panel condition, roof slant, house height, location, and the surrounding environment.
That said, expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $750 or more for a typical solar maintenance or service visit.
Solar Panel Maintenance Plans
Solar is a significant investment, just like your home or car. And just like you want protection against any issues with your home or car, an operations and maintenance (O&M) package can provide peace of mind against any problems that might pop up with your solar power system.
A solar operations and maintenance package goes above and beyond the coverage your warranty provides. With a car, the warranty might cover a broken engine, but the service package covers regular maintenance needs like oil changes and tire rotations.
With solar, the warranty might cover a broken inverter, but the service package provides additional benefits and guarantees like performance monitoring, energy recommendations, and discounts on system upgrades.
Best of all, while your regular maintenance is being performed, the O&M team can look over everything and spot potential issues that need to be addressed. If an issue is discovered, the plan can cover some of the cost of any service and maintenance needed to get back to full power.
Benefits of a solar maintenance package
With a robust solar protection plan, like Palmetto Protect, you'll enjoy a wide range of benefits.
Product warranties: An operations and maintenance plan may be where you turn to make warranty claims on panels, inverters, installation, or roof penetrations. Panel warranties are typically 25 years; inverter warranties vary from 12-25 years depending on the type; workmanship warranties are commonly 10 years; and roof penetration warranties, five.
Performance monitoring: Some plans may offer proactive monitoring that alerts you to problems before you notice them.
Maintenance visits: Depending on your plan, your provider may offer discounted or free maintenance visits when something goes wrong.
Panel cleaning: A solar panel maintenance plan may offer regular or optional panel cleaning.
Remote diagnostics and troubleshooting: Some solar panel issues can be solved remotely. A maintenance or protection plan may include remote issue detection and troubleshooting.
Service network access: Instead of hunting for someone to service your panels, get easy access to qualified technicians in your area.
Performance guarantee: Some plans offer a performance guarantee. If your panels don’t produce as much as promised, you could get paid to cover the shortfall.
Parts and labor coverage: Manufacturers’ warranties cover equipment but might not pay for the labor it takes to install. Some plans offer additional coverage so you won’t pay for parts and labor.
Save on Service and Maintenance for Your Solar Power
Solar power starts working automatically when the sun rises and does so quietly, so you might not even notice when an issue pops up. However, solar power does sometimes need service or maintenance, and there are things you can do proactively to make sure your system is performing optimally.
Getting solar panels can get you clean, cheap home energy and decades of savings. While maintenance issues are relatively rare, you’ll want to know you’re getting the service you need if something goes wrong. A protection plan like Palmetto Protect can give you ease of mind. If you want to see how much you can save with solar, check out Palmetto’s solar savings calculator and get a quote today.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do solar panels need maintenance?
Solar panels are typically low maintenance equipment, but issues can arise. Service and maintenance are best left to trained professionals.
Can I clean my solar panels myself?
Regular rain is typically enough to keep solar panels clear of dust that reduces the amount of sunlight panels receive. In particularly dry areas, you can rinse your panels with a gentle stream of water from a garden hose. Do so during a cool part of the day from the safety of the ground.
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only. Palmetto does not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Please consult your own tax, legal, and accounting advisors.
Andrew BlokWriter and EditorAndrew has worked as a journalist and writer for four years, over half of those dedicated to covering solar. He currently lives in Tucson, AZ, where you might run into him walking his dog and birding while dodging the heat. He has degrees in English education and journalism.
