Do Solar Panels Require Maintenance?

Solar panel maintenance may be necessary for both individuals and companies alike. Although solar panel maintenance may seem like it requires much attention and care, it does not. Solar panels are considered “set and forget” technology; however, it is important to know how much maintenance solar panels actually require to ensure the longevity of the solar panel and to reduce unnecessary maintenance expenses.

How Much Maintenance Do Solar Panels Really Need?

Generally, solar panel maintenance requires very little maintenance; however, it should be noted that solar panel maintenance does require some maintenance. The solar panel is designed to be washed by the rain, and it has monitoring equipment to detect if there are problems with the solar panel.

The study titled Best Practices for Operation and Maintenance of Photovoltaic and Energy Storage Systems, published by National Renewable Energy Laboratory, finds that preventive maintenance and periodic inspections significantly improve system reliability and long-term performance.

Why “low maintenance” doesn’t mean “no maintenance”

Their structure is composed of tempered glass and sealed frames; however, there are some environmental factors that can influence them:

• Dust and pollution buildup
• Bird droppings
• New tree growth casting shade
• Moisture seepage due to aging sealants
• Decaying wiring and wiring connections

Although it is a minor efficiency loss, it can be significant over a long period of time.

Solar Panel Cleaning: When and How Often?

Cleaning is perhaps the most obvious aspect of solar panel maintenance; however, it is also highly dependent on the environment.

Factors that increase cleaning needs

Panels might have to be cleaned more often if you live in areas with:

• Heavily dusty or construction-filled areas
• Low rainfall areas
• Areas filled with pollen
• Areas around highways or industrial sites
• Areas with frequent bird activity

On the other hand, areas with regular rain don't really require much cleaning.

Practical cleaning guidelines

For most residential systems:

• Visually inspect the panels 6 to 12 months
• Only clean the panels when necessary
• Use soft water and gentle cleaning tools
• Avoid pressure washes or harsh chemicals

Cleaning the panels too often can cause tiny scratches, which will impair the amount of light transmitted, so don't over-clean the panels.

Routine PV Maintenance Beyond Cleaning

Cleaning by itself does not represent full PV system maintenance. A holistic strategy involves regular checks on electrical and physical system parts.

Key areas to inspect

A minimum annual inspection should cover the following areas:

• Stability of mounting hardware
• Cable integrity and insulation
• Inverter operation and error messages
• Presence of corrosion or water damage
• Shading patterns due to vegetation growth

Most problems take time to manifest and are easiest to fix when caught early.

System performance monitoring

Modern solar power installations may come with monitoring software or interfaces. A sudden loss of power that cannot be attributed to weather conditions may indicate:

• Dirt accumulation or obstruction on panels
• Inverter failure
• Cable damage
• Partial shading

Regular performance monitoring minimizes down time and enables quick identification of maintenance requirements.

Do Solar Panels Lose Efficiency Without Maintenance?

All solar panels degrade over time at a rate of approximately 0.5 to 1 percent annually. Failure to maintain the solar panels may hasten the rate of deterioration through the accumulation of dirt, corrosion, or other defects.

Common Causes of Preventable Efficiency Decline

Buildup of dirt that obstructs the panels from the sun’s rays

Hot spots caused by the accumulation of dirt or other objects

Loose wiring that contributes to resistance

Moisture that may result in corrosion

While maintenance does not halt the natural process of deterioration, it does guarantee that the panels are able to perform at optimal capacity over the years.

Professional Servicing vs. DIY Maintenance

While most of the routine solar system maintenance can be performed by the owners, there is a place for professional maintenance as well.

When DIY maintenance is sufficient

• Visual inspections
• Light cleaning
• Monitoring performance data

When to call a professional

• Electrical faults or inverter errors
• Safety concerns related to roof access
• Suspected wiring damage
• Significant performance drops

Professional inspections every few years can provide deeper diagnostics, including thermal imaging and electrical testing.

Solar Maintenance Costs vs. Long-Term Savings

A major reason why the use of solar energy is increasing is the low maintenance cost, which is significantly less when compared to the maintenance costs of other energy systems. The maintenance costs are less when compared to the possible energy losses if the systems are not maintained properly.

The maintenance costs generally include:

• Occasional professional inspection costs
• Cleaning services in dusty areas
• Inverter replacement after 10-15 years

These costs are less when compared to the electricity saved over the years.

Are Solar Panels Truly Low Maintenance?

While solar panels do need some maintenance, the cost is relatively low. In most cases, the solar panels will only need the occasional cleaning, as well as inspection and monitoring. With the right care, solar panels can easily last for 25 years or more.

While there is much that can be done to maintain solar panels, the best solution for most individuals is relatively straightforward. First, it is necessary to observe the solar panels. Next, cleaning the solar panels should be done as needed. Finally, inspections should be scheduled.