Solar panels don’t need constant maintenance. But that doesn’t mean you can just forget about them either. If you’ve got a home solar system installed, whether it’s rooftop or ground-mounted, you should be checking on it at least once or twice a year. Not every day. Not every week. But enough to catch issues before they start costing you.
If you’re in Milwaukee or anywhere with seasons like we have here, that “checkup” becomes even more important. Snow, debris buildup, temperature swings- these things affect performance. The DOE confirms that most solar panels last 25–30 years and highlights how performance drops if systems are poorly maintained or obstructed by dirt and debris.
What Basic Solar Panel Maintenance Involves
Keep them clean
That means brushing off leaves, snow, or bird droppings. Dirt and debris lower your energy output, especially if it’s been sitting for months. A gentle wash with lukewarm water and a microfiber cloth once or twice a year is usually enough. Don’t use abrasive cleaners or power washers. And don’t risk climbing your roof unless you know what you’re doing.
Visually inspect for damage
We’re talking cracks, corrosion, frayed wires, or loose racking equipment. If you had a heavy storm, hail, or something like Hurricane Florence-level wind, it’s worth a walkaround or a drone check. Even microcracks can mess with panel performance over time.
Monitor performance
Most solar installations today include a solar panel monitoring system. Use it. Know what your average daily output is during each season. If your numbers start dipping with no weather reason, it’s time to investigate.
Recommended Solar Maintenance Frequency
Here’s the breakdown most homeowners can follow:
- Visual checkup: Every 6 months (Spring and Fall are good)
- Panel cleaning: Once or twice a year, depending on your location
- System monitoring: Once a month (log into your solar monitoring app)
- Professional inspection: Every 2–3 years by a qualified solar contractor
- Battery system check: Every year
- After major weather events: Right away
When You Should Call A Professional
You don’t need to call a solar specialist every time you see a leaf on your roof. But there are a few things you don’t want to mess with yourself:
- If your inverter’s throwing error codes
- If there’s any physical damage or exposed wires
- If your monitoring system shows major performance drops
- If your solar battery backup is acting strange, especially during high load
A qualified solar installer or solar maintenance company can safely open things up and run diagnostic checks. We do this often for folks who had systems installed years ago and just want peace of mind. Sometimes it’s just dust. Sometimes it’s rodents. Sometimes it’s a poorly installed system we end up redoing. Seen it all.
Common Maintenance Mistakes That Cost Homeowners
Let’s not sugarcoat it. Here’s what causes headaches:
- Skipping routine maintenance: One cracked panel left alone for a year could lead to more failures.
- Using unqualified people for solar panel cleaning: Not every “cleaning crew” knows how to treat PV systems.
- Ignoring monitoring alerts: Those notifications matter. They’re not just tech fluff.
- Not matching the system to usage: Some installs we’ve seen were overbuilt or underbuilt, leading to early failures or wasted potential. Learn more about residential solar panels cost.
- Forgetting about warranties: Some manufacturer warranties (especially product warranty terms) require proof of regular solar maintenance. A reliable solar company can help keep you compliant.
Solar Maintenance Covers More Than Just Panels
There’s more to your system than the panels. Your solar inverter, charge controllers, racking, and if you’re off-grid, your whole EMP-hardened system or manual generator backup need to be in the loop. Maintenance isn’t just for shiny panels. It’s for the entire system.
Want to know if your battery setup is enough? Learn more about solar battery capacity.
We’ve even worked on Midnite Classic AUX1 setups, Growatt products, and Schneider Electric systems, so yeah, the backend matters. Especially when you’ve got solar batteries and want to avoid thermal runaway from temperature disparity or overcharging.
What Maintenance Actually Costs
Solar panel maintenance costs are usually pretty minimal, especially compared to the savings from efficient energy production. EnergySage (backed by the U.S. DOE) provides average cost ranges for solar cleaning and maintenance, and explains typical system values in the U.S. residential market ($15,000–$30,000+).
Curious how it all adds up? Try our cost calculator to see the long-term return.
Some folks skip pro maintenance because they think it’s unnecessary. Until they get hit with degraded efficiency, weather-related damage, or out-of-warranty repairs.
What We Offer at Lehmann Electrical
We’re not a big national company pushing panels in bulk. We’re local. We’ve got licensed electricians on staff. No subcontractors. We install solar the right way the first time, and we stick around to maintain it.
Whether it’s a solar inspection, battery system optimization, or a home energy audit, we look at the full picture. Not just the roof. From Appleton to Wauwatosa to downtown Milwaukee, we’ve helped homeowners actually understand how their systems are doing. That’s what you want from your solar company.
Final Thought
If you treat solar like “set it and forget it,” you’re gambling with your investment. But if you give it 1–2 check-ins a year, clean it once in a while, and get a pro in every few years, you’ll keep that clean energy flowing for decades.
FAQs
How much does it cost to maintain solar panels per year?
On average, $150 to $300 per year for standard cleaning and inspection. Costs vary based on location, system size, roof accessibility, and whether professional services are used.
How long can solar panels last without maintenance?
Most solar panels can last 25–30 years without major issues, but without basic maintenance like cleaning or inspections, performance may decline after just a few years due to dirt buildup, wiring wear, or unnoticed damage.
Do solar panels need regular maintenance?
Yes, but not frequently. Basic visual inspections every 6 months, cleaning once or twice a year, and professional checkups every 2–3 years are usually enough to keep the system running efficiently.