Solar panels don’t need daily or weekly maintenance, but that doesn’t mean you should forget about them. If you own a solar system, whether it’s on the roof or ground-mounted, you want to keep it working efficiently for 25+ years. That starts with checking the system every 6 months or so, not because it’ll fall apart, but because small problems stack up over time.
We’ve seen this firsthand in Wisconsin solar installations, where seasons hit hard. Snow, leaf buildup, summer dust, storms, any of it can mess with your solar energy output if you ignore it too long. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, performance drops when panels aren’t cleaned or maintained, and that affects your savings.
What Basic Solar PV Panel Maintenance Involves
You’re not doing this every weekend, but you do need to stay on top of a few things. Here’s the practical checklist:
1. Keep the Panels Clean
- Brush off leaves, bird droppings, or snow. Don’t let stuff sit for months.
- Dirt buildup reduces sunlight absorption, especially in corners of arrays.
- A gentle rinse with lukewarm water and a microfiber cloth is usually fine.
- Don’t use pressure washers. And unless you’re trained, avoid walking on the roof.
- Cleaning panels once or twice a year is enough in most places. If you’re in an area with high pollen, dust, or tree coverage, maybe bump that up.
2. Inspect for Physical or Wiring Damage
- Check for visible cracks, discoloration, loose bolts, or bent racking.
- Look at cable junctions, exposed wiring, or rodent activity near the conduit.
- After major storms (hail, ice, wind), always do a walkthrough.
Even microcracks on a single panel can slowly affect energy production. If you’re not sure what to look for, bring in a solar inspection professional.
3. Monitor the System’s Performance
Most home solar installations now include monitoring apps or dashboards. Know your average output during each season and compare it year to year.
If numbers dip with no weather explanation, that’s a red flag. A stuck breaker, faulty inverter, or corrosion could be the cause.
Recommended Solar Panel Maintenance Schedule
This schedule works for most homeowners using a home solar system. Adjust if you’re in extreme climates or have added complexity (like a battery system):
- Visual inspection: Every 6 months (Spring and Fall are ideal)
- Panel cleaning: Once or twice per year
- Performance monitoring: Monthly via your solar app
- Professional inspection: Every 2–3 years by a qualified solar electrician
- Battery inspection (if installed): Once per year
- After any major weather event: As soon as possible
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory also recommends maintenance after hail, wildfire soot exposure, or snow loads that don’t naturally thaw.
When You Should Call a Professional Technician
You don’t need an expert to brush off leaves. But here’s when you should step back and call someone qualified:
- The inverter is throwing error codes, or the LEDs are red/blinking
- Your solar monitoring system reports a major performance drop
- You see broken glass, corrosion, rodent chew marks, or exposed wiring
- The battery system is acting erratically or won’t charge properly
- There are signs of water ingress in junction boxes or combiner boxes
We get called in often for older systems that were installed by national chains and never followed up on. Sometimes it’s something minor like a loose conduit. Sometimes it’s a whole system installed wrong. We’ve seen it all.
Common Solar Maintenance Mistakes Homeowners Make
This list is short but important. Most people don’t ruin their systems on purpose. It’s usually because they assumed solar was “set it and forget it.” Here’s what we see:
- Skipping inspections completely: That one cracked panel can reduce output across the whole string.
- Using random roof cleaners: Not everyone knows how to treat PV systems. Bad cleaning practices void warranties.
- Ignoring inverter alerts or app warnings: These are there for a reason. Performance data tells you something’s off.
- Assuming warranties cover everything, Many solar panel manufacturers require documented maintenance for warranty claims.
- Thinking it’s just about the panels: Your inverter, wiring, racking, and battery all matter just as much.
If you’re unsure, ask your solar installer or hire a maintenance specialist. Documentation and peace of mind go a long way.
How Much Does It Cost to Maintain a Solar System
The annual cost of solar panel maintenance is pretty low, especially when you compare it to what you’re protecting. According to EnergySage and the U.S. DOE, cleaning and inspection typically run:
- DIY cleaning cost: Minimal, just time, water, and cloths
- Professional cleaning: $150–$300 depending on size and access
- Full inspection or diagnostic check: $150–$400 every 2–3 years
If you’re protecting a $20,000 to $30,000 system, that’s a small price to avoid long-term performance loss.
Maintenance Also Applies to the Entire Solar System
Solar panel maintenance is not just about the shiny panels. A full inspection should also include:
- Inverter and charge controller diagnostics
- Racking hardware checks (tightness, corrosion, alignment)
- Weatherproofing seal inspection
- Battery balancing (for storage systems)
- Rodent guard assessment, if applicable
Final Takeaway for Homeowners With Solar Panels
You don’t need to micromanage your solar array. But if you give it a little attention twice a year, run regular checks, and bring in a pro every few years, it’ll last 25–30 years or more with minimal performance loss.
It’s not maintenance-heavy, but it is investment protection. If you’re in Milwaukee, Wauwatosa, or anywhere else in Wisconsin, we can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to maintain solar panels per year?
Homeowners typically spend $150 to $300 annually on solar cleaning and inspection, depending on roof pitch, system size, and access.
How long can solar panels last without maintenance?
Most panels last 25–30 years with basic maintenance. Without any upkeep, performance can drop significantly in just a few years due to dust, grime, and potential damage going unnoticed.
Do solar panels need regular maintenance?
Yes, but not frequently. Visual inspections every 6 months, cleaning once or twice a year, and professional diagnostics every 2–3 years are usually enough.