How much does solar panel maintenance cost?
Ashburn, VA

How much does solar panel maintenance cost?

Ashburn, VA

How much does solar panel maintenance cost?

$300 – $850 average annual maintenance cost

Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:

$300 – $850 average annual maintenance cost


Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:
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Tara Farmer
Written by
Tara Farmer
Edited by
Jennifer Carlson
Fact-checked by
Kristen Cramer

Average solar panel maintenance cost

Solar panel maintenance costs $300 to $850 per year on average, depending on the system size, type, location, and warranty requirements. Solar panels are relatively low maintenance, but an inspection and cleaning once or twice per year helps keep the system running efficiently and maximizes your return on investment.

Average annual maintenance cost of solar panels - Chart
Average annual maintenance cost of solar panels - Chart
Average annual maintenance cost of solar panels
Type Average annual cost*
Solar panel cleaning $150 – $500
Solar panel inspection $150 – $350

*When not included in the installation service contract

  • With proper maintenance, solar panels last 25+ years.

  • A typical residential solar panel system has 15 to 25 panels.

  • Some solar panel installation contracts include annual inspections and cleaning.

Solar panel cleaning

Professional solar panel cleaning costs $150 to $500 total or $10 to $20 per panel on average, depending on the job size, complexity, cleaning method, and if the service includes an inspection. Dirt, dust, and debris can accumulate on your solar panels over time, reducing their efficiency.

  • Most manufacturers have specific and detailed instructions on how to clean the panels correctly to maintain the warranty.

  • Manual cleaning with water-fed, non-abrasive brushes is the most common method for cleaning residential solar systems.

  • For cleaning large-scale solar panel systems, professionals may use automated or semi-automated robots.

Solar panel inspection

The average cost of a solar panel inspection ranges from $150 to $350 when not included in your installation service contract. The cost depends primarily on your location and your solar system's size and accessibility. Regular inspections are essential to identify potential issues and prevent more costly repairs down the road.

A solar panel inspection typically involves:

  • Examining the panels, mounting systems, inverters, junction boxes, and any other system components.

  • Assessing the system's performance and efficiency.

  • Looking for signs of damage like cracked glass, chewed wiring, corrosion, loose parts, and nests or pests underneath the panels.

Solar system repairs

While solar panel systems are durable and relatively low maintenance, certain parts may need repair or replacement due to age, physical damage, faulty components, or electrical issues. Some components, like string inverters, have a shorter lifespan than the panels themselves and typically need replacement sooner.

Repair costs vary significantly, depending on the extent of the problem and the specific parts that need repair or replacement. The table below details the average costs for the most common solar panel system issues:

Solar panel repairs cost
Problem / Repair type Average cost*
Broken or cracked glass $20 – $450
Loose or chewed wiring $100 – $400
Corrosion or rust $20 – $350
Obstructions / tree branch removal cost $75 – $850
Solar inverter replacement cost $1,500 – $3,000
Additional roof repair cost $150 – $1,000+

*Most solar panel professionals charge a $100 to $250 minimum job fee.

A technician working on solar panels on a home's roof
A technician working on solar panels on a home's roof

Solar panel removal or replacement

If your panels have reached the end of their lifespan or you need to relocate your system—temporarily for roof repairs or permanently to a new residence—solar panel removal costs $200 to $500+ per panel, depending on the system size, job complexity, and if you need panels shipped to a new location or reinstalled.

For a complete replacement, a new residential solar panel system costs $18,000 to $45,000 or $3.00 to $4.50 per watt installed, before tax credits or incentives. Larger commercial solar panel systems cost $2.50 to $3.50 per watt to replace before incentives.

Get free estimates from solar panel repair services near you.

Solar panel maintenance cost factors

Several factors can influence the overall cost of solar panel maintenance, including:

  • System size & type:

    • Complex solar panel systems or large commercial systems typically require more time, expertise, and labor to maintain, resulting in higher costs. However, solar companies may reduce the cost per panel for larger cleaning jobs.

    • If you have a smaller-than-average solar panel system, a solar company's minimum job fee—often $100 to $250—may make the cleaning cost per panel higher than average.

  • Panel type, age, & condition: Newer, more efficient panels may require less frequent maintenance, while older models may be more prone to issues and require more attention. Panels with significant debris buildup may take more time to clean, increasing the cost.

  • Accessibility: Ground-mounted or easily accessible panels typically cost less to maintain than those installed on steep roofs or hard-to-reach areas.

  • Geographic location & climate: Costs vary depending on the region and the availability of local solar maintenance services. Areas with frequent heavy rainfall typically need less frequent cleaning.

  • Inverter type: Microinverters cost 15% to 25% more to replace than string solar inverters. However, microinverters often last up to 10 years longer than string inverters.

  • Manufacturer: Some manufacturers have specific requirements for cleaning methods and frequency to maintain the warranty, which impacts the cost.

  • Installer: Solar panel installation contracts often include an annual inspection and cleaning at no additional cost.

  • Insurance: Your homeowners' insurance may cover some repair costs if a covered event like a storm damages the panels.

  • Leased vs. owned panels: If you own your solar panel system, you're responsible for maintaining it. Solar companies typically do the maintenance for leased panels.

Signs your solar panels need maintenance

Common indicators that your solar panel system may need maintenance include:

  • Decreased energy production: If you notice a drop in your system's energy output, it could be a sign of panel soiling, shading, or other issues that require maintenance.

  • Physical damage: Cracks, chips, or discoloration on the panel surface may indicate physical damage that you should address.

  • Loose or damaged components: Inspect and repair any loose or damaged wiring, mounting hardware, or other components as needed.

  • Excessive dirt or debris buildup: Your panels may need professional cleaning to remove significant accumulations of dirt, bird droppings, or other materials that can reduce panel efficiency.

Tips for a long-lasting solar panel system

Here are a few things you can do to keep your solar panel system in good shape and running efficiently:

  • Trim surrounding trees as needed to keep them from shading the panels.

  • Inspect the panels and all components after a storm to confirm everything is still functioning properly and catch any issues before they become worse.

  • Consider installing a critter guard or bird mesh to prevent premature system damage from animals nesting underneath the solar panels.

  • Visually check the panels once per week to ensure they are free of debris. Natural rainfall along with the slant of the panels often keeps them clean enough, but sometimes you’ll need to rinse them with a garden hose or hire a professional.

Solar panel maintenance FAQs

Do solar panels need maintenance?

Yes, solar panels need regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity. While they are designed to be durable and low-maintenance, various factors like weather conditions, soiling, and potential physical damage can impact solar panel efficiency over time. Dirt and debris alone can reduce energy output by 7% to 30% or more.

Does cleaning solar panels make a difference?

Yes! Cleaning solar panels can have a significant impact on their energy production. Even a thin layer of dust or dirt can reduce the amount of sunlight reaching the panels, resulting in lower energy output. Regular cleaning helps maintain peak performance, extend the system's lifespan, and maximize your return on investment.

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for solar panel cleaning and maintenance. Otherwise, you may void the warranty.

How often do solar panels need maintenance?

The frequency of solar panel maintenance depends on many factors, such as location, weather, and the type of solar panels you have. Scheduling a professional inspection and cleaning once or twice a year is often sufficient. Solar panels in areas with high levels of dust, pollution, or bird activity may need more frequent maintenance.

No matter where you live, always check your solar panels for damage and debris after a major storm or weather event.

Can I perform solar panel maintenance myself?

Get free estimates from solar panel repair services near you.

While some basic maintenance tasks are DIY-friendly, such as rinsing off ground-mounted panels, hiring a professional for solar panel maintenance service is best. Professionals have the necessary training, equipment, and safety protocols to ensure proper maintenance without risking personal injury or damage to your system.

Getting estimates for solar panel maintenance

When hiring a professional solar panel maintenance service near you, be sure to:

Questions to ask a solar panel maintenance professional

Asking the right questions can help you select a qualified and trustworthy solar panel maintenance professional:

  • How long have you been maintaining solar panels?

  • What specific training, certifications, or licensing do you have?

  • Do you have experience with solar panels like mine?

  • Do you have references I can contact or testimonials from past customers?

  • Does the estimate include inspection and cleaning?

  • What additional costs might come up during a solar panel inspection?

  • Is your cleaning method approved by the manufacturer of my solar panels?

  • How long will the inspection and solar panel cleaning process take?