How much does solar panel maintenance cost?
How much does solar panel maintenance cost?
$300 – $850 average annual maintenance cost
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.
| 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.
If your panels are extremely dirty, look for a company that charges a flat rate per panel for cleaning instead of one that charges hourly.
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.
Some cleaning companies include an inspection in their cleaning price, while others charge a separate inspection fee.
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:
| 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.
If your cleaning company discovers an issue but does not handle repairs, reach out to a local solar panel repair company for an assessment and repair estimate. Some companies may also help you file an insurance or warranty claim, if applicable.
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.
Always confirm what's included in the removal price. Some companies charge one fee to disconnect and remove the solar panels and a separate fee to remove the mounting hardware.
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.
Do not clean solar panels when they are hot. An extreme temperature change can cause the panels to crack.
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?
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:
Look for members of relevant professional organizations such as the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE), the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), and the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
Search for solar professionals with positive reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Compare 3+ inspection and cleaning estimates with similar details.
Hire a licensed, bonded, and insured company that's been in business for 5+ years.
Beware of extremely low quotes, as they may be a sign of low-quality work or a lack of experience.
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?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.