Solar panel cleaning and maintenance: A guide for optimal performance

Despite equipment lifespans of over 25 years, solar panel maintenance is relatively minimal for homeowners with renewable energy systems. When the rare bit of solar maintenance is required, however, executing the necessary upkeep is essential to ensure optimal system performance.

In this guide for homeowners with solar power systems, we detail everything to know about solar panel cleaning and maintenance to maximize your clean electricity production and energy bill savings.

Monitoring and routine inspections for solar power systems

Proper solar panel maintenance begins with regularly monitoring your system’s output. While many homeowners enjoy watching their energy bill savings increase alongside solar electricity production, monitoring your solar system can be a daily or weekly routine to ensure everything is working as expected. If you notice a significant drop in your solar panels’ production efficiency, it could be a sign of a potential issue that needs to be addressed.

Beyond monitoring solar output, regularly inspecting your system’s equipment can also help you catch and fix minor issues before they turn into costly repairs. These inspections involve checking the solar panels, inverters, mounting materials, and other components for signs of wear, cracks, or corrosion. For your personal safety and the best overall care, a professional solar inspection is recommended once every five to ten years while the system is preforming as expected.

How to clean solar panels for maximum energy production

Solar panel cleaning is the most common maintenance performed on residential phototactic (PV) energy systems, especially those in dry or windy areas.  When dirt, dust, debris, or animal droppings accumulate on the surface of your solar panels, blocked sunlight can significantly reduce their energy production. Knowing this, regular solar panel cleaning can help ensure the maximum output efficiency of your solar power system.

If your solar panels are installed on your roof, consider hiring a professional when it is time for a cleaning. Hiring a professional can ensure the job is done both safely and effectively, with the least personal and financial risk involved.

When arrays are within reach, you use a soft, non-abrasive brush and soapy water to clean your system, in the same way you would clean your car or RV, safely wiping away any debris without scratching the surface of the panels. Today, there are many solar panel cleaning brushes for sale designed intentionally to make the process as easy as possible for homeowners performing system maintenance.

Other common solar maintenance repairs

Besides the occasional cleaning, solar energy systems require very minimal upkeep to maintain ongoing operational efficiency. If your solar panel output drops significantly, this is most likely due to one of the following issues:

• Inverter failure

  Solar panels work with inverter systems to produce usable home electricity. When you install microinverters, one inverter’s failure will not affect another panel’s performance. On the other hand, in a string inverter-based solar energy system, inverter failure can temporarily shut down all your panels until the necessary maintenance is performed.

• Pest problems

  If the area beneath your solar panels is exposed, your system may be at risk of several potential problems from the animal kingdom. While birds occasionally nest beneath unprotected solar panels, squirrels and other rodents have also been known to chew wires and cause systems to go offline.

• Panel damage

  Although solar panels regularly survive hailstorms and other weather events, systems can occasionally become damaged during storms, extreme winds, hurricanes, and other natural disasters.

Warranty coverage and solar maintenance costs

Warranties play a vital role in protecting your solar investment. To maintain your warranty coverage, it is important to follow the manufacturer's maintenance guidelines and avoid any unauthorized modifications to your system.

The total costs associated with your solar maintenance requests can vary, but are generally worth it to ensure ongoing system performance and maximum savings. When comparing offers from various solar installers, evaluating warranty coverage inclusions and potential maintenance costs is essential to make the best long-term financial decision for your home.

Solar energy equipment warranties

Most solar panels and microinverters are installed with 25-year performance warranties for long-term peace of mind. String or central inverter warranties usually last 10 to 15 years, and part failure outside of this coverage can lead to costly part replacements. Most solar battery warranty lengths fall between 10 and 12 years, while some industry-leading energy storage options include 15-year performance warranties.

Workmanship and wiring warranties

Most critical solar maintenance is done to ensure that a system’s electrical components are all working safely and in good condition, which requires a professional inspection. To reduce potential future expenses and maximize your investment in solar, wiring and electrical inspections should be scheduled near the end of your workmanship warranty (also known as your labor warranty) period, which is usually between five and ten years.

Key insights and solar panel maintenance FAQs

Ultimately, solar panel maintenance is very minimal for most homeowners, though regular cleanings and inspections are recommended to ensure optimal system performance. Before you go solar, it is vital to understand what inspections, repairs, or part replacements are covered by the warranties included with your system from both equipment manufacturers and your installer.

How often should solar panels be cleaned?

The frequency recommended for solar panel cleaning depends on the environment surrounding your installation. In general, it's recommended to clean your panels at least once or twice a year. If you live in a dusty or heavily polluted area, you may need to clean your panels more frequently. While uncleaned panels will still work, dust and soiling (like on a car windshield) will lead to lower production output.

Does rain clean solar panels?

While rain can help to wash away some dust and loose dirt, it is not the most effective method for thorough solar panel cleaning. As such, relying solely on rain to clean your solar panels is not recommended for optimal production, but can extend the interval period between washing. Instead, regular cleaning, whether DIY or through professional services, can ensure your panels can operate at maximum efficiency.

Can severe weather and hail damage solar panels?

Hailstorms, high winds, heavy snowfall, and extreme temperatures can all potentially cause physical damage to your system, including micro-cracks in solar cells and loosened mounting materials. While most solar panels are designed to withstand the elements, and severe damage is rare, it's a good idea to inspect your system for any signs of damage or decreased performance after a particularly severe weather event.