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As a general rule, for an investment that can last 25 years, solar panels don’t require a whole lot of maintenance. If you follow our advice and buy good quality components and, have them installed by a reputable solar company, the level of maintenance and upkeep required will likely be minimal.
However, not all solar systems are equal and the conditions surrounding every install are different. Even the best systems require a level of maintenance to ensure they:
- Perform as they should
- Remain safe
- Ensure longevity
Whether you’re just about to invest in a new system or you’re just beginning to research solar options for your home, it’s important to understand the ongoing maintenance requirements of solar panels.
Tip: Ensure your panels are installed at an angle greater than 10°. This will make your maintenance program a lot easier. Panels do a pretty good job of self-cleaning themselves with rainfall at an angle of 10° or more.
Essential components of solar panel maintenance
The essential components of solar panel maintenance are:
- Monitoring
- Cleaning
- Servicing
Monitoring your system
Monitoring the performance of your system is a vital part of solar panel maintenance. Monitoring can alert you to any potential issues before they become a real problem. There are four ways that you can monitor your system:
- Monitor system performance
- Carrying out a physical inspection
- Checking inverter fault codes
- Monitoring electricity bills for large increases
Monitoring system performance
Understanding typical performance metrics for your solar panels is one of the most important steps in being able to diagnose changes to your system’s functionality. Regular monitoring to compare solar output, is the best way to check if your solar panels are working properly. Of course, environmental factors are the number one influence on solar production and panel efficiency, so with the right benchmarks in place, you should be able to measure the efficacy of solar panels and diagnose any potential issues without the need for a physical inspection.
Inspecting panels for damage and wear
Inspecting solar panels for physical damage such as nicks to the module and wear on breakers, conductors, and busbars is essential for maintaining the function of your panels. Broken panels aren’t just less efficient, they can also cause electrical hazards. Unless you know what to look for, it can be hard to spot common signs of wear and damage which is why it’s worth having your solar panels inspected by an SAA accredited installer or an A-grade electrician. If you notice changes to your system’s output and efficiency, then it is recommended you get your solar panels inspected immediately to identify any potential issues.
Checking inverter fault codes
As part of your maintenance regime, you should regularly check the inverter for any flashing red or orange lights that may indicate a fault with the system. In the event there is a fault, you should contact your installer immediately.
Monitor electricity bills
Another way you can monitor your system’s performance is by checking your electricity bill for large spikes or increases compared to previous bills. This is a longer-term check as opposed to monitoring day-to-day metrics.
Cleaning solar panels
Cleaning solar panelsInspecting your solar panels for cleaning is an essential aspect of solar panel maintenance. How often you need to clean your solar panels will depend on the location of your panels, the angle they are mounted at and local environmental conditions.
While there is no hard and fast rule on how often you should be cleaning your solar panels, we recommend inspecting them to see if they need cleaning at least twice per year. Solar panels that are subject to dirt and grime may be less efficient than those that are regularly cleaned, though the benefits of cleaning don’t always outweigh the costs to have them professionally cleaned.
Servicing solar panels
As part of your maintenance program, you should expect to pay for a service by an SAA accredited installer, or an A-grade electrician, at least once every five years. A qualified technician can inspect the system to a level that typical homeowners cannot match. A service should include:
- Thorough visual inspection for cracks or defects
- Inspection of all cables and switches
- Testing of electrical components
- Checking of fault history
- Ensure isolator switch is accessible
- Checking that components haven’t deteriorated
- Check for water damage and corrosion
- Cleaning panels
- Clearing / cleaning around panels
Benefits of solar panel maintenance
There are many benefits to regular solar panel maintenance. Of utmost importance is that your system remains safe.
Operate safely
A maintenance program can help ensure that your home solar power system continues to operate safely. Regular monitoring and inspections can reduce the likelihood of fire or malfunction.
Enhance longevity
System longevity is a benefit of solar panel maintenance. A system that is regularly maintained is one that stands a greater chance of fulfilling its 25-year lifespan.
Uphold performance
All solar panels come with a performance ratio. Product sheets list the ratio of the panel and it’s a metric that separates the best panels from average ones. If a system is not regularly maintained, you run the risk that solar output is diminished and your system performs below its expected level.
Preventative care reduces ongoing costs
Prevention is always better than a cure – and the same goes for solar panel maintenance. Regular inspection and replacement of any broken components is generally less than ad-hoc solar repairs and ensures that there is no lost generation.
Meet warranty requirements
Solar panels typically come with a 5, 10, or 15-year product warranty and a 25-year performance warranty. The warranties cover both manufacturing faults and performance guarantees, ensuring the panels produce a specified percentage of their rated capacity over the warranty period.
Solar panel maintenance schedule guide
| Maintenance | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Monitor solar panel efficiency | Ongoing |
| Professional system service | Every 2 to 5 years |
| Cleaning of solar panels | Regular inspection |
| Cleaning roof and surrounding vegetation | Every 6 months |
| Inspect for damage | Every 6 months |
Solar panel maintenance costs
The cost for a professional solar panel service typical ranges from $10-$15 per panel. The table below provides a breakdown of solar panel inspection costs by popular solar system sizes:
| System size | Number of panels | Estimated inspection cost |
|---|---|---|
| 3kW solar system | 7 – 9 panels | $70 – $135 |
| 4kW solar system | 9 – 12 panels | $90 – $180 |
| 5kW solar system | 12 – 15 panels | $120 – $225 |
| 6.6kW solar system | 15 – 20 panels | $150 – $300 |
| 8kW solar system | 19 – 24 panels | $190 – $360 |
| 10kW solar system | 24 – 30 panels | $240 – $450 |
| 13kW solar system | 30 – 40 panels | $300 – $600 |
| 20kW solar system | 48 – 60 panels | $480 – $900 |
Solar panel cleaning costs
The cost to have solar panels professionally cleaned ranges from $12-$18 per panel. The table below provides a breakdown of solar panel cleaning costs by popular solar system sizes:
| System size | Number of panels | Estimated cleaning cost |
|---|---|---|
| 3kW solar system | 7 – 9 panels | $84 – $162 |
| 4kW solar system | 9 – 12 panels | $108 – $216 |
| 5kW solar system | 12 – 15 panels | $144 – $270 |
| 6.6kW solar system | 15 – 20 panels | $180 – $360 |
| 8kW solar system | 19 – 24 panels | $228 – $432 |
| 10kW solar system | 24 – 30 panels | $288 – $540 |
| 13kW solar system | 30 – 40 panels | $360 – $720 |
| 20kW solar system | 48 – 60 panels | $560 – $1,080 |
Factors that influence solar panel maintenance requirements
Climate & environment
General climate conditions as well as environmental factors such as storms play an important role in determining solar panel maintenance requirements. For instance, dust accumulation or “soiling” is most likely to occur in areas near sand or industrial zones which can necessitate more frequent cleaning.
Extreme weather conditions such as storms can introduce debris and create drainage obstacles which can create pressure points on panels and potentially cause further damage.
Size and complexity of solar system
The size and complexity of your solar system play an important role in dictating ongoing maintenance costs. Larger, more complex solar panel setups will typically require more extensive maintenance and attract higher ongoing costs. Factors such as accessibility and location of panels (how easy they are to access on the roof) can also play a role in determining the cost of inspection, maintenance, and cleaning.
Nearby vegetation and shading
Reducing vegetation and shade around your solar panels can assist with their ongoing maintenance. Vegetation can leave debris, encourage animals and increase the risk of water ingress from dripping branches.
Age of your system
The age of your solar panels plays an important role in determining maintenance costs. While most solar panels will last for more than 20 years, their efficiency can decline over time. Regular maintenance and cleaning help to maintain solar panel efficiency, while ongoing periodic component replacements can help to sustain system longevity.
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