One of the most attractive promises of residential solar power is that it’s a “set it and forget it” technology. While it’s true that modern solar panel systems are incredibly reliable and durable, the idea that they are completely “zero maintenance” is a myth. A more accurate description is “low maintenance.”
Understanding the basics of proper solar panel maintenance is essential for ensuring your system performs at its peak for its entire 25+ year lifespan. More importantly, it helps you understand the difference between a simple cleaning task and a serious system failure that requires a warranty claim. This guide will walk you through the simple maintenance you can do, and what to do when the problem is much bigger.
Routine Cleaning: Do You Really Need to Wash Your Panels?
For the vast majority of homeowners, the answer is no. Regular rainfall is typically sufficient to wash away the dust and pollen that accumulate on your panels. In most climates, the small performance boost from a professional cleaning is not worth the cost.
However, there are exceptions:
- Dry, Dusty Climates: If you live in an area like Arizona with long periods without rain, a thick layer of dust can build up and modestly reduce production.
- Heavy Pollen or Bird Droppings: If you live near a dense forest or have a problem with birds, a seasonal cleaning can be beneficial.
If you decide to clean your panels, safety is paramount. Never climb on your roof without proper safety equipment. Often, a simple spray from a garden hose from the ground in the early morning or evening (when the panels are cool) is all that is needed. Avoid using high-pressure washers or harsh detergents, as these can damage the panels.
Visual Inspections: Your Monthly Health Check
The most effective maintenance you can perform is a simple visual inspection once a month. You don’t need any special tools, just your own eyes.
- Check for Debris: Look for any accumulated leaves, branches, or other debris on top of the panels and gently remove anything that is easily accessible.
- Look for Signs of Pests: Birds and squirrels have been known to build nests under solar arrays. Look for any signs of nesting material, as this can create fire hazards and damage wiring.
- Check Your Inverter: Whether you have a large string inverter on the side of your house or microinverters you can see in your app, check to make sure the status lights are green. A red or orange light indicates an error that needs to be addressed.
What Is NOT a Maintenance Issue?
This is the most critical part of understanding your responsibilities as a homeowner. While you are responsible for keeping the panels reasonably clean and clear of debris, you are not responsible for fixing equipment failures. The following are not maintenance issues; they are grounds for a warranty claim.
- A Dead Panel or Inverter: If your monitoring app shows that a panel or microinverter is producing zero power, this is a hardware failure. This is not a maintenance task.
- A Leaking Roof: If your roof is leaking under or near the solar array, this is a sign of a failed roof penetration from the installation. This is a workmanship warranty issue.
- Significant, Unexplained Underperformance: If your entire system is producing far less power than it should be and it can’t be explained by weather or soiling, it points to a systemic problem with the hardware or design.
Conclusion: Know the Difference Between Cleaning and a Claim
Proper solar panel maintenance is simple and requires little more than occasional observation. Knowing how to perform these basic checks ensures you get the most out of your system.
More importantly, understanding what falls outside of routine maintenance empowers you to act when a real problem arises. If you are facing a major issue like an equipment failure or a roof leak, and your installer is trying to dismiss it as a “maintenance problem” you are responsible for, it’s time to get an expert opinion. Our case review process specializes in analyzing these situations to determine if you have a valid warranty claim or a case for faulty workmanship.The Essential Solar Panel Maintenance Checklist for Every Homeowner