The Ultimate Solar Panel Maintenance Guide To Keep Your Panels Working As Efficiently As Possible (2024)

Dirt, debris, dust and other items can dirty solar panels and if the accumulation grows too much, it can start to impact the amount of energy that the solar panels produce. Be sure to turn your solar power system off prior to cleaning. Cleaning solar panels by spraying them down with lukewarm water from a hose usually does the trick. Do not use cleaning agents or soap to clean solar panels because they can leave streaks and damage the panels.

For solar panels with heavier deposits, spraying them down with a lukewarm water from a garden hose and wiping them down with a non-abrasive, microfiber cloth can get them clean. If you clean them while on a roof, remember to do so safely by using a safety harness to prevent falls. If cleaning from a ladder, use caution to prevent falls. Best yet, a telescopic pole with a microfiber cloth attached to it can help you safely clean solar panels from the ground.

TIP: Do not clean your solar panels on a sunny day because it can leave smudges since the water can evaporate quickly.

Cleaning Solar Panels in Winter

Sometimes snow and ice can accumulate on solar panels but since they’re angled, it usually melts and slides off. Should snow or ice persist, spraying panels with lukewarm water can help remove it.

Avoid using hot water to clean snow and ice from solar panels because the temperature discrepancy can cause the panels to crack. You can also brush the panels off with something non-abrasive to prevent scratches.

Solar panels only need maintenance two to four times a year, but check your solar companies manual for panel specific maintenance care. Fall and spring serve as good times to perform maintenance work because panels can need cleaning following winter where dust and debris can accumulate. Fall is also a good time because of the falling leaves and other droppings. Beware of other issues like sap from trees and bird droppings.

Checking your solar panels four times a year can help you track the performance of your panels better. You can notice issues sooner and address them faster. You should also inspect wires and connections to ensure they’re in working condition. Sometimes critters can gnaw on them without you noticing.

You can also hire a professional to perform an annual inspection if you’d rather have a pro do the job.

It’s important to track the energy output of your solar panels closely. Typically a prolonged drop in production signals a maintenance need. Solar panels tend to decrease in performance as they age but early in their lifespan, any drop is more likely to come from dirty or obstructed panels.

Solar panel warranties can cover some of the maintenance costs with performance guarantees, but to have a pro service your panels, it can cost between $140 to $180 annually. An annual inspection can cost about $150 and cleanings can cost $150.You should take maintenance costs into consideration when calculating the total cost of solar panels.

The best solar panels stand up well in severe weather with most built to withstand wind speeds up to 140 mph. Solar panels can also sustain hail storms. In 2017, a hail storm in Denver saw just one of 3,000 panels damaged at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

Most solar panel components can be recycled, like the frames and glass. Of course, it’s best to check with your local recycling center to see what they’ll accept. Occasionally, solar panels can have small amounts of toxic metals like lead and cadmium, which must be taken to hazardous waste facilities.