Residential Solar Maintenance: How to Maintain Solar Panels

Because solar photovoltaic (PV) panels have no moving parts, manufacturers can confidently ship their modules with 25+ years of warranty protection. If there’s a solar panel defect or malfunction detected over that time frame, the solar system owner qualifies for a free replacement (assuming the original manufacturer is still in business).

However, any number of other problems can arise during that 25-year span – some of which aren’t covered under warranty. And this explains why many renewable power producers invest in solar operations and maintenance (O&M) to keep their PV systems in optimal working condition.

This article outlines solar panel operation and maintenance, why it's important, and what solar system owners can expect to pay to have their solar systems regularly serviced. With over a decade of solar energy expertise, GreenLancer excels in providing residential solar operations and maintenance services nationwide.

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Solar Operations & Maintenance Requirements

Although solar PV is one of the most resilient energy generation technologies on the market, something as simple as dust accumulation can negatively impact panel performance. This is certainly true with a standard residential installation, with excessive dust build-up often resulting in noticeable dips in production – which in turn leads to lost solar savings. Those losses merely compound as the size of the PV system grows. This is why utility-scale solar farms invest in daily cleaning to maximize facility-wide power production.

However, module cleaning is just one aspect of solar operations and maintenance. And for most solar systems, it represents the lowest-hanging fruit. More advanced servicing includes things like:

• Solar System Inspections: Regular inspections help identify issues such as physical damage, wiring degradation, or dirt accumulation. Inspections should also ensure all components, including panels, inverters, and mounting hardware, are securely attached and functioning properly.

• Equipment Recalibrations: Over time, solar systems may lose efficiency due to shifts in system settings or hardware performance. Recalibrating sensors, inverters, and tracking systems optimize energy output, ensuring the system operates at peak performance.

• PV Panel Repositioning: Solar modules may need repositioning to optimize sun exposure, especially in cases where seasonal changes or new obstructions affect performance. Adjusting the tilt or angle can maximize energy capture throughout the year.

• Inverter Maintenance: Inverters convert DC to AC and are vital for system efficiency. Inverter maintenance includes checking for software updates, cleaning filters, and replacing malfunctioning components to prevent energy loss.

• Grid Reconnections: If a PV system loses connection to the grid, reconnections ensure proper energy flow and compliance with regulations. This is particularly important for grid-tied systems, as prolonged disconnections could impact performance and financial benefits like net metering.

In addition, PV systems are becoming more sophisticated, with many newer installations featuring battery storage and electric vehicle charging – both of which can increase a system’s solar operations and maintenance requirements.

Reactive vs. Preventative Solar Operations & Maintenance

Sometimes, emergency system maintenance is required to correct sudden drops in solar output. This reactive approach normally requires that system owners regularly check their utility bill statements – or that the PV systems themselves come with in-built solar monitoring to alert their owners to deviations in energy production. SolarEdge monitoring is one example of a popular monitoring system commonly used for solar operations and maintenance.

Other times, servicing is done on an ongoing basis as part of general upkeep. This strategy qualifies as preventative solar operations and maintenance – similar to yearly auto inspections or annual physicals. During these visits, solar technicians will inspect the systems, reconfigure any loose wires or panels, and optimize the installations for maximum solar output. More severe problems – like cracked panels or faulty inverters – can also be addressed during these visits.

Many residential solar customers are reactive, treating their PV systems as set-it-and-forget-it technology. They only intervene when solar production drops significantly. Many smaller businesses also adopt this approach because it’s typically cheaper and easier than paying for scheduled solar PV maintenance.

As the size of the PV installation grows, however, it becomes easier to justify the ongoing cost of preventive solar operations and maintenance. Whereas dust on 20 panels might translate to $30 in forfeited savings, that same dust across an entire PV farm could mean tens of thousands of dollars in lost savings.

And again – that’s just dust.

When you add all the other components, wires, nuts, and bolts that can potentially fail at any point, solar operations and maintenance can be a worthwhile investment that delivers tangible results.

But what can PV system owners expect to pay for regular upkeep?

Solar Operations and Maintenance Costs

Every system is different, making it hard to give absolute costs. Just as you can’t price an installation without seeing the property, you can’t price solar maintenance until you see the PV system.

However, there are industry averages. According to HomeAdvisor, for example, residential solar customers can expect to pay:

• $150 for a comprehensive solar PV system inspection

• $3 – $10 per panel for cleaning (or a flat rate of $150 – $350)

• $711 on average for solar panel repairs

These estimates align with the DIY portal Fixr, which states that for a standard 2 kW residential PV system, you can expect to pay about $350 a year for routine cleaning and inspections for solar operations and maintenance.

But again, size matters. Repairing a large commercial PV installation, for example, might cost significantly more if servicing requires removing damaged panels, reinforcing the roof, and installing newer PV modules.

The good news is that not all solar system repairs will necessarily be out-of-pocket. If a malfunction is covered under warranty (and the manufacturer is still around to honor it), the PV system owner should receive a free replacement. However, that customer still must pay out-of-pocket to remove the faulty panel and install the replacement module.

Monitoring Systems for Solar Operations and Maintenace

Effective monitoring systems are the unsung heroes of solar energy operations and maintenance, ensuring that installations perform at their best throughout their lifespan. These systems provide real-time data on energy production, system health, and individual component performance, such as inverters and solar panels.

By offering detailed insights into the operational status of a solar energy system, monitoring platforms enable operators to detect and address issues promptly, minimizing downtime and maximizing energy output. This proactive approach to solar operations and maintenance boosts the reliability and efficiency of the solar installation and extends its operational life.

Beyond just keeping tabs on daily operations, these monitoring systems are crucial in predictive solar panel maintenance. They analyze performance trends and identify potential issues before they become serious problems.

This means solar operations and maintenance teams can schedule activities proactively, avoiding unexpected failures and expensive repairs. The best part? Advanced monitoring solutions often include remote troubleshooting, so technicians can diagnose and resolve issues without traveling to the site.

When Are Solar Operations and Maintenance Needed?

Servicing is ongoing for customers who adopt a preventative maintenance strategy, with most homeowners and businesses choosing an annual schedule. However, cleaning and inspections may need to happen more frequently, depending on local conditions. For example, pollen, dust, leaves, and snow are all seasonal factors that can impact PV system performance.

Daily or weekly servicing is normal for industrial-scale PV farms. This frequency doesn’t mean every single component is serviced every single day (unless bird droppings are a major problem). But, the facility as a whole undergoes daily or weekly upkeep to help optimize solar power production across the entire PV farm.

Customers who choose a reactive solar operations and maintenance strategy only need to intervene when they detect a problem due to:

• Solar monitoring that alerts them to deviations in PV system output. These monitoring solutions exist at the residential solar consumer level all the way up to the utility-scale.

• Noticeable increases in utility bill spending. However, this requires a lot of vigilance from the PV system owner since they must regularly check their statements. Using an “eyeball” approach also makes it harder to account for seasonal variations in energy production. And solar energy system owners may be better off comparing statements from year to year instead of month to month.

• Visible damage to the solar panel system. This includes slipped panels, loose wires, or even modules cracked by falling debris like tree limbs or hail. Even if this damage doesn’t immediately translate to lost solar energy savings, tiny problems can quickly grow into larger and more expensive ones if they aren’t corrected early on.

  
  

Solar Operations and Maintenance: Handling Insurance Claims and Repairs

In addition to routine servicing, solar system owners must consider unexpected events such as hail, storms, or fires, which can damage their PV systems. When these types of damages occur, solar operations and maintenance (O&M) can help manage the repair process, ensuring that the system is restored to optimal performance.

Insurance Claims for Solar Repairs

If damage to the solar system is covered by a homeowners insurance policy, system owners can file a claim to cover the costs of repairs or replacements. Common causes of solar panel damage include hailstorms, falling debris, and fire-related issues. Solar owners should document the damage and provide proof to their insurance provider, which may require photos, repair estimates, or an official damage report.

Solar Repairs After a Claim

Once a claim is filed, the next step is to address the repairs needed. Depending on the severity of the damage, this could involve replacing damaged panels, fixing wiring issues, or even repairing the inverter. Solar operations and maintenance companies can assist with these repairs, ensuring that the system is restored to its original performance level.

How Often Is Solar Maintenance Needed?

Solar panels generally require minimal maintenance, often limited to periodic cleaning to ensure optimal performance. The frequency of maintenance can vary based on factors such as location, climate, and environmental conditions. On average, an annual inspection and cleaning are recommended, which can be done by the homeowner or by hiring a solar professional if preferred.

Can Homeowners Clean Solar Panels Themselves?

Yes, homeowners can clean their solar panels themselves using water, a gentle brush, and mild soap if necessary. However, it's important to follow proper safety precautions and consult the manufacturer's guidelines. Alternatively, they can hire a professional solar panel cleaning service.

When cleaning solar panels, it's important to avoid using abrasive materials, pressure washers, or harsh chemicals, as these can damage the surface of the panels. Similarly, it's best to avoid walking on the panels to prevent any physical damage.

What Options Are There For Solar Operations and Maintenance?

Customers who require emergency or preventative solar system maintenance have two main options:

• Work with a PV installer that offers in-house solar operations and maintenance

• Work with a dedicated solar O&M company

Choosing between these options depends on the system's scale, complexity, and the level of service required. Homeowners with small systems may find working with their original installer sufficient for annual cleanings and minor repairs.

On the other hand, businesses with larger PV installations often benefit from the specialized capabilities of dedicated solar operations and maintenance companies. With over a decade of solar energy experience, GreenLancer bridges the gap by offering reliable solar operations and maintenance solutions tailored for residential projects.

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Installers Providing Solar Operations and Maintenance

Some solar contractors provide one-off repairs or offer solar panel maintenance and cleaning services exclusively for the systems they’ve installed. These services are often considered add-ons rather than a core focus of their business and are usually limited to their existing customers.

One benefit of relying on the original installer for solar operations and maintenance is their familiarity with the photovoltaic system. They already understand the components, such as the panels, solar inverter, and racking system, and are knowledgeable about local factors like climate, solar irradiation, and permitting requirements.

However, this approach has several limitations:

• Some installers don’t offer solar operations and maintenance or module cleaning.

• Because it’s not their primary focus, the quality of their solar operations and maintenance service may vary.

• Installers often lack the resources for larger or more complex maintenance jobs.

• If the original installation process was unsatisfactory, returning to the same contractor may not be the best choice.

Also, the solar industry has seen some companies go out of business, leaving customers without direct support. Fortunately, solar operations and maintenance are often covered under manufacturer warranties, allowing system owners to find third-party providers for repairs or upkeep.

Solar Operations and Maintenance Companies

As the solar PV industry evolves, many companies now specialize exclusively in solar operations and maintenance because of the rising demand as systems age. In fact, solar installers often subcontract their projects to these dedicated service providers. If you take this approach, it’s essential to recommend reputable maintenance partners to your clients while explaining the pros and cons of using specialized operations and maintenance companies.

Dedicated solar operations and maintenance providers typically have the resources to handle larger projects, offering the tools, inventory, and personnel needed for 24/7 support. Their expertise allows them to manage complex challenges efficiently, often outpacing the capabilities of general solar installers.

For homeowners, routine services like annual system inspections and cleanings are sufficient. Hiring a full-time solar operations and maintenance company is generally unnecessary for residential systems. However, for larger commercial or industrial installations, the added cost of specialized maintenance may be justified by the potential improvements in system performance.

GreenLancer provides reliable residential solar operations and maintenance services across 40 states, making us a trusted partner for solar installers and system owners alike.

Ongoing Solar Operations and Maintenance Are Critical

Many solar customers are initially caught off-guard when they discover their PV systems require regular maintenance. That’s because the technology is often marketed as ultra-resilient and hassle-free.

But while solar maintenance requirements are indeed low, they’re not zero. Problems can and will arise over the 25-plus years of a PV panel’s warrantied lifetime – to say nothing of the countless other components that go into a solar installation. Not correcting these problems as they arise will inevitably lead to forfeited financial and environmental savings.

Emergency solar panel maintenance can help reclaim those savings in the short term. And preventative maintenance can help protect them in the long term.

GreenLancer provides solar operations and maintenance services across 40 states, so if you want trucks to roll to your solar PV installations, sign up now and browse our network of solar field service providers.