Solar Panel Maintenance FAQs

Here in northern California, solar panels can be a great option for living off-grid, saving money, and helping our global ecosystem get better. Maybe you want a solar system and are worried about what it might cost to maintain it, or maybe you’ve had a solar panel installation on you house for a while and are just now wondering “should I get this regularly looked at?” In this article we hope to answer some of those questions and put you mind at rest. The truth is, solar panels are easy and everyone should have them! And, even if anything does happen, you’re local northern California solar provider will always be there to help you out.

1. Are solar panels high maintenance?

Solar panels are pretty hardy! There’s not usually anything to worry about as most solar panel installations have a relatively simple construction and require very little regular maintenance. In fact, most solar panels have a productive lifetime of 25 years or more! If anything does go wrong though, give a call to your local solar panel company or the company that installed your system.

2. How often do I need solar panel maintenance?

You really shouldn’t need a whole lot of solar panel maintenance every year. Most solar panel care is limited to cleaning any dirt, leave, or debris off of the panel. Beyond that, solar panels should get a regular annual inspection (preferably from your local solar panel company!).

3. Will my solar panels be damaged by the weather?

Although no machine is indestructible, most solar panels are built to withstand various kinds of trying weather conditions. It’s far more likely that your solar system might stop working because of some dirt or debris blocking the sun from the panels. Dark clouds and heavy rains have also been known to cause short, temporary reductions in solar panel power outputs.

Keep a weather eye (haha, wink wink) on your solar panels for reoccurring drops in power output or extended periods of low performance. This could signal a more serious issue that you would want to call an inspector for.

4. You’ve talked a lot about cleaning; why is cleaning solar panels so important?

The bottom line is that a dirty solar panel will not operate at peak performance, which will affect your … well … bottom line. In order to operate at max performance, your solar panels need to be exposed to the sun as much as possible. A layer of dirt, leaves, or whatever else will reduce the amount of sun getting to your panels. Less sun = less energy, and less energy means less savings for you!

5. O.K. What does a basic cleaning routine look like?

For most residential solar installations, cleaning solar panels could be as easy as using a garden hose to clean any debris off the panels. Your solar panels should be clear of dirt, dust, and leaves to maximize the amount of light available to turn into electrical power. If the grime doesn’t wash off easily, we advise to hire a professional to clean and maintain your solar panels.

6. Should I be monitoring my electricity production?

Absolutely! Monitor your system’s production to ensure your solar panel performance is not affecting electricity production. If you notice a drop in efficiency or repeating patterns of poor performance, call a solar provider near you to inspect the system’s wiring, inverters, and power junctions right away.

7. What are some benefits of solar panels?

Solar panels allow you to sit back and enjoy your energy bill savings, help the environment, and reduce your carbon footprint.

As a top solar company in Sonoma County, Westcoast Solar Energy has successfully installed hundreds of projects throughout California. WCSE knows what it takes to keep your system operating at peak efficiency. If you think you need an inspection, our service and repair team can spot small problems before they lead to higher costs for repairs. Even if the original solar installation company is no longer in business, we can service and repair your solar panels.

Learn more about solar energy on our solar energy fact sheet here.