TL;DR

Discover why solar panels need simple but important maintenance to stay efficient. Learn how often to clean, when to schedule inspections, and what can go wrong if upkeep is ignored. Find out how long panels last, what costs to expect, and how an annual maintenance plan can protect your investment.

In sunny states like Arizona, where dust storms and intense heat are common, many homeowners often ask: Do solar panels require maintenance? The answer is yes, solar panels need maintenance. 

But the good news is that solar panel systems are designed to be very durable and long-lasting, hence they just need little attention compared to other energy systems. Plus, there are various warranties that make maintenance much easier.

This might bring up other questions you might have, like I have heard solar panels are high maintenance. Is it true? How often do solar panels need maintenance? How long can a solar panel last without maintenance? How much does maintenance cost? 

Whether you are planning to go solar or have already switched to clean power, let’s answer all your questions around solar maintenance, starting with ‘Do solar panels require maintenance?’ in detail.

If you have more questions or want to know about your specific system, the team at Sunny Energy RX is always here to help. Contact us anytime for expert advice on your solar panel repair and maintenance needs in Arizona.

Do Solar Panels Require Maintenance? 

Yes, solar panels do need some maintenance to keep them working at their best. Generally, they just need a professional cleaning and an annual inspection to check wiring and other issues early on. Plus, you can schedule solar panel repair when any component stops working. 

Cleaning is the most common type of care, and regular rain can help to some extent to clean the solar panels. But if you live in places like Phoenix, where dust storms called haboobs can hit during the summer, panels often need extra cleaning.

You can think of your solar panels like the windows on your car. When they are clean, you can see through them perfectly. If they get covered in dust, pollen, or bird droppings, they can't capture as much sun.

Now, you may ask not just do solar panels require maintenance, but also if they require high maintenance.

Do Solar Panels Require High Maintenance?

No, solar panels do not require high maintenance at all. You can think about something high-maintenance, like a car that needs regular oil changes and part replacements. Solar panels are the quote opposite of that. They have no moving parts, which means they are very reliable and rarely break down. The most you'll ever need to do is make sure they are clean enough to soak up the sun. 

Because they are so durable and come with long warranties, you can have peace of mind. Now the question arises, how often do solar panels require maintenance?

How Often Do Solar Panels Need Maintenance?

The answer to how often do solar panels require maintenance depends on your location, surroundings, and weather. On average, it’s best to have a professional solar panel inspection every one to two years. This helps catch small issues early before they affect performance. Professional cleaning is usually needed once or twice a year. 

If you have homes in dusty regions, near highways, or surrounded by trees and wildlife, you will need more frequent cleaning (up to four times a year). 

Additionally, the answer to the question, How often do solar panels require maintenance isn't the same for everyone. A few local factors can make a big difference.

Here's what can change your solar maintenance needs:

Your Location

Where you live plays a big role. If you have a home in dusty desert areas, like much of Arizona, you will need more frequent cleaning. The fine sand and dirt in the air can quickly coat your panels, blocking the sun and reducing the amount of power they can make.

Your Immediate Surroundings

If you live near a busy highway, the exhaust and grime from traffic can settle on your panels. Homes with lots of nearby trees can have issues with pollen, leaves, and bird droppings, which all call for extra cleaning.

Arizona's Weather

The weather here can be intense and has a direct impact on your solar system. Arizona's powerful dust storms, known as haboobs, can cover panels in a thick layer of dirt in just a few minutes.

The monsoon season also brings heavy rain and strong winds, which can highlight loose connections or other issues that need a professional inspection.

When people ask Do solar panels require maintenance, lifespan is usually the next thing on their mind. Let’s understand how long do they last?

How Long Do Solar Panels Last?

Most solar panels are designed to last 25 to 30 years or more. Some can even last up to 40 years. Over time, their energy output may slowly decline, but they continue producing electricity well beyond the warranty period. 

The durable materials used in panel construction protect them against weather, temperature changes, and daily wear. With periodic maintenance and proper care, many homeowners see their panels working efficiently for decades.

But what happens if you decide to skip that maintenance? Do solar panels require maintenance to last their full 25 years? How does that affect how they work? 

How Long Can a Solar Panel Last Without Maintenance?

A solar panel can last for many years without any maintenance, but its performance will suffer. Over time, dirt, dust, and other debris will build up on the surface, which blocks sunlight from reaching the solar cells and reduces the amount of electricity they can produce.

If left uncleaned, a solar panel's energy output can drop significantly. Research from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has shown that the loss of energy from this buildup can be as high as 7% in some parts of the United States.

Overall, while the panel itself will likely continue to function for its expected lifespan of 25 years or more, you will not be getting the full benefit of the power it is capable of generating. So, to avoid that loss of power, let's talk about what proper solar maintenance actually looks like.

What Kind of Maintenance is Needed for Solar Panels?

Your solar panels don’t need much maintenance; you can follow a few simple steps like cleaning, trimming trees, and annual inspection. Here are a few things you should focus on:

Solar Panel Cleaning: Over time, dust, leaves, or bird droppings can settle on your panels and block sunlight. You need professional cleaning once or twice a year to keep them clear and working at full power.

Annual Inspection: A yearly check by a solar panel technician helps you find problems like cracks, loose wiring, or worn parts before they get worse.

Test Inverters and Wiring: Your inverter and electrical connections should be tested regularly to confirm they are running as they should. Inverter failures can reduce system energy production by as little as 2.6% to as much as 100%, directly cutting into daily output. You can call a nearby solar repair company for these checkups. 

Install Pest Guards (If Needed): If birds or squirrels start nesting under your panels, pest guards help you stop damage to the wiring and avoid future troubles.

Now, you might be wondering if I can monitor and maintain the solar panels on my own? 

Can I Monitor My Own Solar Panels?

Yes, you can definitely follow a few steps safely from the ground to monitor the performance of your solar panels:

• Look for shading from new tree growth and trim branches if needed.

• Watch for visible cracks, dust, or debris from the ground level.

• Check your solar monitoring app, like SolarEdge, SMA, for any sudden drops in energy output.

• Notice if your solar inverter shows warning lights or error codes.

• Keep an eye out for unusual sounds or smells near the equipment.

For more details, you can check out the complete list of solar system warning signs. 

If keeping track of solar panel maintenance sounds like a lot to add to your to-do list, there's a simpler way: an annual maintenance contract.

What is the Annual Maintenance Contract for a Solar System?

An annual maintenance contract, or AMC, is an agreement you make with a solar company. You pay a set fee each year, and in return, they will cover professional solar panel cleaning with the right equipment, inspections, inverter checks, and basic fixes. Some contracts may also include priority service calls or discounts on repairs. It’s a smart choice if you want peace of mind and consistent performance year after year.

Worried about keeping up with solar panel maintenance? Let us take care of it for you. Sunny Energy RX offers simple and reliable annual maintenance contracts across Arizona.

What Can Go Wrong with Solar Panels Without Regular Maintenance?

Without regular maintenance, solar panels can face a range of issues like dust buildups, loose wiring, which can over time become a major safety hazard. 

• It Can Reduce Power Output: When your panels are covered in a thick layer of dust, leaves, or bird droppings, they can't capture as much sunlight and start producing less electricity. 

• You Can Face Higher Bills: When panels don’t work at their best, you’ll have to rely more on grid power. That extra cost shows up directly in your monthly electricity bill.

• It Can Lead to Costly Solar Repairs: If problems like cracks, loose wiring, or inverter faults are not fixed early, they can turn into major damage. This often ends up costing you much more than simple solar panel maintenance.

• You Can Void Your Warranty:  Most solar panel warranties require proof of regular care. If you skip maintenance, you risk losing free solar repairs or replacements that should have been covered.

• It Can Create Safety Hazards: Loose wiring or trapped moisture can lead to electrical faults. By ignoring solar upkeep, you put both your solar system and your home at risk.

Now, let's zoom in on the most frequent solar maintenance need: solar panel cleaning.

What Happens If You Don't Clean Your Solar Panels?

If you don’t clean your solar panels, they get caked up with dust, debris, and bird droppings. These dirty panels don’t allow much sunlight to reach to solar cells. As a result, panels start producing less electricity for your home, and you might see higher electricity bills. 

In fact, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory estimates that dirty solar panels can lose up to 25% of their energy output.

Don't lose 25% of your power to dirt and dust. Sunny Energy RX provides professional solar panel cleaning services across Arizona to restore your system's performance. Book your cleaning today and get the most out of your investment!

Getting the Most Out of Your Solar Panels With Regular Maintenance

So, do solar panels require maintenance? We have learned the answer is yes, but the process is quite simple. You just need an annual inspection and cleaning once or twice a year. Besides this, you can schedule a solar repair for any breakdowns.

Following a basic annual solar maintenance schedule is the best way to ensure your system performs at its peak. It helps you get the maximum energy output and prevent small issues from becoming costly solar repairs down the road.

If you want dependable care for your solar system, Sunny Energy RX is here to help. Our NABCEP-certified team provides professional inspections, cleanings, and repairs across Arizona. Just fill out this form and schedule your maintenance with us today!

In case you missed anything, here’s a quick recap of the key points.

FAQs on Solar Maintenance

1. Do solar panels need yearly maintenance?
   Yes, solar panels should be checked once a year by a professional to spot cracks, wiring issues, or inverter problems before they get worse.
   
   
   

2. Do you need to clean solar panels every year?
   Yes, cleaning once or twice a year is enough for most homes. Dusty areas may need cleaning more often to keep panels working well.
   
   
   

3. How often do you maintain solar panels?
   Routine solar panel cleaning once or twice a year and an inspection every 12–24 months is usually all the maintenance solar panels need.
   
   
   

4. What maintenance is needed on solar panels?
   Main tasks include professional cleaning, annual inspection, checking inverters and wiring, and installing pest guards if needed to protect the system.
   
   
   

5. What is the average maintenance cost of solar panels?
   In Arizona, solar maintenance costs about $150 to $350 per visit, depending on whether you need cleaning, inspection, or small repairs.
   
   
   

6. How much does it cost to get solar panels inspected?
   A professional solar panel inspection usually costs between $150 and $200, depending on the size of your system and the service provider.
   
   
   

7. What is the biggest problem with solar panels?
   The most common issue is inverter failure, since the inverter works the hardest. Dirt buildup and loose wiring are also frequent problems if not maintained.
   
   
   

8. How long do solar panels last on average?
   The average life is around 25 years. Some high-quality panels may last up to 40 years, though efficiency slowly declines over time.
   
   
   

9. How long do commercial solar panels last?
   Commercial solar panels usually last 25 to 35 years. Larger systems often include service contracts to keep them performing well for decades.
   
   
   

10. Do solar panels work in winter?
    Yes, solar panels work in winter. They may produce less energy due to shorter days but can be more efficient in cooler temperatures.
    
    
    

11. Do solar panels actually increase home value?
    Yes, studies show homes with solar sell faster and for more. Buyers value lower electricity bills and the long-term savings solar panels bring.
    
    
    

12. Do solar panels create a lot of waste?
    No, solar panels create very little waste during their lifetime. Recycling programs are also expanding to handle old panels responsibly.
    
    
    

13. How long has solar panels been around?
    Solar panels have been in use since the 1950s, first for satellites and later for homes. They became widely available for households in the 1990s.