Solar Panel Maintenance: What You Actually Need to Do

One of solar's biggest selling points is low maintenance. No moving parts, no fuel, no filters to change. But "low maintenance" doesn't mean "no maintenance." Here's what you should actually do to keep your system producing at peak performance.

Annual Inspection

Have a licensed solar contractor inspect your system once a year. They'll check:

• Panel condition (cracks, delamination, soiling)
• Inverter operation and error codes
• Wiring and connections (rodent damage, corrosion)
• Racking and mounting hardware (loose bolts, rust)
• Roof penetrations (flashing, sealant)
• Monitoring system accuracy

Panel Cleaning

In Southern California, panels typically need cleaning once or twice a year. Dust, bird droppings, and pollen accumulate and reduce production by 5–25%.

You can clean panels yourself with a soft brush and water (no soap — it leaves residue). Do it in the early morning or evening when panels are cool. Never use a pressure washer — it can damage the panels and void the warranty.

Professional cleaning costs $150–$300 and is worth it if you're not comfortable on the roof.

Monitor Your Production

The best maintenance tool is your monitoring app (Enphase Enlighten or Tesla app). Check it monthly and look for:

• Panels producing significantly less than others (could indicate shading, soiling, or failure)
• Overall production declining faster than expected
• Error codes or offline devices

If you notice a sudden drop in production, call your installer. Many issues (inverter faults, communication errors) can be diagnosed remotely.

Critter Guard

In Southern California, squirrels and birds love to nest under solar panels. They chew through wiring and cause expensive damage. If you don't have critter guard installed, consider adding it — especially if you have trees near your roof.

Signs of critter activity: scratching sounds on the roof, droppings on panels, sudden production drops.

Tree Trimming

Trees grow. A tree that wasn't shading your panels when they were installed may be shading them now. Check for new shading annually and trim as needed. Even partial shading of one panel can significantly reduce whole-string production with string inverters.

What NOT to Do

• Don't walk on panels — they're not designed for foot traffic
• Don't use abrasive cleaners or pressure washers
• Don't ignore error codes — small issues become big ones
• Don't attempt electrical repairs yourself — always use a licensed contractor

When to Call a Professional

Call Pell Solar if you notice:

• Production more than 15% below expected
• Persistent error codes on your monitoring app
• Physical damage to panels, racking, or wiring
• Roof leaks near panel mounting points
• Critter activity under panels

Learn about our solar repair and maintenance services →