Maintenance & Repair

Solar panels require minimal maintenance throughout their life cycle because they don’t have any moving parts. However, periodic cleaning every year or so will help your panels maintain optimal output. This usually entails washing away any buildup of dirt, debris, leaves and other matter.

Solar panels rarely need to be repaired thanks to their strength and durability. They can stand up against some of the most inclement weather conditions — even hurricanes. But if conditions are bad enough, sometimes repairs need to take place.

The maintenance cost of solar panels varies depending on your specific provider and the level of work you need done. For example, doing a thorough cleaning and replacing old wires will have different costs. However, your warranty will usually cover these costs. Freedom Solar offers a 25-year warranty covering product, performance and workmanship.

Yes, solar panels can be repaired, but it’s typically better to replace the damaged panels. Call your solar panel provider, and they’ll inspect your system to see whether the fix can happen on-site. If it can’t, a service team member will uninstall your panels, take them in for further inspection and likely replace them with new ones through your provider.

Solar panels are built to be durable, but if they’re ever damaged, weather is typically the culprit. Your area might be prone to heavy rain, wind, snow or something else, but it takes much more than that to damage a system. Extreme weather conditions such as hail from a severe storm or hurricane can crack or otherwise damage a panel.

You’ll know if your solar panel is broken if physical damage, like a severe crack, is noticeable. However, solar panels can still function with less severe cracks. The most reliable way for you to know if your solar panel is broken is to check their energy output during the day and see whether it’s less than normal. Lower output indicates something isn’t working properly. Then, it’s time for you to call your solar provider’s service department.

If a solar panel cracks, don’t try to fix it yourself — contact your service department. Thick, broken glass is dangerous to remove yourself, especially when exposed wiring could cause electrical risks. Your panels are also likely installed on your roof, which makes trying to fix one even more dangerous while at risky heights.

If you have a broken solar panel, call your solar provider. They’ll send a service team member to uninstall the panel. You should never attempt to remove a solar panel on your own. Your service team will either repair it off-site, or recycle the panel at a glass recycling facility. Alternatively, you can post your panel online and give it to someone who will repurpose it.

Solar panel repair work varies depending on the problem. Sometimes a part needs to be reattached, although this is rare. Usually, your solar provider will give you a replacement instead. If you have a bad crack, your provider will generally replace the glass top without interfering with the wiring beneath.

No, you should not pressure-wash your solar panels. Pressure washers are great for cleaning the exterior of your home, such as the gutters, roof and driveway, but they run the risk of damaging your panels. It’s best to find a safer alternative such as a hose or a low-pressure sprayer for cleaning your panels.

When cleaning your solar panels, avoid pressure washers at all costs to prevent damage to the panels. It’s best to use either a hose or low-pressure sprayer with soapy water to thoroughly remove any buildup of dirt, debris or snow. If cleaning in freezing temperatures, make sure the water you use is warm so it doesn’t freeze on the panels.

Yes, cleaning your solar panels absolutely makes a difference. Think about having smudges on your glasses — you can see better after wiping them off, right? Cleaning dirt, leaves, debris and other matter from your solar panels will help improve their efficiency and energy output.

Solar panels have an average life span of about 25 to 30 years. Depending on how you care for them and the general environment of where you live, they can last shorter or longer than that range. However, as they age, their efficiency declines. About 0.8% of a panel’s energy output is lost every year.