Solar Panel Maintenance: How to Keep Your System Efficient for Years

Introduction

Solar panels are a great way to reduce your electricity bills and be more environmentally friendly. But like any other system, they need a bit of routine maintenance to ensure they remain functional. If you have a solar setup already in place, or are considering one, knowing how to maintain your solar power system is essential. In this blog we will go through some simple steps to maintain your solar panels, some FAQs, and demonstrate how APN Solar Energy can be there to help you.

Why is Solar Panel Maintenance Important?

Although solar panels last 25–30 years, with poor maintenance their performance may degrade over time. Regular upkeep ensures:

• Maximize the amount of electricity produced — Clean, well-maintained panels produce more electricity than dirty ones.
• Increased lifespan — With proper maintenance, your solar system can have a longer life.
• Reduced repair costs — Catching issues early saves money over time.
• Higher ROI (return on investment) – The better your panels perform in terms of efficiency, the better their return on investment through lower electricity bills.

How to Maintain Your Solar System

Taking care of your solar panels doesn’t require technical knowledge. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Keep the Panels Clean

Dust, bird droppings and pollution can block sunlight and lower the efficiency of your panels. So how do you clean them the right way?

• To remove dirt, use plain water with a soft cotton cloth.
• Do not use harsh chemicals or detergents that can harm the glass.
• Sweep in the morning or evening when the panels have cooled down.
• If the panels are out of reach, use a long-handled soft brush or hire a pro.

Rain may help the car wash off its filth, but doesn’t necessarily eliminate stubborn grime, which means you should also give your car a manual scrub from time to time

2. How to Clean Your Panels (Step-by-Step Guide)

Washing your solar panels is essential to ensuring you are as efficient as possible. Follow these steps:

1. Power off the system – Before cleaning make sure to power down the solar system to avoid the risk of an accident.
2. Use a soft brush or sponge – Lightly wipe away dirt and dust without scratching the surface.
3. Get cleaned water – Plain water or a IV with gentle soap and water
4. Wipe with soft cloth – Do not use abrasive materials or pressure washers.
5. Rinse thoroughly – No soap or residue leftover on panels.
6. Air dry – Allow your panels to air dry or use a soft microfiber cloth.
7. Clear away debris — Such as leaves, bird droppings, or other obstacles.

 

3. Inspect for Physical Damage

Every few months, look at your panels for:

• Cracks or chips in the glass.
• Loose or exposed wiring
• Signs of corrosion

If you find any damage, have a professional fix it.

4. Keep an Eye on Your Energy Output

Most new solar systems have monitoring apps that monitor electricity production. If you notice an unusual decline in output, it may indicate:

• The panels are dirty
• There's something wrong with the inverter
• Shading from trees or new buildings is keeping sunlight away

Monitoring your energy generation can allow you to catch issues before they become major problems.

5. Check the Inverter and Wiring

The inverter transforms solar power into usable electricity. If it is malfunctioning, your system will not run optimally. Check for:

• Flashing error lights on the inverter screen
• Suspicious sounds from the inverter
• Burnt cables or exposed wiring

If you notice any of these, have a professional inspect it.

6. Arrange Professional Maintenance

Although solar panels need little maintenance, it is advisable that they are checked by experts every year. They are able to:

• Identify electrical faults
• Thoroughly clean panels
• Test the inverter and battery (if the system uses one)

Professional checkup keeps your system in good condition and saves costly repairs in the long run.

Preventive Maintenance: Avoiding Problems Before They Happen

Preventive maintenance keeps your system running smoothly and prevents major breakdowns. Here’s what you should do:

Monthly:

• Check for dust and debris.
• Monitor your energy output.

Every 3–6 Months:

• Clean your panels (especially in dusty areas).
• Inspect wiring and inverter.

Annually:

• Schedule a professional inspection.
• Tighten loose electrical connections.
• Ensure no new shading obstructions have appeared.

Common FAQs About Solar Panel Maintenance

1. Is solar high maintenance?

No, solar panels require very little maintenance. Simple cleaning and occasional checks are enough to keep them running efficiently.

2. Does rain clean solar panels?

Rain helps remove light dust, but it doesn’t clean stubborn dirt, bird droppings, or pollution stains. Manual cleaning is necessary at times.

3. How do I maintain a solar battery?

1. Keep the battery in a cool, dry place.
2. Check for loose or corroded terminals.
3. Follow proper charging and discharging cycles.

4. What is preventive maintenance in solar systems?

Preventive maintenance includes regular cleaning, checking for damage, monitoring energy output, and getting professional servicing.

5. What are the 3 types of maintenance?

1. Preventive Maintenance – Regular cleaning and inspections.
2. Corrective Maintenance – Fixing faults as they arise.
3. Predictive Maintenance – Using monitoring tools to detect problems early.

6. How to clean PV panels?

1. Use clean water and a soft sponge.
2. Avoid using sharp objects or pressure washers.
3. Clean in cool temperatures to avoid cracking the glass.

7. What is O&M in solar?

O&M (Operations & Maintenance) refers to the services needed to keep a solar system working efficiently, including cleaning, repairs, and monitoring.

8. What is the best maintenance strategy?

A combination of self-maintenance (cleaning and monitoring) and professional check-ups is the best way to keep your solar system in top shape.

APN Solar Energy: Your Trusted EPC Partner for Solar Solutions

At APN Solar Energy Pvt Ltd, we don’t just provide solar systems—we ensure they last for years with high efficiency. As one of India’s top solar companies, we offer:

1. Solar Franchise Business – A low-cost investment opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to start their own solarbusiness with full support, marketing materials, and training.
2. Solar Distributorship Programs – For those who want to become a solar distributor and expand solar adoption in their region.
3. Complete EPC Services – We provide Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) for residential, commercial, and industrial solar projects.
4. Government Subsidy Assistance – APN Solar is registered across India for government subsidies, making solar installations more affordable.
5. Annual Maintenance Contracts (AMC) – To help customers keep their solar systems in top condition for years.

Why Choose APN Solar?

Certified & Award-Winning Company – APN Solar is ISO 9001:2015, ISO 45001:2018, ISO 14001:2015 certified and OEM manufacturer TUV-Rhineland & BIS certified. We are an award-winning solar company in India, recognized for our excellence in the solar industry.

Registered for PM Surya Ghar Yojana Subsidy – Customers can benefit from government subsidies on rooftop solar systems, making it easier to switch to clean energy.

Proven Growth Model – APN Solar is among the top 10 solar companies in India, with a growing network of successful franchise partners and distributors.

Whether you’re searching for the best solar franchise in India, want to know how to start a solardistributorship, or need expert solar EPC services, APN Solar is here to help!

Start your solar business today! Contact us now to explore franchise and distributorship opportunities.

Conclusion

Solar panel maintenance is simple and doesn’t require much effort. By keeping your panels clean, monitoring their performance, and scheduling professional servicing, you can ensure your system runs efficiently for decades.

If you’re interested in installing solar, starting a solar franchise business, or learning more about solar energy, contact APN Solar Energy today!