Do Commercial Solar Panels Require Maintenance? What to Expect

One of the most attractive features of a commercial solar panel system is its reputation for being incredibly low maintenance. With no moving parts, solar panels are built to be durable, reliable, and to generate clean energy silently for decades.

But does “low maintenance” mean “no maintenance”?

For a significant business asset, the answer is no. While you won’t be dealing with the constant upkeep of a traditional generator, a commercial solar array does require some periodic attention to ensure it is operating safely, efficiently, and at peak financial performance.

Think of it less like maintaining a complex piece of machinery and more like caring for a high-performance vehicle. It doesn’t need daily attention, but ignoring it completely can lead to reduced performance over time. Here’s a realistic look at what to expect for commercial solar panel maintenance.

The Good News: Solar Panels are Built to Last

First, it’s important to understand that the core components are incredibly robust.

• Solar Panels: They are manufactured with tempered glass and are designed to withstand hail, snow, and extreme temperatures. Most come with a 25-year performance warranty.
• Racking: The metal framework that holds the panels is typically made of aluminum or galvanized steel and is engineered to withstand high winds for decades.

These core components require very little physical intervention. The maintenance tasks you’ll actually encounter fall into two main categories: cleaning and system monitoring.

1. Panel Cleaning: Is It Necessary?

For most commercial systems, routine rainfall is enough to wash away the dust and pollen that can accumulate on the panels. However, in certain environments, professional cleaning can provide a worthwhile performance boost.

• When is cleaning recommended?
  • Dry, Dusty, or Agricultural Areas: If your facility is in a region with little rainfall, near a construction site, or surrounded by farmland, a significant layer of dust and grime can build up.
  • Flat-Tilted Roofs: Panels installed on a flat roof with very little tilt may not shed dirt as effectively as more steeply angled panels.
  • Bird Droppings: If bird droppings are heavily soiling a number of panels, it can cause significant production loss and even create damaging “hot spots” on the panel.
• How often? If cleaning is necessary, it’s typically only needed once or twice a year.
• The ROI of Cleaning: A professional cleaning can often boost energy production by 3-7%. Your solar provider can analyze your system’s performance data to determine if the cost of a professional cleaning is justified by the expected increase in energy savings. Never attempt to have an untrained employee climb on the roof to clean the panels yourself.

2. System Monitoring: The Most Important “Maintenance” Task

This is the most critical aspect of commercial solar maintenance. Your solar installation will come with a Data Acquisition System (DAS) or monitoring platform. This software is your window into the health and performance of your system.

• What it does: The monitoring platform tracks the energy production of your entire system, often down to the individual panel level. It runs 24/7, automatically flagging any issues.
• What to look for:
  • System Alerts: The platform will automatically send an alert to you and your installer if an inverter goes offline or if a panel is significantly underperforming.
  • Performance Tracking: You can log in at any time to see how much energy you are producing in real-time and compare your current performance to historical data.
• Your Role: While the system is largely automated, it’s good practice to designate someone on your team to review the monitoring portal monthly. This ensures you have a baseline understanding of your system’s normal production and can spot any gradual performance degradation that might not trigger an automatic alert.

3. Professional Annual Inspections

For a large commercial asset, it’s highly recommended to have a professional solar technician perform a full system inspection once a year. This is a preventative maintenance check-up that ensures long-term reliability.

During this inspection, a technician will:

• Visually inspect the panels for any cracks, chips, or damage.
• Check all electrical connections to ensure they are tight and free of corrosion.
• Inspect the racking and mounting hardware to ensure its structural integrity.
• Verify the inverters are functioning correctly and their air vents are clear of debris.
• Perform thermal imaging of the panels and electrical components to proactively identify any “hot spots” or potential points of failure that aren’t visible to the naked eye.

The Bottom Line

A commercial solar panel system is a remarkably reliable, long-term asset. You will not be spending your days tinkering with it. For the most part, it will sit on your roof and silently generate value for your business.

However, a proactive approach to maintenance—which primarily consists of active system monitoring and a professional annual inspection—is the key to maximizing your return on investment. This minimal effort ensures your system continues to produce the maximum amount of clean energy and financial savings for the full 25-30 years of its warrantied life.