Solar Panel Inspections: What We Look for During Your Cleaning Appointment

Solar panels are designed to be a low-maintenance investment, but that doesn't mean no maintenance is needed. Many customers have performance issues that can go unnoticed for months or even years because they're not visible from the ground.

A visual inspection of your system helps catch small problems early, or identify the cause of ongoing problems to protect your performance and hopefully save you from costly repairs down the road.

Here's some things we look for in our multi-point inspections that come standard with every solar cleaning appointment. 

Visual Panel Condition

We start with a full visual assessment of your panels, frames, mounts, etc. to check for:

• Cracks, chips, or impact damage
• Delamination or discoloration
• Hot spot indicators or burn marks
• Excessive surface grime or staining
• Warping
• Excessive debris buildup under panels

Minor surface damage can reduce energy production or worsen overtime, especially under the added stress of direct sunlight.

Soiling & Debris Buildup

Dirt, pollen, dust, bird droppings, leaf & tree debris are all among the most common things we see causing reduced performance.

We will assess the degree and type of soiling your panels have as well as any excessive shading or partially obstructed cells. Heavy or uneven soiling on your panels' surface often explains unexpected drops in production and is a relatively easy issue for us to address.

We also thoroughly inspect underneath your panels to check for any buildup of debris like leaves, pine needles, nests, and other organic matter. Aside from reducing airflow for cooling, this can also trap moisture on your roof's shingles.

Wildlife Activity & Nesting

Solar panels create a protected environment that attracts birds, squirrels, and other small animals. During our assessment, we will look for:

• Nesting materials under panels
• Chewed wire or damaged conduit
• Droppings, feathers, or food debris
• Signs of repeated animal access

Damage from wildlife can create safety hazards, reduce airflow, and lead to expensive repairs if not addressed.

Mounting Hardware

Your mounting system is designed to keep your panels securely mounted and properly angled. During our cleanings, part of our inspection includes checking for:

• Loose or missing fasteners
• Improper spacing or shifting
• Corrosion on rails, clamps, or other hardware
• Mounting system stress

Hardware issues can compromise panel alignment, efficiency, and overall safety. In more severe cases, it could damage your roof.

Roof & Surrounding Area Check

While we are not roofers, we do visually assess your roof and the areas around your solar system for things like:

• Trapped moisture from debris
• Roof surface wear around mounting points
• Blocked drainage paths
• Obvious damage

These factors can indirectly affect your solar system and roof longevity. Since most homeowners do not thoroughly inspect their roof and solar panels yearly - scheduling a cleaning has some added benefits!

Electrical Red Flags

We do not perform electrical repairs, but we do look for warning signs that could indicate further evaluation may be needed, including:

• Loose, exposed, or frayed wiring
• Damaged conduit
• Burn marks or abnormal discoloration
• Visible inverter error indicators

If we spot anything concerning, we will generally recommend contacting your installation company to complete any repairs.

Routine Inspections Matter!

Keeping an eye on your solar investment helps maintain the longevity of your system. At Solar Clean Pros, multi-point inspections are part of every cleaning to make sure your system is operating safely at its best.