Solar power has become increasingly affordable and accessible to the average person. In fact, the cost of solar panels has dropped almost 70% since 2014. Although the cost of solar panels has decreased, you may be worried if there are high maintenance costs.
Luckily, although there are maintenance costs, these remain low, adding to the affordability of solar power. Let’s look at what you can expect when it comes to these maintenance costs.
Solar Power Maintenance Needs
A home solar power system has the potential to last for decades with minimal maintenance. However, it is important that you stay up to date on preventing any issues with your system.
Each year, you should have a professional come out to inspect and clean your array. This will help catch any problems before they develop too far. Plus, clean panels will help your system produce more energy in an efficient way.
In between annual inspections, you should keep an eye out for any other potential issues. For example, storm damage and overhanging trees could damage your panels and create bigger costs down the road.
Maintenance Costs for Solar Power
On average, solar maintenance will cost between $300 and $700. Most homeowners can expect to pay around $400.
Cleaning alone may only run about $150, while you could expect to pay about $1,000 for cleaning and inspecting a 20 panel 3 kW system. Depending on your own system, your annual maintenance will probably fall somewhere in this price range.
Factors That Affect Solar Power Maintenance Costs
The location of your panels will affect the cost. If you have a steeper roof that is harder to access, it might require additional time or even extra laborers to do it safely.
If the surrounding environment prevents easy access to your array, you might also face higher costs. A common barrier is trees that shade your system when they grow. You might need to pay for tree trimming to keep your solar power system running efficiently.
The size of the system is a factor too. A smaller system generally costs less. However, just note some contractors may charge a minimum fee for very small systems.
Certain models of solar panels require special tools to clean and service them. These types are not as common and you should ask about your setup when purchasing your panels.
You can usually save money by bundling. When you have the system installed, some companies will allow you to sign a cleaning and maintenance agreement that you pay on an annual basis. These are usually lower priced than paying for the services separately.
Other Solar Energy Costs
Overall, solar energy does not come with many other costs. Besides annual inspections, you don’t need to budget for regularly recurring costs. However, it is helpful to keep an emergency fund if there are any repairs needed.
The biggest cost for solar energy is the initial installation cost. These have drastically fallen over the last few decades, making it more affordable to the everyday homeowner. You’re likely to make the cost back up in energy savings in only a few years.
When you contact the local BRS in your area, your installer will work with you to provide a custom quote. You can also look for additional savings through tax credits and state rebates.
Keep Your Energy Costs Low
While solar power does have annual maintenance needs, your maintenance costs will generally be inexpensive. Especially when compared to how much you could save on your monthly energy bill over the subsequent years, these maintenance costs are worth it.
For more helpful information, make sure to check out our other articles.
