Maintenance Cost of Solar Panels: What to Expect

Updated: January 21, 2026

One of the biggest advantages of solar power systems is that they have no moving parts, which means maintenance is incredibly low compared to generators or other machinery.

Regular Cleaning (The Main Task)

The only regular maintenance required is cleaning dust and bird droppings off the panels. Dust accumulation can reduce efficiency by 5-15%.

• Frequency: Once every 2 weeks (more often in dusty areas).
• Cost: Free if you do it yourself with water and a soft mop. Professional cleaning services charge ₹20-50 per panel.

Inverter Maintenance

The solar inverter is the hardest working component. While most come with 5-10 year warranties, they might need replacement once during the 25-year life of the system. Replacement cost is typically 15-20% of the initial system cost.

Total Annual Maintenance Cost (AMC)

Many installers offer Annual Maintenance Contracts (AMC) for peace of mind. These typically cost 1-2% of the system cost per year and include quarterly cleaning and electrical health checks.