Unlike other home appliances, HVAC systems and vehicles, there is virtually no maintenance required for a well-installed rooftop solar system. So unless you are paranoid, or just cursed by bad luck, there is no need to pay anything extra for a service contract or scheduled maintenance.

Why are rooftop solar systems so reliable? First, because the solar panels themselves have zero moving parts, use tempered glass and anodized aluminum (better than most windows and skylights), and are covered by a 25 year manufacturer’s warranty. Second, because top quality microinverters carry a 25 year warranty and string inverters carry a 10 year warranty — and based on industry experience, the real-world performance of quality inverters has exceeded their warranty term. And third, because flashed rooftop mounting systems using all aluminum and stainless steel components will last at least as long as a homeowner’s roof.

If your last name is Murphy you may ask: “what could go wrong?” If you live in a dusty or dry area, you may want to have your solar panels washed periodically. Monitoring systems are susceptible to occasional internet communications glitches — but these communications glitches have no affect on your system’s energy output. If you have a string inverter, it is reasonable to expect replacements after 10-15 years (at Cinnamon Solar we regularly replace 10+ year old string inverters). Otherwise -- except for your roof wearing out -- you can expect 25+ year of trouble free operation of your system.

But if you are paranoid or cursed by bad luck, carefully check the terms of the maintenance agreements that are offered by your solar installer. And run the numbers yourself to see how much this “all inclusive” maintenance will really cost. The things that do go wrong are almost always excluded from coverage (such as panel cleaning or rodents chewing wires), and the things that are included (such as a defective inverter or solar panel) are almost always covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. So please Listen Up to this week’s Energy Show on Renewable Energy World for a practical overview of home solar maintenance requirements.