Solar maintenance checklist for Bangalore homeowners - simple steps to keep panels productive for 25+ years
TL;DR: Basic monthly checks and an annual inspection will keep your solar system running smoothly and prevent costly repairs. Here's a quick checklist and what to do if production falls.
Quick answer
Solar panels need minimal maintenance, but regular checks ensure optimal performance:
- 📅Monthly: Quick visual inspection - check inverter status lights, monitoring app production, and visible panel cleanliness (takes 5 minutes)
- 🧹2-3 times/year: Panel cleaning - after summer dust and post-monsoon (Bangalore's rain does natural cleaning during monsoon)
- 🔧Annually: Professional inspection - electrical checks, mounting structure inspection, inverter servicing (covered under Arkahub AMC)
✅ Good news: Solar panels have no moving parts - they're designed for 25+ years of low-maintenance operation. Simple care keeps them running at peak efficiency.
Monthly DIY checklist (5 minutes - no roof access needed)
You can do these checks from ground level or indoors - no need to climb on the roof:
💡1. Check inverter status lights
What to look for: Green light = normal operation. Red/blinking lights = error condition.
Location: Usually installed indoors near your electrical panel. Takes 5 seconds to check.
📱2. Monitor app/dashboard check
What to look for: Daily production should match seasonal expectations. Compare current month to last month (accounting for weather).
Red flag: If production drops more than 20-30% compared to similar weather days, investigate further.
👀3. Visual inspection (from ground/window)
What to look for: Visible dirt buildup, bird droppings, or debris on panels. Check for any obvious damage or loose wires.
Tip: Use binoculars if panels are far/high. Don't climb on wet or slippery roofs.
🔊4. Listen for unusual sounds
What to listen for: Inverter should be nearly silent. Buzzing, clicking, or humming sounds may indicate issues.
Action: Note the sound and call service if it persists or gets louder.
🌡️5. Check for overheating
What to check: Inverter should be warm but not hot-to-touch. If it's in a closed area, ensure ventilation is adequate.
Common cause: Inverters placed in enclosed spaces without airflow can overheat in Bangalore summers.
📝 Pro tip: Set a phone reminder for the 1st of every month to do this quick 5-minute check. Catching issues early prevents bigger problems.
Annual professional inspection items (what technicians check)
Once a year, have a certified technician perform a comprehensive inspection:
Electrical System Check
- • DC voltage and current measurements at string level
- • AC output verification and power quality check
- • Inverter performance and efficiency testing
- • MCB/breaker functionality and connections
- • Earthing and grounding resistance test
Mechanical & Structural Check
- • Mounting structure stability and torque check
- • Panel frame integrity and glass condition
- • Junction box seal and weatherproofing
- • Cable ties, conduit, and cable routing
- • Rust or corrosion on mounting hardware (especially post-monsoon)
Thorough Panel Cleaning
- • Professional water-only cleaning (no harsh chemicals)
- • Removal of stubborn bird droppings and debris
- • Inspection for micro-cracks or delamination
- • Hot-spot check using thermal imaging (if available)
Performance Analysis
- • Compare actual vs expected annual production
- • Identify underperforming strings or panels
- • System efficiency calculation
- • Recommendations for optimization
Documentation & Warranty Review
- • Update maintenance log with findings
- • Photo documentation of system condition
- • Review warranty status and coverage
- • Provide detailed inspection report
🛡️ Included in Arkahub AMC: All these checks are covered in our Annual Maintenance Contract. We schedule inspections proactively and send detailed reports.
Quick troubleshooting - if production drops, check these steps before calling service
Follow this simple flowchart to diagnose common issues:
❓ Problem: Production suddenly dropped
Step 1: Check weather
Is it cloudy/monsoon? Production naturally drops 40-70% on cloudy days. If yes, this is normal.
Step 2: Check inverter display
Is it showing green/normal? If red light or error code, note the code and proceed to Step 5.
Step 3: Visual check for dirt/shading
Can you see heavy dirt, bird droppings, or new shading (tree growth, construction)? Schedule cleaning if needed.
Step 4: Check BESCOM grid
Is grid power available? During grid outages, on-grid systems stop (safety feature). If grid is back but system won't restart, check inverter and call service.
Step 5: Call Arkahub service
If issue persists after these checks, contact us. Provide: error code (if any), when you first noticed the drop, and any recent changes (new construction, tree trimming, etc.).
⚠️ Inverter showing error code
- Grid error: Wait 10 mins, often auto-resolves
- Overheating: Check ventilation, shade inverter area
- Earth fault: Call service immediately - safety issue
- Persistent error: Note code, call Arkahub (24-48hr response)
🚨 When to call immediately
- • Smoke, burning smell, or sparks
- • Visible damage to panels (cracks, breaks)
- • Water ingress in junction boxes
- • Loose or exposed wiring
- • System completely non-functional for 24+ hours
📞 Arkahub Service Response: 24-48 hours for Bangalore service calls. For emergencies (safety hazards), same-day response available.
Maintenance plans we offer
Free Maintenance Period
All Arkahub customers receive free maintenance until ROI payback period - typically 6-9 years. This includes:
- ✓2-3 professional cleanings per year
- ✓Annual electrical and structural inspection
- ✓Remote monitoring and alert management
- ✓Service calls for repairs (parts charged separately if out of warranty)
Post-ROI Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC)
After the free maintenance period, choose from affordable AMC packages:
Basic AMC
For systems up to 5 kW
- • 2 cleanings/year
- • Annual inspection
- • Remote monitoring
- • 48-hour service response
~₹4,000-6,000/year
Comprehensive AMC
For systems 6-10 kW
- • 3 cleanings/year
- • Bi-annual inspection
- • Priority 24-hour response
- • Thermal imaging check
- • Discounted parts replacement
~₹8,000-12,000/year
What's NOT covered (any plan):
- • Damage from natural disasters (lightning, storm) - covered by manufacturer warranty or insurance
- • Inverter replacement (typically 10-15 year lifespan) - charged separately
- • Panel replacement due to physical damage - charged separately
- • Electrical work outside the solar system (home wiring, BESCOM meter issues)
🎯 Our Recommendation: Even after free maintenance ends, an AMC is worth it - regular professional care keeps your system running at peak efficiency, maximizing your 25+ year investment.
Get started on your Solar journey today.
Request a call back from one of our experts to learn more about how you can achieve your saving goals with ArkaHub.
Frequently Asked Questions
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