How to Maintain Your Solar Panels Year-Round
One of the biggest advantages of installing a solar panel system is its durability and low-maintenance design. But like any home investment, a little care goes a long way. Keeping your panels clean, unshaded, and functioning properly can make a measurable difference in performance and energy savings over time.
At O’Donnell Solar Co, we specialize in high-performance solar panel installation across Southeastern Pennsylvania — and we continue supporting our customers long after the system is up and running. Whether you’re new to residential solar power or have had your system for years, understanding seasonal maintenance is key to getting the most from your investment.
Why Solar Panel Maintenance Matters
Although solar panels in Pennsylvania are built to handle harsh winters, hot summers, and everything in between, environmental conditions can still impact how much sunlight reaches your system. Over time, leaves, pollen, bird droppings, snow, and other debris can reduce solar absorption and lower your energy output, sometimes by as much as 10–20% if left unaddressed.
Routine maintenance is about more than just cleaning; it’s about protecting the long-term efficiency of your solar energy system. By staying ahead of small issues — like growing tree shade or loose mounting hardware — homeowners can preserve system integrity and extend the useful life of their solar installation.
Spring: Shake Off Winter and Prep for Peak Production
After a long Pennsylvania winter, your solar panels might carry leftover debris, tree sap, or a thin film of pollen. Early spring is an ideal time to inspect the panels for signs of grime buildup and to check whether any new shade sources — such as budding branches — might impact sunlight exposure.
If accessible from the ground or with a safe extension tool, you can gently rinse your panels with a hose using lukewarm water and a soft brush. However, if your roof is steep or difficult to reach, it’s safer to contact your solar panel installer for a professional cleaning or inspection. This is also a great time to review your monitoring app to make sure your system is performing at expected levels after winter’s lower production months.
Summer: Stay Ahead of Dust and Heat
Pennsylvania summers bring long days and optimal solar energy production, but they also come with dust, bird activity, and the occasional heatwave. Although solar panels are designed to function well in high temperatures, the buildup of dust and grime during dry spells can reduce their efficiency. You might notice a slight dip in energy output if panels are not periodically cleaned.
Homeowners can often handle light summer maintenance with a garden hose and routine visual checks, but we encourage monitoring your energy production through your app. If you see unusual patterns or persistent underperformance, O’Donnell Solar Co can assess your system and confirm whether it’s a cleaning issue or a deeper technical concern.
Fall: Prepare for Changing Light and Falling Leaves
Autumn in Pennsylvania is beautiful, but for your solar panels, it can be one of the more demanding seasons. As leaves begin to fall, they can collect on the panels or in the surrounding gutters, potentially shading your array or trapping moisture. It’s also common for trees to begin encroaching on your solar access if they’ve grown significantly during the spring and summer months.
Trimming back overhanging branches and clearing your roof area of debris are essential fall maintenance steps. This is also a good time to inspect for frost damage or early ice buildup as temperatures drop. If you want peace of mind heading into winter, this is the perfect time to schedule an annual system check with our team at O’Donnell Solar Co.
Winter: Handle Snow with Care
One of the most common concerns we hear from Pennsylvania homeowners is whether snow will affect their solar panel installation. The good news is that most light snowfall melts quickly from panels, especially once the sun comes out. However, heavy accumulation can temporarily reduce your system’s output and may require attention.
We advise against climbing on icy rooftops or using metal tools to remove snow — this can damage both your panels and your safety. Instead, consider using a soft, roof-safe snow broom with a long handle if removal is necessary. In most cases, it’s safe to let nature do the work. If you’re unsure whether your panels are underperforming because of snow or another issue, our monitoring tools and service team are here to help.
Monitoring Your Solar System Year-Round
Thanks to today’s technology, tracking your home solar electricity system has never been easier. Most systems installed by O’Donnell Solar Co come with app-based monitoring that allows you to view real-time energy production, panel performance, and system health. This data can help you recognize when performance drops — and when maintenance or service might be needed.
If you notice a sustained dip in energy production that isn’t tied to weather patterns, it may be time to schedule a professional inspection. Our team is trained to identify and resolve issues like faulty inverters, damaged cabling, or panel obstructions quickly and efficiently.
When to Contact O’Donnell Solar Co for Service
While regular visual inspections and occasional cleanings can be managed by many homeowners, certain issues require professional attention. If you notice cracked glass, disconnected wiring, alert codes from your inverter, or persistent system underperformance, it’s time to contact the experts.
At O’Donnell Solar Co, we offer follow-up inspections, system evaluations, and repair services to ensure your Pennsylvania solar power system continues delivering the savings and efficiency it was designed for. As your trusted solar panel installer, we’re here to support you throughout the full life cycle of your system.
Long-Term Peace of Mind
Maintaining your solar panels doesn’t require a lot of time — but it does require awareness. A little seasonal attention can make a big difference in how much energy your system produces and how long it lasts. With the right care, your panels will continue powering your home and reducing your electric bill for decades.
O’Donnell Solar Co is proud to serve homeowners across Berwyn, Bensalem, and the surrounding region with reliable solar installation, personalized service, and long-term support. Whether you need routine maintenance, performance monitoring, or a full-service system inspection, we’re always here to help.
Need help keeping your solar panels in peak condition? Contact O’Donnell Solar Co today to schedule a maintenance checkup or get answers from your local solar energy experts.