Photovoltaic System Maintenance Costs: A Guide for 2025

Photovoltaic System Maintenance

To ensure the correct functioning of a photovoltaic system over time, it is essential that the panels of the system are periodically cleaned. These modules, in fact, are exposed to various external factors such as weather conditions, temperature fluctuations, humidity, impacts, and dirt, which can reduce their efficiency.

The maintenance of photovoltaic systems is always recommended, but it is not mandatory for photovoltaic systems with a power output of less than 11.08 kW. For higher power, there is an obligation to check the interface systems between inverters and the connected grid, as established by Resolution 78/2016 of the Electricity Authority. Every 5 years, maintenance of the interface must be carried out by qualified technicians, who must issue a signed report to be sent to the grid operator. In case of failure to carry out the check, the grid operator may suspend incentives and disconnect the photovoltaic system.

What Maintenance Does a Photovoltaic System Need?

Photovoltaic modules are subject to two main types of maintenance:

Ordinary maintenance: this can be carried out either by the system owner or by appointed professionals and includes interventions that do not modify the essential structure of the modules. It includes activities such as panel cleaning, snow removal, checking the tightening of clamps, visual inspection, etc.

Extraordinary maintenance: this must necessarily be carried out by a specialized technician at least once a year and allows verification of the correct functioning of the photovoltaic system and the absence of deterioration in its various components. With this type of maintenance, important replacements, regulatory adjustments, and technical upgrades are carried out, aimed at improving the technical performance of the system or extending its useful life.

To ensure the reliability and efficiency of photovoltaic modules, regardless of the method used, it is essential to carefully monitor production and carry out periodic cleaning when necessary.

Ordinary Maintenance

The ordinary maintenance of a photovoltaic system is essential to ensure its efficiency over time and to prevent possible malfunctions. It consists of a series of operations that can be performed periodically to keep the system in perfect condition.

The main ordinary maintenance activities of photovoltaic systems are:

• Cleaning the solar panels: Over time, dust, leaves, and other debris can accumulate on the surface of the panels, reducing their ability to absorb sunlight. For this reason, it is important to carry out regular cleaning, at least a couple of times a year. If the photovoltaic system is located in areas with high pollution, pollen, or near the sea, it may be necessary to clean the panels more frequently.

• Visual inspection: Periodically checking the condition of the system helps identify any anomalies, such as panel damage, excessive dirt, or other problems that could affect performance.

• Monitoring energy production: By using dedicated tools or software, it is possible to check the amount of energy produced by the system. A sudden drop in performance can be a sign of a problem that needs to be resolved promptly.

• Checking electrical components: The electrical elements of the photovoltaic system, such as inverters, cables, and connectors, must also be regularly inspected to ensure they are in good condition and operating safely. This also includes checking switches, fuses, and other protective components.

By following these simple photovoltaic system maintenance activities, it is possible to keep the system efficient and operational for many years, avoiding performance drops and costly extraordinary interventions.

Extraordinary Maintenance

The extraordinary maintenance of a photovoltaic system includes all interventions necessary to repair faults, replace damaged components, or improve system performance. Unlike ordinary maintenance, which is simpler and scheduled, these interventions usually require specialized technicians and may involve higher costs.

The main extraordinary maintenance activities of photovoltaic systems are:

• Repair or replacement of damaged photovoltaic panels: if a module shows cracks, breaks, or obvious signs of deterioration, it is essential to act quickly to avoid compromising the efficiency of the system. In some cases, a repair may be sufficient, while in others it is necessary to completely replace the damaged panel.

• Replacement of the inverter: the inverter is an essential component of the system, as it converts solar energy into usable electricity. After several years of use, it may malfunction or lose efficiency, making its replacement necessary to ensure the correct functioning of the system.

• Interventions on support structures: the structures that support the panels must always be in perfect condition to ensure safety and stability. If they deteriorate or suffer damage over time, it is necessary to repair or replace them, avoiding the risk of collapses or structural problems.

  System upgrades and enhancements: with technological progress, it may be useful to update certain components to improve system efficiency. An example is the installation of a storage system, which allows energy produced to be stored and used when needed. Replacing older panels with more efficient models can also be a solution to increase energy yield.

Timely extraordinary maintenance operations keep the photovoltaic system in perfect condition, preventing performance drops and ensuring a longer lifespan.

What are the costs of ordinary maintenance?

The costs of the ordinary maintenance of a photovoltaic system can vary depending on several factors, such as the size of the system, its age, and the type of interventions required. In general, for a residential system, annual maintenance can cost between €100 and €300.

For larger systems, such as commercial or industrial ones, the maintenance costs of photovoltaic systems are significantly higher. For example, for a medium-sized photovoltaic system (50 kWp), cleaning the panels can cost around €350. For large systems, such as those of 1 MW, the cost of ordinary maintenance can exceed €2,000.

It is important to emphasize that the maintenance costs of a photovoltaic system also depend on the type of service required. If the contract only includes cleaning the photovoltaic panels, the price will be lower compared to a package that also includes inspections and the replacement of any damaged components.

In some cases, providers offer maintenance packages that include both ordinary and extraordinary interventions, with prices varying depending on the services included. For example, an annual contract for a commercial system can cost around €2,000, while for industrial systems up to 1 MW, costs can reach €10,000.

To obtain a more accurate estimate of the maintenance costs of a photovoltaic system, it is always advisable to request detailed quotes from different providers, in order to compare offers based on the specific needs of your photovoltaic system.

What are the costs of extraordinary maintenance?

The costs of the extraordinary maintenance of a photovoltaic system can vary greatly depending on several factors, such as the type of intervention required, the power of the system, and the component to be replaced. Extraordinary maintenance interventions are carried out only in the event of faults or significant malfunctions that compromise the correct functioning of the photovoltaic system.

One of the most common examples of extraordinary maintenance concerns the replacement of the inverter, a component that can wear out over time and that needs to be replaced to maintain energy production. The cost of replacing an inverter, depending on its power and model, can be significant, especially for large systems.

Since extraordinary maintenance is not included in ordinary maintenance contracts, costs can vary depending on the severity of the problem and the need to replace certain key components.

These costs are only indicative and may vary based on various factors, such as the need to replace additional components or to carry out more complex interventions. To understand precisely what the maintenance costs of a photovoltaic system are, it is always advisable to contact a specialized technician to obtain a more accurate and personalized quote, based on the specific needs of your photovoltaic system.

Who defines the frequency of maintenance for photovoltaic systems?

Depending on the type of maintenance performed and on the type of photovoltaic system, there are different timelines to follow.

In general, it is essential to maintain constant monitoring of the system’s energy production in order to assess which intervention to carry out.

Ordinary maintenance, carried out in particular through the cleaning of photovoltaic panels, should be performed at least twice a year in spring and autumn, coinciding with an increase in pollen, dust, and atmospheric debris.

Extraordinary maintenance, on the other hand, is recommended once a year.

For systems with power greater than 11.08kW, it should be remembered that there is an obligation every 5 years to carry out maintenance by specialized technicians.

What are the risks of not carrying out photovoltaic system maintenance?

Not carrying out the maintenance of a photovoltaic system can lead to a series of risks, ranging from reduced energy efficiency to safety issues. Here are some of the main risks:

1. Reduced energy yield: dust, dirt, or debris that accumulate on photovoltaic panels can hinder the absorption of sunlight, reducing the overall efficiency of the system and decreasing the amount of energy produced.

   Unexpected and costly failures: the lack of maintenance can lead to sudden failures. If problems such as loose electrical connections or defective modules are not detected in time, interruptions in operation can occur, resulting in expensive repair interventions.

   Safety risks: a neglected system can pose dangers, such as overheating of electrical components or even fires caused by short circuits.

   Reduced system lifespan: the lack of attention and regular maintenance can accelerate the wear of components, lowering the useful life of the system and causing the need for more frequent replacements, with higher costs.

   Possible warranty cancellation: neglecting maintenance can void the warranties offered by manufacturers, leaving the system owner responsible for the costs of repairs or replacements.

How many years does a photovoltaic system Last?

The average lifespan of a photovoltaic system is about 25-30 years, provided it undergoes regular ordinary and extraordinary maintenance.

If you want a more detailed insight into the average lifespan of a photovoltaic system, we have written a dedicated article on this topic.

Photovoltaic system maintenance costs: conclusion

To avoid these problems, it is essential to carry out regular ordinary maintenance, which includes activities such as cleaning the panels, checking the components, and monitoring performance.

Investing in maintenance helps keep the system safe, efficient, and long-lasting, ensuring optimal economic return over time. The maintenance costs of a photovoltaic system may seem high, but carrying out regular ordinary maintenance will allow you to avoid even higher costs for extraordinary maintenance.