Solar Panel Maintenance in India
With proper maintenance, solar panels last 25+ years at 80%+ efficiency. Indian conditions — dust, heat, monsoon — require specific care.
Cleaning Schedule
Dust is the biggest efficiency killer in India. A dirty panel can lose 15–30% output.
- North India (Delhi, Rajasthan): Clean every 10–15 days during dry season
- South India (Bangalore, Chennai): Clean every 3–4 weeks
- After monsoon: Clean panels immediately as rainwater leaves deposits
- Automatic cleaning systems: Available for larger installations (100+ kW)
How to Clean Solar Panels
- Clean early morning or late evening — never midday (thermal shock risk)
- Use soft cloth or sponge with plain water
- Do NOT use abrasive materials or detergents
- For stubborn bird droppings, use a little diluted isopropyl alcohol
- Never walk on panels
Monsoon Care
- Check all cable connections and junction boxes are sealed before monsoon
- Ensure earthing system is intact and functioning
- Inspect mounting structure for any loose bolts or corrosion
- Clean panels after heavy rain (leaves, debris)
Monthly Checks
- Monitor daily generation on inverter app — sudden drops indicate issues
- Check inverter display for error codes
- Visually inspect panels for cracks or discoloration
- Verify net meter readings match inverter output
Annual AMC (Maintenance Contract)
An Annual Maintenance Contract typically costs ₹3,000–₹8,000 per year and includes:
- 4–6 cleaning visits
- Inverter health check
- I-V curve testing of panels
- Electrical safety audit
- Performance report
AMC is highly recommended — a single faulty string can reduce output by 30% without being detected.