Do You Need a Solar Inspection Every Year?

Keeping your solar energy system in top condition is essential for long-term energy savings and consistent performance.

At New Day Solar, we often hear homeowners ask whether they really need a solar inspection every year.

The short answer is yes—for most homeowners, annual inspections are a smart way to protect your investment, ensure safety, and get the most from your solar panels.

Solar Panel Maintenance: Why Solar Inspections Matter

Your solar panels work hard year-round, especially in Southern California’s sunny climate. Over time, exposure to dust, dirt, wind, and weather can take a toll. While these issues might not seem urgent at first, they can gradually affect your system’s ability to generate electricity efficiently.

A solar inspection identifies small problems—like loose wiring, minor damage, or declining inverter performance—before they become bigger and more expensive to fix.

Having a trained professional check your system also ensures it’s operating safely. Faulty wiring or degraded components can pose fire risks or void your equipment warranty.

Inspections are also a good time to confirm that the system is still aligned with current energy goals, especially as household energy use changes over time.

What Can Go Wrong Without Annual Checkups

Without routine inspections, you could miss subtle but costly issues. Systems left unchecked may continue to operate below peak efficiency without triggering an alert.

• Energy production may slowly drop due to dirt buildup or shading.
• Small issues like frayed wires or corroded connections can worsen.
• Mounting equipment may loosen or degrade in high heat or wind.
• Animal activity—such as birds nesting—can damage wiring or block airflow.
• You may not notice problems until they show up as higher utility bills.

How Often Does New Day Recommend an Inspection?

For most homes, we recommend a professional solar inspection once a year. This is enough to stay ahead of normal wear and tear, especially for newer systems in relatively clean environments. However, some homes may need inspections more frequently. For example:

• Homes in dusty, coastal, or windy areas
• Systems surrounded by tall trees or nearby construction
• Installations older than 8–10 years
• Solar setups paired with battery storage or EV chargers

These conditions may increase the need for more frequent evaluations to prevent performance issues or premature wear.

What Happens During an Inspection?

A typical inspection includes a complete review of your solar array and electrical components.

Our technician checks the integrity of your solar panels, confirms that your inverter and other hardware are functioning correctly, and tests your system’s power output. We also look for any visible damage, corrosion, or signs of animal interference.

Just as important, we’ll review your system’s performance over time to make sure it’s still meeting your energy needs. If the system isn’t generating what it should, we’ll track down the cause and recommend appropriate next steps.

Monitoring Tools Are Helpful—but Not Enough

While many solar systems come with performance monitoring tools, these don’t replace a physical inspection. A monitoring app can show you how much energy your panels are producing, but it can’t identify why that number might be falling.

You still need a technician to examine the wiring, mounting hardware, inverter, and other components to understand what’s really happening.

Your monitoring app is a great tool to use between visits—but think of it as the dashboard light, not the mechanic.

DIY Visual Checks Between Pro Visits

Homeowners can support the health of their solar system by doing occasional visual inspections from the ground. Here’s what you can safely look for:

• Buildup of dust, leaves, or bird droppings on panels
• Evidence of nesting animals or chewed wiring
• Noticeable drops in energy production on your monitoring app
• Changes in roof shading from tree growth or new construction
• Any loose or dangling wires visible from the ground

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to schedule a professional inspection.

New Rules Mean Performance Matters More Than Ever

With the recent shift to NEM 3.0 in California, how and when your system produces power has become even more important.

Under this billing structure, the value of the electricity you send to the grid is lower than what you use directly in your home. That means keeping your system running at peak efficiency is key to maximizing your savings.

Inconsistent production or system faults that go unnoticed can result in less offset of your home’s energy use—and more power bought from the utility. That’s why an annual inspection plays a crucial role in financial performance as well as system health.

When to Schedule an Extra Inspection

In addition to annual service, you should schedule an extra inspection if there’s been severe weather in your area, such as high winds or hail. You’ll also want an inspection if your energy output has dropped significantly, if you’ve recently had roof work done, or if you’re preparing to sell your home.

Each of these situations introduces risks or changes that should be professionally evaluated to ensure your system is still operating safely and efficiently.

Trust Us For Long-Term Solar Care

At New Day Solar, we’ve been helping Southern California families go solar for more than three decades. From system design to installation and ongoing support, we’re committed to helping you get the most from your solar investment.

Scheduling your annual solar inspection is an easy step that helps you avoid problems, maintain safety, and maximize your energy savings.

If you can’t remember the last time your system was inspected—or if it’s been more than a year—it’s time to schedule your checkup. Contact us today to book your service or speak with a member of our team. We’re here to help you enjoy a brighter, more efficient tomorrow.