Many homeowners believe solar is “set it and forget it” because there are no moving parts. The truth? Your solar system is a high-voltage electrical setup exposed to weather, pests, and your roof — three things you’d never leave unchecked anywhere else. Here are the most common risks hiding above your head, and why regular maintenance is essential.

Over time, heat cycles and corrosion can loosen wiring connections. This creates arcing, which is a serious fire hazard. Without routine inspections, you may never see it coming until it’s too late.

Poor or deteriorating flashing around panel mounts can let water seep into your roof deck. This can cause leaks, mold growth, drywall damage and costly roof damage — especially if the system was installed after the roof without proper waterproofing.

Sun exposure and weather can crack conduit, especially flexible runs, while worn-out junction boxes can fail or spark. Either scenario raises the risk of electrical fires.

Leaves, pine needles, and even animal nests often collect beneath panels. This trapped moisture can rot your roof and is a common cause of panel-related roof leaks.

Squirrels, rats, and other pests love chewing through PV wire insulation. This not only reduces your system’s performance but can expose live wires, leading to shorts, fires, or dangerous faults.

Even though your inverter isn’t on the roof, it still needs care. Poor airflow and dust buildup can cause overheating, and a failing inverter can ignite — particularly in lower-quality all-in-one units.

Ground lugs on rooftop rail systems can corrode or loosen over time, creating stray voltage and shock hazards for anyone on the roof.

Dirty panels don’t just hurt production. Bird droppings, debris, and panel delamination can cause hot spots, which warp solar cells and may even ignite the junction box on the panel’s back.

Hail, thermal expansion, or stress from improper racking can create microcracks or fractures in panels. These weak points can lead to arcing and short-circuit risks.

If your installer has gone out of business, no one may be checking your system for outdated or recalled components — from faulty connectors to fire-prone modules. These hidden issues can go unnoticed for years.

“No moving parts” might sound reassuring, but that’s no excuse to skip maintenance. Solar systems are complex electrical installations living on your roof, exposed to the elements. Without regular inspections, minor issues can turn into thousands of dollars in repairs. Maintenance isn’t optional — it’s just ignored until it’s too late.

Scope of Work:

System Size & Production Analysis
 

• Review the installed system size and configuration.
   
• Compare actual production data with expected output based on system design, location, and historical performance.
   

Infrared (IR) Imaging of All Panels
 

• Capture high-resolution IR images of every solar panel to identify hot spots, damaged cells, and other performance-limiting defects.
   

Inspection of Accessible Connections & Mounts
 

• Check all accessible electrical connections for looseness, corrosion, or arcing potential.
   
• Inspect mounting hardware for stability, corrosion, and proper sealing.
   

Wire & Cable Examination
 

• Inspect all visible wires and conduit for UV damage, rodent activity, cracks, or exposed conductors.
   

Roof Integrity & Leak Detection
 

• Check for any roof leaks, moisture intrusion, or signs of water damage near and under solar mounts.
   
• Identify potential failure points in flashing or waterproofing.
   

Detailed PDF Report
 

• Provide a comprehensive PDF report including:
   
  • System performance data and comparison charts.
     
  • Infrared imaging results.
     
  • Photographs of any defects or concerns.
     
  • Recommended repairs or maintenance actions.