At Ecoways, we don’t just build wind and solar systems; we also make sure they continue performing safely and reliably for years to come. That includes annual maintenance inspections for your solar installation.
On this page, we explain why inspections are essential and what we check during a yearly service.
Why do solar panels need inspection and maintenance?
It’s often underestimated, but if you want your solar installation to operate safely and at peak performance for as long as possible, a yearly inspection is crucial. For three simple reasons:
- You keep your warranty.
- You prevent issues before they turn into real problems.
- You extend the lifespan of your installation.
What we inspect during a yearly service.
During a technical inspection, we check the solar panels themselves, the mounting structure, electrical connections, inverters, screws, connectors, and clamps. If small repairs are needed, we carry them out immediately.
Here’s what we look at:
1) The panels themselves, of course.
We start with a visual inspection of the general condition of the solar panels. We check for:
- glass damage
- loose panels
- hotspots (areas where cells overheat and can cause fire)
- dirt buildup (leaves, bird droppings, pollen, dust)
Dirt reduces the amount of light the panels can capture, which lowers your energy production. Keeping panels clean is essential for maximum output.
2) Mounting structures.
The mounting structure keeps your panels securely in place. We check for:
- oxidation and corrosion
- damaged or loose clamps
- defective small parts
- nests, leaves, twigs, and moss under or around the panels
In consultation with the customer, we thoroughly clean the area under the panels. We also clean mounting points where dirt tends to accumulate.
3) Electrical connections.
We inspect all electrical connections, including connectors, cables, and joints.
If connections are not up to standard, an arc fault can occur — a visible electrical arc between two conductors. This is often caused by connectors that do not meet NEN 1010 guidelines. We ensure cables and connectors never touch the roofing material, because:- standing water and roof contact accelerate erosion
- moisture entering a connector can cause short circuits
4) Inverters.
The inverter is the heart of your solar installation, so we inspect it thoroughly. We check:
- alarms and error codes
- cable connections (tightened when needed)
- filters and exterior housing (cleaned on-site)
- arc fault detection (if applicable)
- firmware updates
If issues cannot be resolved on-site, we involve a specialised partner.
5) Screws, connectors and clamps.
If non-stainless-steel components are used, excessive rust can occur. Rust is non-conductive, which compromises the earthing of the mounting structure and cable trays. This can lead to dangerous situations for anyone working on the roof.
That’s why non-stainless-steel parts often need replacing after 3–5 years. If we find them, we replace them during inspection.
What do we often encounter?
Here are some of the most common problems we see during our inspections:
Bird droppings.
Bird droppings can significantly reduce energy production.
During one inspection, we found panels heavily covered in seagull droppings, years of buildup that even after deep cleaning left visible traces. Regular cleaning is essential for maximum efficiency.
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Leaves.
At a site in Almere, we found dead leaves piled under panels on a sloped roof.
Leaves can become extremely hot and, combined with a damaged cable, can trigger an arc fault, a major fire risk. Luckily, this was detected in time thanks to an Ecoways inspection.
Loose clamps.
Loose clamps can cause panels to detach and blow away during storms. This leads to:
- damage to the installation
- damage to neighbouring properties
- severe safety risks
Regular inspection prevents this.
Loose side plates.
Unstable side plates can cause panels to detach during strong winds. We re-secure plates and investigate the cause to prevent recurrence.
Cables and connectors touching roofing
A major safety hazard!
At a site in Hoorn, we found connectors resting on roof felt, exposed to moisture. This increases the risk of short circuits and significantly shortens the lifespan of the installation.
We also often find roof drainage issues, such as clogged drains, causing water buildup and excess weight. That’s why we also clear and check roof drains during inspections
Rust
Installations aged 3–5 years often show rusted screws, clamps, and connectors if they’re not stainless steel. Rust disrupts earthing and poses safety risks.
We replace these components during inspection.
Want more information?
Is your solar installation also in need of inspection? Or would you like some more information first? Feel free to reach out to our team for a chat or a free site analysis!
