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Checked October 20, 2026: HomeAdvisor puts most solar panel repairs at $238 to $1,490, about $864 on average (June 2026).[1] Inverter work is the big variable: Angi lists inverter repair at $500 to $3,000 and replacement at $800 to $5,000 (April 2026).[2] Warranty parts can be free, but labor often is not.[3]
If your installer is gone and you still owe on a solar loan, lease or PPA, see if a solar contract exit company can help. No cost to submit. We do not repair systems.
Solar panel repair cost at a glance
Published cost guides do not agree to the dollar, because they sample different jobs and years. We show each source’s own numbers with its date rather than averaging them.
| Source (date) | Typical range | Average | Low to high |
|---|---|---|---|
| HomeAdvisor (Jun 19, 2026)[1] | $238 to $1,490 | $864 | $100 to $4,700 |
| Fixr (Jan 31, 2025)[4] | $400 to $1,000 | $750 (two cracked panels) | $120 (small chips) to $3,000 (string inverter) |
| Angi, inverters only (Apr 6, 2026)[2] | Repair $500 to $3,000; replacement $800 to $5,000 | $2,000 for an inverter | n/a |
Panels themselves rarely fail: EnergySage reports that most performance problems trace to the inverter, or to normal seasonal swings in production, not to the panels.[3] So before you price a panel replacement, confirm what actually failed (see solar repair after your installer goes out of business).
Solar panel repair cost by repair type
| Repair | Published cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Broken glass[1] | $120 to $550 | Small chips may be sealed; large cracks need a glass or panel swap |
| Cracked panel[1] | 1 to 2 hours of labor at about $100 an hour for minor cracks | Deep fractures can mean a new panel plus labor |
| Replacement panel[1] | $200 to $550 per panel, plus labor at about $100 an hour | Price of the unit; labor is extra |
| Loose connection or wiring[1] | $100 for a simple loose connection, up to $400 for extensive wiring damage | Loose solder joints can make panels flicker on and off as temperatures change |
| Microinverter[1][2] | $150 to $350 per unit | One per panel, on the roof under the panel |
| String inverter[1][2] | $800 to $2,500 | One unit, usually at ground level |
| Hybrid (battery) inverter[2] | $1,000 to $5,000 | Combines the solar inverter and battery functions |
| Power optimizer[2] | $50 to $200 per panel | Listed by Angi as an added per-panel cost |
| Inspection[1] | $150 to $300 | If not included in a service contract |
| Cleaning[1] | $150 to $350 per system, or $15 to $35 per panel | Panels in rainy climates tend to need less cleaning |
Removing panels to fix the roof under them is a separate job with its own pricing: see solar panel removal cost and removal and reinstall for a new roof.
Solar inverter repair or replacement cost
Angi puts the average solar inverter at $2,000, usually $1,000 to $3,000 depending on system size and inverter type, with some homeowners paying as little as $800 or as much as $5,000. For an inverter-only job, it puts labor at $200 to $500.[2]
| System size | Average inverter cost |
|---|---|
| 5 kW | $750 to $1,200 |
| 6 kW | $900 to $1,440 |
| 8 kW | $1,200 to $1,920 |
| 10 kW | $1,500 to $2,400 |
| 12 kW | $1,800 to $2,880 |
Repair or replace? Angi suggests replacing when the inverter is failing near the end of its expected 10 to 20 year life, has extensive damage, has had failed repairs, or when the repair would cost more than 50% of a new inverter. It suggests repairing for minor issues such as blown fuses or faulty wiring, when the unit is still under warranty, or when it is less than about 7 to 10 years old.[2]
Labor, service calls and minimum fees
- Hourly rate: HomeAdvisor says solar pros charge about $100 an hour and most panels take about an hour to service; Angi gives $50 to $100 an hour.[1][2]
- Minimum fee: small systems can still face a minimum service fee of $100 to $150.[1]
- Service visit: if your warranty does not pay labor, EnergySage says to expect about a couple of hundred dollars for a visit.[3]
- Access: steep or hard-to-reach roofs add time, crew and safety gear; HomeAdvisor says that can add about $100 an hour.[1] EnergySage notes that replacing a microinverter on a roof is a much bigger job than troubleshooting a string inverter in a garage.[3]
What the warranty pays, and what it does not
A manufacturer warranty can make the part free, but labor is the cost most often left to you, and it matters more when the installer that promised workmanship coverage is gone.
- SolarEdge: its limited warranty (August 2025 version) says labor for on-site repairs, uninstalling and reinstalling is not covered unless SolarEdge agrees in writing in advance.[5]
- Enphase: Enphase sells installer partners a labor reimbursement extension that brings labor coverage on IQ Microinverters to 5 or 10 years from activation.[6] Without that extension, Enphase’s standard labor reimbursement for warranty service lasts 2 years and is paid to the installer.[6] Homeowners can buy Enphase Care, which Enphase says starts at $399 a year with $0 on-site labor on covered repairs.[7]
- Tesla: EnergySage says Tesla’s standard warranty covers labor for its inverters.[3]
Who honors which warranty after an installer bankruptcy: solar warranty after installer bankruptcy. If a maker or installer refuses a valid claim, see solar panel warranty disputes. Still paying for a system whose installer closed? See solar company went bankrupt for what happens to your loan, lease or PPA.
How to keep a solar repair bill down
- Diagnose first. Check the monitoring app and the season before booking a visit; most dips are seasonal.[3]
- Start with the manufacturer. A covered part costs you only labor, and the maker can often point you to an authorized local company.[3]
- Use a certified company. Uncertified work can void the warranty.[3] Confirm installer certifications in the NABCEP directory.[8]
- Get written quotes that separate the diagnostic fee, parts and labor, in our assessment the easiest way to compare companies.
- Bundle work. In our assessment, if panels are coming off for a roof job anyway, that is the cheapest time to fix anything on the roof side.
Frequently asked questions
How much does solar panel repair cost?
HomeAdvisor puts most solar panel repairs at $238 to $1,490, about $864 on average (June 2026). Fixr reports $400 to $1,000, about $750 on average (January 2025).
How much does it cost to replace a solar inverter?
Angi lists solar inverter replacement at $800 to $5,000 and an average inverter at about $2,000 (April 2026). HomeAdvisor lists $800 to $2,500 for a string inverter and $150 to $350 per microinverter.
What is the solar panel replacement cost for one panel?
HomeAdvisor lists $200 to $550 for the replacement panel, plus labor at about $100 an hour; most panels take about an hour to service.
Is it worth repairing a solar inverter?
Angi suggests repair for minor issues, units still under warranty or inverters under about 7 to 10 years old, and replacement when repairs cost more than 50% of a new inverter or the unit is near the end of a 10 to 20 year life.
Does the solar warranty cover labor?
Often not. SolarEdge's August 2025 warranty text excludes on-site labor unless agreed in writing, Enphase's standard labor reimbursement lasts 2 years and is paid to the installer, and EnergySage says Tesla's standard warranty covers labor for its inverters.
Why are solar repair prices so different between sources?
Each guide samples different jobs, regions and years. Roof pitch, access, system type and whether the part is under warranty all move the price.
Who repairs solar panels if the installer went out of business?
Another solar company certified by your equipment manufacturer. The manufacturer can often recommend one. For a lease or PPA, contact the company you pay each month.
If you still owe on a solar loan, lease or PPA, see if a solar contract exit company can help. No cost to submit. We do not repair systems.
Sources
Checked October 20, 2026. Prices are published estimates from the sources below, not quotes. Warranty terms change, so confirm on the linked source and your own documents before you act.
- Cost guideHomeAdvisor, How much does solar panel repair cost? (updated Jun 19, 2026)
- Cost guideAngi, How much does a solar inverter cost? (updated Apr 6, 2026)
- Consumer guideEnergySage, When solar panel repair is needed, and when it's not (updated Aug 28, 2025)
- Cost guideFixr, Cost to repair solar panel (updated Jan 31, 2025)
- Manufacturer warrantySolarEdge Technologies, Limited Product Warranty (revised August 2025; copy hosted by SolarQuotes)
- Manufacturer supportSolarEdge, I Have a Warranty Question (US support page, checked Oct 20, 2026)
- ManufacturerEnphase, Labor Protection Program (labor reimbursement extension for IQ Microinverters)
- ManufacturerEnphase, Enphase Care (homeowner service plan and FAQ)
- Certification bodyNABCEP Professional Directory (look up certified solar professionals)
Disclaimer: This article is general information, not legal, financial or technical advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Results vary by individual situation. We do not advise homeowners to stop making payments or breach contractual obligations. Consult a qualified attorney licensed in your state before acting on your solar contract or loan, and a qualified, licensed solar professional before any work on your system. SolarPanelExit.com does not repair, remove or install solar equipment. We may earn compensation when you contact companies through our site. This does not change our ratings. Form submissions may be shared with our authorized partners, solar contract exit companies that pay us for inquiries. See our Ownership Disclosure, Advertiser Disclosure and Methodology.