With rising energy costs and climate change concerns, solar panels are becoming more popular as a way to reduce energy costs and environmental impact. However, one of the most common questions homeowners and prospective solar buyers have is: “Do solar panels need maintenance?” The answer is yes—but not nearly as much as you may think.
Here’s what you need to know about maintaining solar panels in the UK, and how proper care can maximise their efficiency, cost savings, and lifespan.
General Maintenance for Solar Panels
Compared to boilers or other energy generation technology, solar panels are low-maintenance. Once installed, they quietly generate electricity with minimal interference, but like any piece of technology, a little upkeep is needed to ensure they continue running at peak efficiency.
The most common maintenance required is to clean the panels from dust and debris and to ensure pigeons or other pests haven’t nested under your panels or caused damage to any wiring.
Generally, you might be able to handle this level of maintenance without professional assistance. However, it is still recommended to have your system inspected periodically by a professional to ensure everything is functioning properly.
Contact Orange Solar Systems to arrange your solar maintenance check with our professional team of solar panel experts.
DIY Solar Panel Maintenance Tips
Here are a few simple steps you can take to keep your system running efficiently:
- Regularly clean your panels: Use a soft brush or sponge with soapy water to remove dirt, bird droppings, and other debris from the surface. If your panels are on the roof and difficult to reach, consider hiring a professional.
- Check for debris: Inspect your panels to ensure they aren’t being blocked by fallen leaves, branches, or other obstructions. This is especially important during autumn when leaves are more likely to accumulate.
- Monitor energy output: Keep an eye on your energy bills or use a solar monitoring app (if available) to ensure your system is producing as much electricity as expected. If you notice a sudden drop in output, it could signal a problem that requires further investigation.
- Inspect for shading: Ensure no new shading issues have emerged, like growing trees or newly installed structures that may be casting shadows over your panels.
How often do solar panels need to be cleaned?
The UK is known for its less-than-favourable weather, but this can be a good thing! The rain helps to keep solar PV panels clean by washing off most dust and dirt that has accumulated. However, it is generally recommended to clean your solar panels every six months for maximum efficiency. Depending on where you live, you might need to clean them more often, for example, more urban areas might require more cleaning due to higher levels of dirt from traffic compared to more rural areas.
Why you should maintain your solar panel
Once your panels are up and running, it can be tempting to ignore them and let them work their magic. However, neglecting maintenance can have a significant impact on your solar system’s efficiency and lifespan.
- Reduced Efficiency: A panel covered in dirt or grime can see a drop in efficiency by as much as 20%, which directly affects the amount of energy it produces and, therefore, your savings.
- Higher Energy Bills: As efficiency drops, so does your reliance on solar energy, meaning you’ll end up drawing more power from the grid, raising your energy bills.
- Shortened Lifespan: Routine maintenance ensures that minor issues are caught early before they turn into bigger, more expensive problems that can shorten the lifespan of your panels.
Basically, proper maintenance is key to maximising the return on your investment!
When to Seek Professional Help
While many aspects of solar panel maintenance can be handled on your own, there are times when it’s best to call in a professional. Here are some instances which mean you might want to call in a professional:
- A significant drop in energy output: If you notice a sudden drop in energy output that can’t be explained through weather or shading.
- Visible damage: If you notice visible damage to the panels such as cracking or loose wiring.
- Problems with the inverter: Issues with the inverter (the component that converts solar energy into usable electricity) may signal more complex issues.
- Access issues: If it’s too difficult to access your roof, you should contact a professional who can easily gain access with the right equipment.
It’s generally a good idea to have a professional inspect your system every three to five years to ensure everything is running smoothly and to spot any potential issues before they become major problems.
Solar panel key takeaways
Let’s break down the key takeaways associated with solar panel maintenance:
- DIY tasks include cleaning, checking for debris or shading, and monitoring energy output.
- Neglecting maintenance reduces efficiency, raises energy bills, and shortens the lifespan of panels.
- Common issues include dirt build-up, micro-cracks, and loose wiring, affecting performance.
- Regular maintenance maximises efficiency, and cost savings, and extends the life of your solar panels.
Book your panel maintenance with Orange Solar
With the correct maintenance, most solar panels can last for 30 years. To ensure your solar panels’ maximum efficiency and lifespan, we recommend a full service every year. Orange Solar Systems can provide this full service so you can rest assured that your solar panels will be functioning to their optimal level.
