Solar panel maintenance: How often cleaning is needed?

Did you know that with proper maintenance your solar panels can boost their efficiency by up to 30%?

According to HIES, an annual check-up is recommended to ensure your solar PV system operates at peak efficiency. As more homeowners turn towards solar energy, understanding just how to maintain these solar panel systems is important, especially if you wish to get the most of your investment.

By taking care of your solar panels, you ensure they continue generating clean energy for many years. To maintain optimal performance, focus on tasks like cleaning the panels, managing shading, and monitoring the system’s health. Neglecting these steps can lead to reduced energy production, higher costs, and a shorter lifespan for your solar panels.

On this page, you’ll learn:

• The essential maintenance tasks to keep your solar panels in top condition.
• How often you should perform these tasks to ensure optimal performance.
• Tips for troubleshooting common issues and when to call a solar panel installer for help.

Let’s begin!

Do solar panels need maintenance?

Solar panels are generally low-maintenance. This means that they only require periodic cleaning and checks. All of this is done to make sure that they are free from dirt, debris, or any shading from nearby objects like trees. Solar panels need an unobstructed path to the sun to perform at their best. Inevitably, shading can significantly reduce energy production.

However the good news is that most solar panels are designed to endure extreme weather conditions. This means that in the event of high winds, rain, hailstorms, or heavy snow, you can still expect your solar panels to last for up to 30 years with little to no maintenance.

DID YOU KNOW… Solar panels are designed to withstand winds of up to 140 mph. A 10-15 cm layer of snow doesn’t affect power generation, as panels warm up to 20-25°C, melting the snow and letting it slide off naturally due to their angle. Additionally, rainfall usually keeps panels clean by washing away most dust and debris.

That said though, regular solar maintenance is still recommended if you wish to maximise your solar panel system’s efficiency. In that case, simple tasks such as cleaning your panels and monitoring the system’s performance can help reduce energy costs. This is a great way to ensure consistent power output.

Additionally, solar panel maintenance helps to increase the overall lifespan and value of your solar energy system. By keeping your panels clean and ensuring they’re working properly, you can maintain optimal performance for years to come.

Cleaning solar panels: How do you maintain them?

By maintaining solar panels, you can continue to ensure they generate as much energy as possible. Let’s take a look at some ways to keep them well-maintained so that you can maximise their lifespan:

#1: Routine cleaning

In some cases, regular cleaning with a garden hose or using a telescopic pole to reach panels can help remove debris like dust, dirt, leaves, and bird droppings.

Be careful, though!

DIY cleaning can help save money, but it also carries safety risks. On the other hand, professional cleaning services provide expertise and safety, though at a higher cost. Fortunately, solar panels are largely self-cleaning; a rain shower can wash away dirt, and snow can melt off since solar panels are cold-resistant and designed to withstand snow and ice. A loose layer of snow, around 10 to 15 centimeters thick, won’t stop electricity generation.

In winter, the panels can heat up to 20 to 25 degrees, which helps melt the snow and ice, allowing them to slide off naturally due to the panels’ angle.

#2: Regular servicing

We all know that cars need regular checkups to run smoothly. But did you know that solar panels can also benefit from routine inspections?

A solar panel installer can perform an annual inspection to see if there are any faults, clean those hard-to-reach panels, and make sure that your solar panel system is still working correctly. In fact, regular servicing can help detect and prevent issues with the electrical hardware or inverter, ensuring everything is working just as it should.

You can also monitor your solar system using our Soly App.

#3: Shading management

Shading must be properly managed in order to maintain solar panel efficiency. This means that anything that could be blocking the sunlight such as trees, buildings, or other obstructions, need to be checked on a regular basis.

For optimal performance, check for and trim any overgrown trees or plants that cast shadows on your solar panels. Taking a proactive stance about things that cast shade can help your panels capture as much sunshine as possible.

#4: Damage assessment and repair

It’s important to check your panels regularly for signs of damage. This could be things such as cracks or loose connections. Catching these issues early can prevent further efficiency losses and extend the lifespan of your solar panels.

If your panels are damaged, it should be addressed immediately in order to make sure your solar energy system continues to run smoothly and at its very best.

#5: Monitoring solar panel health

Most solar energy systems come with monitoring systems. They track energy output and notify you of any performance issues. By using a monitoring app, you can ensure your panels are operating efficiently. Additionally, with this monitor system, you can identify potential problems, such as malfunctioning panels, early on. When you use monitor systems, you can optimise energy production and lengthen your solar panel’s lifespan.

Solar panel maintenance costs & more

Solar panel system maintenance is going to involve a few key costs. Here’s an overview of the typical expenses you could see:

• Solar panel inspection and testing costs: Yearly inspections tend to cost around £140-£250. This is to make sure the solar energy system is working efficiently.
• Solar panel repairs:  Outside of warranties, repairs can range from £120-£1,500. This depends on the issue.
• Solar panel insurance costs: Adding solar panel insurance costs about £60-£100 annually.

 

FAQ

Do solar panels need maintenance?

Yes, annual servicing is recommended to ensure your solar panels are working efficiently, but they are generally low-maintenance. Routine tasks like cleaning to remove dirt, bird droppings, and debris are important, as well as checking for shading issues that could block sunlight. These inspections help identify and fix any issues with the system, such as the inverter or electrical connections, which ensures your solar energy system operates at peak efficiency year-round.

How often do solar panels need to be cleaned?

Solar panels generally need to be cleaned once or twice a year, depending on how dirty they get. However, it’s important to take a look at your solar company’s manual for more panel-specific recommendations. For most homes, natural rainfall helps keep them clean, but in areas with heavy dust, debris, or bird activity, more frequent cleaning may be required to maintain efficiency. At Soly, we offer optional installation options, like a bird blocker, to help minimize disruptions to your solar system.

How much does it cost to service solar panels UK?

In the UK, the cost of servicing solar panels typically ranges from £100 to £200 per year for general inspections and cleaning. Repair costs outside of warranties can range from £120 to £1,500, depending on the severity of the issue.

What type of maintenance is required in a solar system?

Maintenance includes cleaning the panels, checking for shading, ensuring inverter performance, and inspecting the system for any signs of damage or wear. Regular monitoring and annual inspections are crucial to ensure everything is running efficiently.

How does severe weather affect solar panels?

Solar panels are built to withstand most severe weather conditions, including high winds, hailstorms, and heavy snow. They are typically designed to endure winds up to 140 mph. While extreme heat can slightly reduce efficiency, this can be mitigated by ensuring proper installation that allows airflow under the panels.

How do I repair or replace solar panels?

If your solar panels need repair or replacement, it’s best to contact a professional solar panel installer. If the panels are under warranty, reach out to the installer or manufacturer for assistance. Avoid attempting repairs yourself unless you have experience with solar systems.

Final thoughts on maintaining solar panels

There’s no doubt that maintaining your solar panels is essential if you wish to truly keep them working at their best. While they don’t require constant upkeep, occasional cleaning, regular inspections, and monitoring are a great way to make sure that your solar panel system continues to work at its optimum for many years to come.

By taking simple steps to keep panels clear of dirt and debris while addressing any issues early on, you can see to it that your system continues to last while you save more on your energy bills. Solar panels are a long-term, low-maintenance investment, and proper care will only enhance their benefits.

Keep on reading: Are Solar Panels Worth It or Not?

Why choose Soly?

At Soly, we make solar energy simple. Here’s why we’re the best choice for your solar needs:

• Affordable financing: We understand that upfront costs can be a barrier to going solar. That’s why we offer convenient financing options, including a £500 deposit plan, where the remaining balance is due only after your system is installed and operational. This makes solar energy more affordable for UK residents. Soly also partners with Ideal4Finance, providing tailored, competitive financing with instant, personalised offers.
• Referral benefits: Soly offers the best referral scheme in the solar market. As a Soly customer, you can earn £300 for each friend you refer who installs a system with Soly—with no limits! This can significantly help reduce your payback period. For example, one of our customers, Martyn, managed to reduce his payback period by nearly a year by referring just three friends.
• High-quality panels: We use only the best solar panels, offering monocrystalline solar panels from Jinko Solar. Known for their efficiency and durability, these monocrystalline solar panels can last for up to 40 years, ensuring you get the most out of your investment.
• Trusted reputation: Soly is proud to be highly rated on platforms like TrustPilot and Google and recognized as a certified Which? Trusted Trader. We’ve built a reputation for excellence, earning the trust of countless satisfied customers, with our commitment to quality evident in every installation.
• Accredited installers: We work exclusively with local installers nationwide who are accredited by HIES, TrustMark, and MCS, ensuring that your solar system is installed with the highest industry standards in mind. Proper installation plays a huge role in maximising the lifespan of your solar panels.
• Expertise you can trust: With over 10 years of experience in the solar industry, we know how to deliver the best solar solutions tailored to your needs. Our team of experts will ensure your system is designed to last.
• Peace of mind: We provide up to 25-year guarantees for our solar panels and 15-year guarantees for our solar batteries. This means you can have peace of mind knowing your investment is protected for decades to come.

Reach out to our solar experts today to discover how Soly can help you transition to clean, renewable energy with the best products and financing options.