Maintenance and cleaning

One of the greatest advantages of solar PV systems is that they have no moving parts, which makes them very reliable and low-maintenance. However, a small amount of regular care can help ensure your panels generate the maximum possible energy over their 25 to 30-year lifespan.

1. Cleaning your panels

In the UK, the rain usually does a good job of keeping solar panels clean. However, a buildup of dust, bird droppings, or pollution can reduce efficiency by 5% to 10%.

  • When to clean: Most panels only need cleaning once or twice a year. If you live near the coast (salt spray) or in a high-pollution area, you may need to clean them more often.
  • How to clean:
    • Safety first: Never climb on your roof without proper fall-protection equipment.
    • Use water: Often a simple hose-down is enough.
    • Avoid chemicals: Do not use abrasive cleaners or high-pressure washers, as these can damage the anti-reflective coating on the glass.
    • Time of day: Clean panels in the early morning or evening when they are cool. Cold water on a hot panel can cause the glass to crack.

2. Monitoring performance

The easiest way to tell if your system needs maintenance is to keep an eye on your monitoring app or generation meter.

  • Track trends: Look for a sudden drop in generation compared to similar sunny days in previous weeks.
  • Check the inverter: Most inverters have a status light. Green usually means all is well; red or orange indicate an error code.
  • Error alerts: If your monitoring system is connected to the internet, it can often email you or your installer if a fault is detected.

3. Hardware maintenance

While the panels are durable, other components may need attention:

  • The Inverter: String inverters typically last 10 to 15 years, meaning you will likely need to replace yours at least once during the life of your panels.
  • Wiring: Occasionally, rodents can chew through cables, or high winds can loosen connections. A professional inspection every 5 years is a good idea.
  • Trees and shading: Regularly trim back any trees that have grown to cast shadows on your panels, as even partial shading can significantly reduce output.

4. Professional servicing

We recommend a professional system health check every 5 to 10 years. An installer will:

  • Perform an electrical safety test.
  • Check the integrity of the mounting frame.
  • Inspect for any signs of “hotspots” or delamination on the panels.
  • Update the inverter firmware.

Bird protection: If pigeons or other birds are nesting under your panels, they can cause damage to the wiring and create a fire risk. You can install bird mesh or “spikes” around the edge of the panels to prevent them from getting underneath.