Solar panels may require periodic cleaning and maintenance throughout their lifetime. This is because dust, debris, and the effects of the weather can impair the performance of the photovoltaic cells over time. Maintaining your solar panels ensures that they are always working at peak efficiency.
But what exactly does "maintenance" mean for solar panels, and how often do you need to clean them? Is there anything technical involved, and do you need to hire a professional? Besides that, is there anything simple you can do to cut down on solar panel maintenance costs?
That’s what this blog is about: how to maintain your solar panels with a minimum of stress and cost. Read on to find out more.
Do solar panels need maintenance?
Yes, solar panels need some maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
While occasional rainfall can help keep light dust and debris from collecting on the panels, it's a good idea to have your panels professionally cleaned every 1-2 years, depending on their condition.
For added peace of mind, consider a more thorough inspection and servicing every 4-5 years. Our extended insurance-backed warranty can cover additional needs, helping keep your solar system running efficiently for years.
How often should I clean my solar panels?
Though rain helps keep panels clean, dirt and debris can accumulate over time and reduce efficiency. Professional cleaning every 1-2 years is generally recommended, but factors like nearby trees, bird activity, and local air quality can affect how often cleaning is needed. Regularly inspecting your panels will help determine when they need attention to maintain optimal energy production.
How to properly install and place solar panels
Another thing to bear in mind is that you might want to avoid having solar panels installed in the shadow of a tree or nearby roosting birds.
Not only would the shadow reduce the effectiveness of the panels, but it may encourage birds to fly over and land in the trees, which you don't want. This is basic stuff that any solar installation engineer will keep in mind. You can discuss any potential worries about the installation with your Solar Together installer during your survey.
On that topic, it’s vital that you work with a professional to have them installed. While solar panels don’t have any moving parts, there are a few things that can go wrong:
- Improper roof anchor installation can damage your roof tiles, or leave the panel insecurely attached.
- The panels have to be wired to an inverter. The panels themselves are pre wired but should still be wired up by an MCS-certified installer; problems include dangerous earthing or exposed cabling.
- If the support legs are installed too low on the panel, it may be at an angle that causes wind load stress.
So not only can bad installation mean higher maintenance needs, but it can even be dangerous.
The high-quality panels and expert (MCS accredited) installations available through Solar Together can help you avoid these issues. Interested in whether you might need planning permission for your solar panel installation? Find out more here.
Installing bird netting for solar panels
A great way to prevent birds from causing problems for your solar panel is to install netting, 'bird barriers' or bird deterrent kits.
These are different names for broadly the same things. When you have your panels installed, you can install mesh, netting or wire strips that stop birds from getting underneath your solar panels. These also help prevent environmental ‘hazards’ like twigs accumulating around your panels. Bird protection is available through Solar Together for a fixed additional cost, and it is worth discussing with the winning installer as part of your on-site survey.
How to clean solar panels on your roof
We do not advise anyone to attempt cleaning their panels without the appropriate training and equipment.
For those with accessible panels, such as ground-mounted arrays, we advise caution when deciding how to clean them. Certain cleaning products can cause damage, and using high-pressure washers can lead to water ingress.
Instead, we'd advise speaking to a professional cleaning provider who can offer industry best-practice guidance and services.
Can I hire a solar panel cleaner instead?
While some window cleaners may offer solar panel cleaning, we recommend using a specialised solar cleaning company. They have the expertise, equipment, and training to properly care for your panels and ensure your warranty stays valid.
How does extreme weather affect solar panels?
Like all kinds of electronics, solar panels are affected by extreme weather.
- In freezing weather, solar panels are fine. When covered by snow, your panel can't convert light into energy, but its surface means that the snow should melt and slide off.
- In very hot weather, panels produce less voltage and become less efficient.
- In stormy weather, solar panels are fine. They come with a water-resistant surface that keeps them clear and clean. They don't increase the chance of your house being hit by lightning.
- In windy weather, solar panels are fine. When installed properly they are safe and secure even in high winds.
This means that even if you lived somewhere that experiences extreme weather, your panels should have no additional maintenance needs. Read our blog on whether your solar panels work in cloudy conditions.
Learn more with Solar Together
Solar Together runs a group-buying scheme that can help you lower the cost of having solar panels installed. We work in conjunction with local councils, grouping residents together from across the country, giving you exclusive access to discounted prices.
We vet installers for the quality of their service so that you don't have to. Beyond that, we even offer optional add-ons like battery storage and EV charge point installation, and insurance-backed guarantees for customer protection.
We understand why that might sound too good to be true. If you’d like to learn more about how we get competitive prices for you, if your roof is suitable for solar panels, or how group-buying can help you save money, take a look at our Blog.