Solar Panel Maintenance: Your Guide to Year-Round Efficiency

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18th Oct 2024

You’ve made the wise choice of investing in solar panels, but to get the most out of them, they’ll need a little love. If you neglect them, dirt and debris can build up, reducing their efficiency and leaving you with higher energy bills and less energy output.

That’s not what you want.

The great news? Solar panel upkeep is easy! With just a bit of routine care—like giving them a clean occasionally, checking for any issues, and keeping an eye on their performance—you’ll keep them running at full capacity, no matter the season.

Whether you’re already enjoying the benefits of a solar panel system or you’re thinking about making the switch and installing panels, knowing how to maintain your panels is key.

So here’s exactly what you can do to keep them working their best all year round.

Why you need to maintain solar panels

Solar panels are built to last, but like any equipment exposed to the elements, they endure a lot—leaves, dust, bird droppings, and adverse weather. All of these can prevent your panels from soaking up sunlight as efficiently as they should.

In fact, here in the UK, where the weather has a mind of its own, skipping regular maintenance can cause a gradual drop in energy production, reducing your system’s performance by up to 25%. Over time, you might notice higher electricity bills, signalling that your panels aren’t working as hard as they should.

Fortunately, regular maintenance can help prevent these issues.

Seasonal Solar Panel Maintenance Checklist

Spring

After the UK’s wet and windy winter, spring is the perfect time to give your solar panels some TLC. By now, they’ve probably gathered a layer of grime that could be holding them back.

• Give them a good clean: A simple spray with your garden hose can work wonders. For any stubborn dirt, use lukewarm water and a soft cloth—no harsh chemicals or pressure washers, though! They can do more harm than good.
• Check for winter damage: Winter storms can leave their mark. Inspect your panels for loose bolts, cracks, or wear on the wiring and mounts. If you’re not sure what to look for, an annual check by a professional solar installer is a safe bet.

Summer

With longer days and more sun, summer is a prime time for your panels to do their thing, but high temperatures can actually reduce their efficiency if they get too hot.

• Keep them cool: Make sure there’s enough airflow around your panels. When they overheat, efficiency can drop by 1% for every degree over 25°C. If your panels are too close to the roof, adding spacers can help.
• Watch your energy output: Use a monitoring app to keep an eye on how much energy your system is generating. If the numbers dip suddenly, it might be time for some solar maintenance.

Autumn

Autumn brings the start of falling leaves—and those leaves can be a real nuisance for your solar panels.

• Clear the clutter: Regularly sweep away leaves, twigs, or anything else that might block the sunlight. You can do this from the ground with a soft broom or an extendable tool, keeping it safe and simple.
• Watch for shading: As trees grow, they can start to throw unwanted shade on your panels. Keep nearby branches trimmed back to ensure your panels get full exposure to the sun.

Winter

While snow isn’t a huge problem everywhere in the UK, in the north, where we’re more prone to extreme weather events, snow and frost can lower your panels’ output.

• Remove snow carefully: If snow piles up, gently remove it with a snow rake made for solar panels, or let it melt naturally. Solar panels generate a bit of heat, even in the cold, which helps snow slide off.
• Avoid damaging them: Never use hot water to melt snow or ice—it can crack the glass. Instead, gently brush off any buildup to keep them clear and safe.

How Often Should You Clean Solar Panel System?

The answer depends on where you live. If your area gets plenty of rain, nature will handle most of the cleaning for you. A good downpour can wash away the dust and grime that slowly builds up. But if you’re in a dusty location or near construction sites, you might need to roll up your sleeves more often.

Experts suggest giving your panels a good clean about two to four times a year. Panels installed at an angle usually stay cleaner since the rain helps rinse off debris. But if your panels are flat, they might need a little extra love to keep working efficiently.

How to Keep an Eye on Your Solar Panels’ Performance

One of the easiest ways to make sure your solar panels are in top shape is by using an app to monitor their performance. Most modern solar systems come with built-in tools that track how much energy each panel is producing.

These monitoring systems can quickly flag panels that aren’t pulling their weight. If one of them is consistently underperforming, it could be a sign it needs a clean or a repair. Catching these issues early can save you from bigger, more expensive problems down the road.

Discover Award-Winning Solar Installation and Care

Keeping your solar panels in great shape doesn’t have to be hardwork. With a little regular attention, your panels can continue generating clean, renewable energy for years.

Simple steps like clearing debris, keeping an eye on energy output, and scheduling professional inspections with a solar installer will ensure your system runs efficiently—saving you money while shrinking your carbon footprint.

At The Little Green Energy Company, we’re here to give you peace of mind. We’re not just installers—we’re your ongoing partners, offering maintenance and system checks to keep your panels performing at their best all year long.

Whether you’re looking for expert advice, installation services, or help with maintenance, our friendly team is ready to assist. Reach out to The Little Green Energy Company, and let us show you how easy solar energy can be.