Solar panels have become a popular and environmentally friendly way to generate clean energy for homes and businesses and in 2021 alone, over 60,000 UK homes had solar panels installed; bringing the total number of residential properties using solar panels up to one million.

With so many more homes and businesses now relying on solar panels to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and cut their emissions, questions about their ongoing care and maintenance have become more common.  

One of the key features of solar panels is their longevity and relatively low maintenance requirements. In recent years, solar panel technology has advanced to the point where they are for the most part, self-cleaning.

In this blog post, we will discuss how to maintain and care for your solar panels to ensure they continue to operate efficiently and take advantage of the self-cleaning technology.

Regular Inspections

The first step in maintaining your solar panels is to carry out a visual inspection. Check your panels for any visible dirt, debris, or physical damage that could be reducing their effectiveness.

 It’s good practice to inspect your solar panels every 2-3 months to ensure they are free from visible damage and debris. These visual checks can help you identify any issues before they become major problems.

Check for Damage

When inspecting your solar panels for any signs of physical damage, keep an eye out for cracks or chipping. If you notice any damage, it’s important to contact a professional to assess the extent of the issue and perform necessary repairs.

Cracked or damaged panels can significantly impact the efficiency and performance of your solar system and picking up on problems early can help minimise any associated repair costs, whilst also getting your panels back up and running again as soon as possible.

Keep Surrounding Areas Well Maintained

While solar panels are designed to be self-cleaning, keeping the area around them clean can help them function more efficiently whilst also preventing the risk of damage.

Trimming trees, bushes, or any other plants that may cast shadows on the panels not only keeps your panels safe from any falling debris, but also ensures that the shadows cast do not reduce their effectiveness.

Monitoring Systems

Many modern solar systems come equipped with monitoring systems that allow you to track the performance of your panels in real-time, showing the amount of energy that has been generated.

Utilise these monitoring tools to keep an eye on your system’s efficiency. If you notice a sudden drop, it could be a sign of a problem that requires attention.

If you do notice a drop in performance, contact a professional to inspect your panels. Most panels come with a 25-year warranty which typically covers loss of power output.

Do I Need to Clean My Panels?

Solar panels are equipped with a self-cleaning feature, which means they are designed to shed most debris and dirt when it rains. As a result, you should not need to clean your solar panels frequently or routinely.

However, after long, dry periods, you may need to manually clean your solar panels to ensure that they are still working effectively. While this may sound daunting, the process is relatively simple.

• Use a garden hose or a soft brush with a long handle to clean the panels.
• Avoid using abrasive materials, harsh chemicals, or abrasive sponges as they can damage the surface of the panels.
• Clean your panels early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid heat stress, which can damage the panels.

Alternatively, many cleaning companies offer professional solar panel cleaning services and will have the access and cleaning equipment required.

Talk to the Experts

Maintaining and caring for your solar panels is essential to ensure they operate efficiently and provide you with clean, renewable energy for years to come.

If you are ready to unlock the power of solar energy for your home or business, talk to Go Green Solar today. Our expert team provides a complete installation service and can advise you on the best solution to get the most out of your panels.

For more information, call 0117 964 0078, email hello@gogreensolar.co.uk or fill out a contact form and we will get back to you.