Do I need to maintain solar panels?

No matter what type of solar panels you choose to install, they have been designed to last the test of time. They can withstand all kinds of extreme weather, including storms, high winds, rain, hail, and snow. 

As they have no moving parts, solar panels require minimal maintenance to keep them fully functional. While the average lifespan of solar panels is between 25-30 years, if your monitoring system indicates your solar panel performance is declining, it is time to check if anything is preventing them from working at full efficiency. 

Here are the best ways to maintain your solar panels.

Solar Panel Cleaning 

Thanks to their pitch on your roof, solar panels don’t need to be cleaned very often as rain will remove any grime that builds up. This is especially true in Scotland, where we get more wet weather than most!

During the summer months though when there is less rain, dust and dirt will likely build up on your solar panels. As a result, we recommend cleaning them once or twice a year to keep them in good condition. 

Before cleaning your solar panels, make sure you turn them off and either use a safety harness when climbing on your roof or execute care on a ladder. You should also consider contacting a professional to clean your solar panels to prevent the safety risks associated with cleaning at a height and working with electrical equipment. 

With ground mounted solar panels, the maintenance is much easier, as the panels are far more accessible and easy to reach for cleaning.

How to clean your solar panels

If you do choose to clean your solar panels yourself, use a water hose with low pressure to wash them clean. If a lot of dirt has collected, use a sponge or soft cloth to gently wipe them. 

Make sure you use lukewarm water to clean your solar panels. Hot water can crack the panels, especially if you are cleaning them in colder weather. 

We also don’t recommend using any kind of cleaning fluid, as it could leave your panels with a streaky appearance and could damage their aesthetic. 

When to clean your solar panels 

We recommend cleaning your solar panels in the early morning or late evening, so you aren’t missing out on energy-capturing time during the day. 

You should avoid cleaning your solar panels on a hot and sunny day, as water evaporates more quickly and could again leave streaks on your panels. 

Remove obstructions 

Anything covering your solar panels will make them work less effectively, so removing blockages is another way to maintain their performance.

In Scotland, this involves regularly checking your roof for anything that could prevent your solar panels from absorbing sunlight, such as snow, tree debris or overhanging branches. 

For safety reasons, we always recommend engaging with a professional to remove obstructions from your roof.

Check for damage 

Finally, a key way to maintain solar panels is to make sure no damage has occurred to the casing or interior.

Here are three key signs of damage to keep an eye out for:

• Cracks – Make sure that the solar panels don’t have any cracks, as these could let rainwater in and cause internal damage.
• Loose Bolts – Look at the mounting structure a few times a year to make sure that your panels are still firmly attached and that the bolts haven’t become loose over time. 
• Corrosion – Metal brackets can corrode over time which, worst-case scenario, can lead to your panels falling off. If you live near the sea, we recommend checking for corrosion more regularly, as the salt from the sea air can speed up the process. 

At Cerretti Electrical, we always want our customers to be satisfied, so we’re always happy to come out and check your solar panels to ensure they’re working efficiently so if you have any problems or notice damage to your panels, all you need to do is give us a call.

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We hope that this blog has helped you see that while you do need to carry out some maintain your solar panels, it is usually an easy process that requires limited time and effort. 

Alongside the advice within this blog, we recommend getting your solar panels professionally serviced at least every 5 years to keep them in top condition and ensure you’re getting the best energy performance for your home.

Getting professional help to clean and maintain your solar panels is one of the best ways to prevent accidental damage to them. At Cerretti Electrical, our expert team has experience installing solar panels in both domestic and commercial settings all over Scotland. Whether you’re interested in installing solar panels for the first time, or you need some advice around their maintenance, we would be happy to help. 

Get in touch today to arrange your complimentary consultation!