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Solar panels are built to last, but they do appreciate a bit of attention every now and again. Whether you already have solar panels or you’re thinking about making the switch, taking simple steps to look after them can help keep your system running smoothly and your energy bills down.
We’re sharing eight key solar panel maintenance tips to help you get the most out of your domestic solar panels or commercial solar panels year-round.
1. Keep Your Solar Panels Clean
Solar panels are designed with a clever hydrophobic coating allowing rain to help wash away most dust and grime so the generally stay cleaner than you might expect.
However, long dry spells or in areas with lots of trees or near busy roads, dirt can build up a little faster. Even small patches of dirt or bird droppings can affect how much sunlight your panels absorb, so it’s worth checking them from time to time.
If you’re cleaning your solar panels yourself; a soft-bristle brush, telescopic pole, and warm water with a mild detergent are usually all you need, we’ve put together a simple guide on how to clean solar panels. And if your panels are on a hard-to-reach roof, it’s always safest to call in a professional.
If you’d prefer expert help, our solar panel maintenance service includes safe, specialist cleaning designed to maximise your system’s performance.
2. Monitor Energy Output
It’s important to read your meter, so always check if your energy output matches the estimates in your system’s guide.
If you notice a sudden drop in the amount of electricity your system is producing it may simply be due to weather, but consistent lower output could indicate an issue, like dirt accumulation or an inverter fault.
Regular checks only take a few minutes, but they give you confidence that everything is working as it should. And if something doesn’t look right our team is always here to help diagnose the issue.
3. Keep an Eye on Your Panels
A quick visual check every few months can help you spot anything out of the ordinary. Keep an eye out for signs such as:
- Leaves or moss
- Birds nesting underneath
- Loose fixings
- Shadows from new tree growth
- Any cracks
If something looks unusual, especially if your panels look damaged or you can see signs of wildlife, arranging a professional inspection could prevent a small issue from turning into a much bigger one.
4. Protect Your Panels from Birds and Wildlife
The space under solar panels can seem like the perfect nesting spot to birds and small animals. Unfortunately, this can cause problems such as blocked airflow and overheating or even chewed wiring.
At East Yorkshire Solar, we install long-lasting pest protection that fits neatly around your system and stops wildlife from getting underneath, while still allowing your panels to breathe and perform as they should. We have written a guide on how to bird-proof your solar panels for more information.
5. Keep an Eye on Your Inverter
Your inverter converts the energy your panels generate into electricity you can use at home or at your business, if it starts showing a fault code or keeps turning off during daylight hours, it’s usually a sign that something isn’t quite right.
Most inverters last around 10 to 15 years, but they can develop issues over time, from small wiring faults to general wear and tear. If your system’s performance seems a bit up and down, or you’ve spotted any warning lights, our team can take a look and make sure everything is working safely and efficiently.
6. Consider Professional Thermal Imaging
Some solar panel issues aren’t immediately visible. That’s where thermal imaging really helps.
By using infrared equipment to create a thermal map of your system, we can quickly pinpoint hotspots, inefficient cells, damaged wiring, or areas where your panels aren’t generating as much energy as they should. This is particularly beneficial for large commercial systems, warehouses, agricultural buildings, or businesses that depend on steady energy output, domestic customers can also benefit from a detailed performance assessment.
If you’d like to explore this service, you can learn more on our maintenance page.
7. Arrange Professional Servicing
Even though solar panels are very durable, a professional service every now and then helps keep your system operating at its best.
Domestic Solar Panels
For domestic customers, we recommend a full inspection every 5-10 years. This gives us a chance to check the inverter, wiring, panels, and overall performance. A quick service can be all it takes to catch early signs and prevent long-term issues.
Commercial Solar Panels
Commercial and agricultural solar panels, or those used on warehouses, hotels or schools, tend to need a little more frequent servicing because they cover larger areas and work harder day-to-day. Annual servicing and inspections help keep power generation consistent and minimise downtime. Likewise, some Insurance companies are now asking for Annual Servicing to be included as part of the company’s facilities management programme.
Whether your system is large or small, regular maintenance is one of the best ways to protect your investment and keep everything running smoothly.
8. Know When to Call an Expert
Many solar maintenance tasks are straightforward, but some problems are better left to a professional. It’s a good idea to get in touch if you notice:
- A significant drop in energy production
- Repeated error codes or inverter warnings
- Cracked or damaged panels
- Chewed or exposed wiring
- Panels turning off during daylight
- Monitoring system faults
- Debris you can’t safely remove
Problems like these can affect your system’s efficiency and, if left unresolved, can lead to more serious faults over time.
If you’re experiencing any ongoing issues with your system, our solar panel repairs service is designed to diagnose faults quickly and get your panels back to full working order. Our engineers are here to help restore your system safely and efficiently.
Why Choose East Yorkshire Solar?
Choosing the right solar specialist can make a world of difference. Whether you’re looking after an existing system or thinking about installing a new one, our mix of local expertise and a friendly, customer-first approach is a big part of why so many homeowners and businesses choose East Yorkshire Solar. We’re here to help you get the very best from your panels, year after year.
All of our installations and maintenance work is carried out by MCS-accredited engineers, and we only use high-quality components that come with a 25-year manufacturer warranties, along with a 2-year workmanship guarantee for extra peace of mind.
We also believe in providing clear, no-pressure advice and free quotes, and we’re here to support you long after your installation is complete.
Final Thoughts
Looking after your solar panels doesn’t need to be complicated. A little care goes a long way towards keeping your system efficient and cost-effective. Start with light cleaning, occasional checks, and regular monitoring, and if something doesn’t seem right, we’re always here to help.
If you’d like tailored advice for your home or business, or you’re thinking about installing solar panels for the first time, our team of experts is here to help.
Further Support
We are here to help, so please do not hesitate to contact our team of experts today for further guidance and advice or receive your instant quote.
Email: info@eastyorkshiresolar.co.uk
Telephone: 01482 230 422