Solar panels are generally considered low maintenance, but that doesn’t make them indestructible. Dirt, weather, and even birds can impact their efficiency. Keep reading to learn how to keep your panels producing consistent levels of energy.
Why solar panel maintenance is important
While you shouldn’t be spending thousands on solar maintenance each year, it’s a good idea to keep your panels clean and monitor their performance. Installing solar panels is a great investment, and proper care and maintenance will help it pay off.
Undisturbed, clean solar panels provide peak efficiency and can last many years. If you spot any damage or notice a sudden drop in solar performance, it might be time to contact an experienced solar panel maintenance team.
How to protect your solar panels
The best thing you can do to care for your solar panels is to ensure they’re installed properly. This helps protect them come rain or shine. Aside from installation, it’s also important to keep your solar panels clean from bird droppings and debris.
Monitor energy performance
Some modern solar technology comes with advanced monitoring systems, providing insight into your solar system and energy production so you can easily monitor day-to-day performance and spot issues before they become too costly.
Solar panel bird-proofing
If you live in a rural area or notice a lot of birds in your neighbourhood, you should consider bird-proofing your solar panels. While they may offer a safe and secure space for birds to nest, dirt and debris can build up from bird droppings and nesting materials, reducing efficiency. Birds might also be tempted to peck at the wiring and technical components, leading to more complex technical issues.
Bird-proofing solar panels involves using physical barriers, like bird netting or spikes, to prevent birds from landing on or nesting under your panels. It typically costs a few hundred pounds, but it’ll save you the hassle of constantly cleaning bird droppings off the panels and prevent serious damage to the system.
Tree trimming
Nearby trees can cause excess shading, making it harder for your panels to absorb sunlight. They can also become a nuisance during storms, as branches and leaves may fall or blow onto the panels, causing damage to the photovoltaic cells.
Trimming back trees will help keep your panels free from shade and damage.
Occasional servicing
Solar panel systems are built to last and shouldn’t require an annual service like boilers do. However, regular checks and the occasional solar panel service will keep your panels working efficiently and help spot any underlying issues early on.
Solar panel cleaning
Over time, dirt, dust, and other debris can build up, blocking sunlight and reducing solar power production. By taking time to clean your solar panels with a soft brush or sponge and mild, soapy water, you can remove any grime and help your panels absorb more sunlight.
Commercial solar panels and large installations tend to be more time-consuming to clean and may benefit from installing automated cleaners.
How can I tell if my solar panels need maintenance?
The most obvious sign that your solar panels need maintenance is a drop in energy production or an increase in energy bills. Slight fluctuations are normal and may happen due to a storm or debris blocking the light. However, if you notice a prolonged drop in performance and cleaning your solar panels doesn’t make a difference, you should reach out to a specialist.
Need more advice? Contact Going Green Renewables
Solar panels are designed to withstand some wear and tear and don’t require constant upkeep, so your solar panel maintenance costs should be fairly low. That said, if you’re having issues with your solar panels, reach out to our experts right away. We’ll assess your panels and provide a maintenance or repair service to get them back up and running as they should.
Contact Going Green Renewables to ensure your solar panel investment is paying off! Call us on 01252 560 587 or fill out our contact form for more advice.
Read on to find out how to identify solar panel issues.
Frequently asked questions about looking after solar panels
Is it safe to cover solar panels during rain or snow?
There is no need to cover your solar panels when it rains or snows. Doing so will block the sunlight and prevent the panels from producing electricity. Solar panels are made with waterproof materials and can withstand various weather conditions.
Rain and snow can actually do some good by keeping your panels clean and washing off any debris or buildup of bird droppings
What could be the cause of cracked solar panels?
Cracks usually appear in solar panels from improper handling during transportation and manufacturing, severe weather damage (such as heavy hail or flying debris), extreme temperature changes, or abrasive cleaning equipment. The cracks may start out small but will worsen over time, so it’s important to take action as soon as you notice a physical crack or drop in performance.