Domestic Solar Maintenance

Solar panels in the UK should typically be cleaned once or twice a year. The frequency can increase in areas with higher levels of dust, pollen, or bird droppings. Regular cleaning ensures that panels operate at optimal efficiency by removing obstructions that block sunlight.

While rain can naturally clean panels to some extent, it often isn’t enough to remove all debris. Professional cleaning or using a soft brush and soapy water can effectively maintain cleanliness without damaging the panels.

In the UK, weather conditions can significantly affect solar panel maintenance. The frequent rain can lead to mineral deposits or lichen growth, while winds can bring dust, leaves, and other debris. Winter snowfall can cover panels, drastically reducing their output.

Additionally, temperature fluctuations can cause expansion and contraction in solar panel materials, potentially leading to microcracks. Regular maintenance must account for these weather-related challenges, ensuring that panels are cleaned and inspected to deal with the specific conditions prevalent in the UK.

Photovoltaic (PV) cells convert radiation from the sun into electricity.  A typical PV cell consists of a wafer of semi-conducting material, usually silicon, manufactured with two electrically different layers.

When sunlight hits the cell it excites the electrons within the silicon, creating an electric field across the layers and causing a flow of electricity.

Remove the worry of monitoring your system. If your system fails without you knowing, you could lose many hundreds of pounds in lost Feed-In Tariff revenue and energy production. Our remote monitoring allows us to measure your generation output every day and contact you promptly if we detect a fault or loss of power.

We will install a replacement generation meter with roaming sim card which transmits your generation data to a central portal where we can monitor performance. We will also complete the paperwork for the meter swap and send it to your Feed-In Tariff licensee. The annual fee covers the cost of the sim contract and the monitoring.

Bird nesting under solar panels can lead to several issues. Nests can obstruct air flow and cause panels to overheat, reducing their efficiency. Bird droppings can also block sunlight and corrode the panel’s surface. To mitigate this, you can install bird-proofing measures like spikes or mesh around the panels.

Regular inspections are crucial, especially during nesting season, to ensure that any nests are promptly removed and preventive measures are in place to deter birds from nesting under the panels.

Any shade, such as from trees or neighbouring buildings, can have a large impact on the performance of a PV system. Because modules are constructed from a number of PV cells interconnected together, if one cell is shaded it has a knock-on effect that prohibits the whole module from generating electricity.

To work effectively, we recommend that whole PV array needs to be free from shade for the majority of the day.

Signs that solar panels require maintenance include a noticeable drop in energy output, visible physical damage like cracks or discoloration, and alerts or error messages from the solar monitoring system. Regular monitoring of energy output can help identify any unusual patterns or drops in efficiency, indicating potential issues.

It’s also important to visually inspect your panels for any signs of damage, especially after extreme weather events. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent further damage and maintain the efficiency of your solar system.