- Solar panels are low maintenance and last up to 30 years
- They should be gently cleaned with water every five years
- Solar panels should be professionally serviced every 5-10 years
Solar panels typically last around 30 years with minimal upkeep, and the best way to make sure you get the most out of them is to keep them clean. That means regular maintenance is essential.
Things like cleaning can cost around £150 to £250 a time, but this is well worth it to prevent more expensive issues later. In this article, we’ll cover solar panel care’s key dos and don’ts—from servicing and cleaning to monitoring performance and spotting issues early.
If you’re ready to install a new system, we can help. Just tell us a bit about your home, and our trusted suppliers will contact you with a free, tailored quote. And if your current panels are underperforming, check out our guide on what to do if you have broken solar panels.
Where do you want to install solar panels?
Get startedBut before we get into the weeds, for quick reference, the main tips for keeping your solar panels in tip-top shape include:
- Get your panels professionally serviced
- Inspect regularly for damage or performance issues
- Clean panels to remove dirt and debris
- Trim trees and remove any potential hazards
- Avoid shade—keep panels in full sun
- Ensure inverters show a flashing green light
- Track daily energy output
Maintain a logbook of all checks and work done
How do you maintain your solar panels?
Solar panels have no moving parts, which makes them relatively low-maintenance. However, to reduce solar panel costs and maintenance over time, you’ll need to care for them.
Here are a few things you should do to keep your panels running at peak efficiency.
- Get Your Panels Serviced
- Have a professional inspect your solar system every 5 to 10 years.
- This helps catch minor issues before they become expensive problems.
- Regular servicing ensures your system is running efficiently and saving you money.
- Check for any issues
- Visually inspect panels twice yearly—a pair of ground-level binoculars can help.
- Look for dirt build-up, loose bolts, or other visible damage to the mounting system.
- A sudden drop in energy output is often a red flag—investigate quickly.
- Clean your solar panels
- Panels typically need cleaning every five years, or more often if exposed to excess dirt (e.g., coastal salt, heavy pollen, or bird droppings).
- Use a hose from ground level to rinse them. Avoid pressure washers or detergents, which may void the warranty.
- Summer: Remove dust and pollen.
- Winter: Clear away snow and fallen debris.
- Remove potential dangers
- Trim overhanging branches to prevent damage from falling debris.
- Deter vermin, like pigeons and squirrels, from nesting or chewing cables.
- Consider bird-proofing your panels with mesh netting for long-term protection.
- Keep solar panels out of the shade
- Shading significantly reduces solar energy output.
- Keep nearby trees pruned, and remove ivy or other climbing plants that might creep onto your panels.
- Check the inverters for green lights.
- A flashing green light on your inverter means your system is functioning normally.
- If the light is off or another color, have the system checked—faults can escalate quickly if ignored.
- Remember: inverters typically need replacing every 10 years, before the panels do.
- Track daily performance
- Monitor how much energy is produced at the same time each day.
- This makes it easier to spot drops in output and address issues promptly.
- Keep a maintenance logbook
- A well-kept log helps professionals diagnose problems and maintain your warranty coverage.
- Record all cleaning, inspections, repairs, and replacements.
How much does it cost to maintain solar panels?
To avoid having to pay for repairs, you need to get your solar panels serviced at least once every 5-10 years. A solar panel service will cost between £100 and £250.
But remember that doing so will prevent future issues for your solar panel system and hopefully lead to 30 years of solar-soaking panels. Cleaning your solar panels will also help avoid problems.
If you don’t want to do this yourself, solar panel cleaning costs £100-£250.
If something goes wrong and your solar panels need fixing, repair costs will vary depending on the issue. Small damages can cost around £80 to fix, while fully replacing a solar panel can cost over £1,000.
A few things, such as solar inverters, may also need replacing along the way. The inverter usually needs replacing every 10 years, and this costs £500-£1,500. The lifespan of your inverter, however, will depend on a range of things, including the potential power output, its conversion efficiency, and the type you choose.
Solar panel maintenance top tips
- If mounting your roof to clean your panels isn’t an option, you can install automated cleaners like sprinkler systems. You can also hire a professional to come to your house to carry out the cleaning.
- Avoid DIY solar installations. Enlisting a professional installer is less likely to result in any dodgy complications
- Placement is everything. If you’ve researched solar panels, you’ll know these solar-soaking sheets love wide open spaces. Avoid shade, remove any overhanging tree branches, and ensure they’re given that wonderful sunshine. You’ll also want your panels to be placed at an angle – this way, any rain and debris will slide right off
- Think about the long-term. We know solar panel repairs can be costly, but try to avoid any quick fixes. By spending more on that new inverter, rather than repairing it over and over, you’re likely to save more money in the long run
Do solar panels in the UK need extra maintenance?
Solar panels in the UK do not typically need extra maintenance, since the UK climate is generally favourable.
According to manufacturers’ standards, 25°C is the optimum temperature for solar panels, so the UK summertime is the prime time for your panels.
However, the UK is also notoriously drizzly, which can affect your panels if installed improperly. To ensure your panels generate the most energy possible, make sure they are installed at an angle so that rain runs off smoothly while dislodging any stray debris.
Luckily, most areas of the UK aren’t prone to getting much snowfall in the winter. Though this is bad news for sledging fanatics, it’s great news for solar panel owners, saving massively on repair and maintenance costs.
Summary
- Solar panels are low-maintenance, but a little care goes a long way.
- Regular servicing and cleaning will help extend your system’s lifespan.
- Watching for shading, pests, and inverter faults can prevent bigger problems.
- Maintenance costs are modest compared to the long-term savings on energy bills.
- Most UK homeowners won’t need extra upkeep—just clever placement and installation.
