What to check for photovoltaic panels every year

How often should you check your solar panels?

55% of people in the UK who don’t want (or aren’t sure about) solar panels see ongoing maintenance as a key concern, and 40% think a guarantee scheme would assuage their concerns, according to government research. A general rule is to check your panels’ effectiveness once a year.

How often should I schedule a solar maintenance check?

As a solar energy expert with twenty years of experience, I advise clients to schedule a professional maintenance check either once or twice a year. To check the efficiency of your solar panels, use a solar monitoring system. It tracks how much energy your panels are generating and will alert you if production levels drop significantly.

How do I know if my solar panels are bad?

From ground level, perhaps with a pair of binoculars, check your solar panels for any dirt build-up or problems with the mounting system, such as bolts looking loose. Try to have a quick look at least twice per year. Additionally, if you notice a sudden drop in the output of your solar panels, this could be a sign that something is wrong.

How often should solar panels be serviced?

Solar panels should be professionally serviced every 5-10 years Solar panels can last roughly 30 years with little-to-no maintenance, which means they’re a great investment and won’t cost you much after the initial outlay.

How much does a solar panel service cost?

A solar panel service will set you back around £100, but it will also prevent any possible future issues for your solar panel system, and hopefully, lead to 30 long years of solar-soaking panels. Cleaning your solar panels will also help avoid issues, and if you don’t want to do this yourself, solar panel cleaning costs £100-£150.

Do you need a solar panel maintenance package?

You can avoid the need for external solar inspections by getting yourself a solar panel maintenance support package or subscription. If anything stops light from reaching your panels, such as leaves or heavy snow, they won’t be able to function at full capacity until the debris is cleared off.