The short version
- Clean panels with a soft brush or sponge and mild soapy water, avoiding abrasive materials.
- Check for physical damage, worn or loose wiring and loose mounting brackets, and watch monitoring data for sudden drops.
- Trim trees and plants that shade the panels.
- Book an annual professional check and clean around March or April, as on average 80% of generation occurs between April and October.
Whether you are a new solar panel owner or have enjoyed solar energy for years, regular maintenance can significantly extend the lifespan of your system and maximise its efficiency. Here is the essential maintenance that helps you get the most from your panels.
Regular cleaning
Dust, dirt, bird droppings and other debris can build up on the surface of your panels and reduce their efficiency. Cleaning them regularly helps maintain optimal energy production, especially if you live in a dusty or pollen-heavy area.
Use a soft brush or a sponge with mild soapy water to gently remove dirt, and avoid abrasive materials that could scratch the surface. Always put safety first: if your panels are hard to reach, Solar Select offers a professional cleaning service.
Inspect for damage. Regular inspections help identify issues before they become significant problems. Check:
- The panels for any physical damage that could affect performance
- The wiring for any signs of wear or looseness
- That all mounting brackets and hardware are secure
Monitor your system's performance
Monitoring helps you detect and address less obvious issues promptly. Most modern solar systems come with monitoring software or apps that let you track energy production.
Watch for sudden drops in energy production, which can indicate a problem that needs attention, and compare current and past data to spot trends or potential issues.
Consider your surroundings
Shading can significantly reduce the efficiency of your solar panels. Make sure trees, bushes and other vegetation do not cast shadows on your panels, and regularly trim any overhanging branches or plants that could block sunlight.
Leave it to the professionals
There are many maintenance tasks you can do yourself, but an annual professional check-up is highly beneficial. Our professionals can identify and fix issues that might not be apparent to an untrained eye, check that all components, including panels, inverters and wiring, are working correctly, and make sure your system’s software is up to date for optimal performance.
Where panels are installed on a roof with no reasonable visual access, we use a drone to inspect them thoroughly. Solar Select also offers dedicated maintenance packages and aftercare services.
We recommend cleaning your solar panels once a year around March or April, ready for summer, because on average 80% of generation occurs between April and October.
Published .
Written by
Terry Hayward
Managing Director, Solar Select
Terry leads Solar Select, the family-run solar and battery installer in Droitwich. The business started in 2011 with a man and a van, and is now a team of local engineers, sales, admin and support staff.
Checked by Jack Gartshore, Solar Electrical Engineer.About Solar Select
- MCS-certified installer, fitting solar and batteries locally since 2011
- Rated 5.0 from 33 reviews on Google and 10/10 on Checkatrade
- Written by our own team and checked by one of our engineers
How we write our articles: every guide is written by the Solar Select team from what we see on real installs, checked by a qualified engineer, and reviewed when tariffs or rules change. Spotted something out of date? Email info@solarselect.net. Solar Select Limited, Salwarpe Business Park, Droitwich WR9 9BN. Company No. 10335489. Our accreditations.
