Solar panels have a many advantages, ranging from huge savings on energy bills to increasing property values.
One of the benefits of solar panels is that they generally require very little maintenance. However, annual cleaning with biodegradable soap and a cloth will keep your solar panels in peak condition, ensuring maximum efficiency.
There can be a significant cost for solar PV panels on your home, so homeowners are naturally eager to ensure their efficiency is not affected by them becoming damaged or dirty.
Let’s explore how to maintain solar panels so that they produce as much electricity as possible.
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Tips for Solar Panels Maintenance
* Remember: It’s always important that you check your solar company’s manual for panel specific maintenance care.
Should I have my solar panels serviced?
To ensure your system is operating efficiently and safely, it’s recommended that you have your solar panels serviced at least once every 2 years.
A number of companies in Ireland offer this service, who are professionally trained to complete checks to ensure everything is in working order.
Here are some of the services that are offered by companies that carry out service/ maintenance checks:
Cleaning Solar Panels ‘DIY’
While it is possible to hire a professional to clean your solar panels, it’s surprisingly easy to DIY – do it yourself.
There are a number of solar panel cleaning kits on the market, which can be extremely handy for those wishing to avoid the expense of hiring a professional.
These kits come equipped with biodegradable soap, a wiper, and a small brush – or a brush with a long handle.
But they are not essential, as you might already have everything you need to effectively clean your solar panels.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Solar Panels DIY
7 Years
A typical solar installation is fully paid back within 7 years. All solar panels we recommend are under warranty for 25 years, so you will enjoy at least 17 years of free energy generation.
0% VAT
As of 10 May 2023, the government has removed all VAT on solar installation and solar panel supply. This means solar has never been more affordable!
Government Grants
There is a range of government grants available for all new solar installations. Our team will guide you through the application process.
Do’s and Don’ts of Cleaning Solar Panels
How often should I clean my solar panels?
While there is no right and wrong answer to this question, it is generally recommended that you clean your solar panels around once per year to ensure maximum energy production.
It might seem often given that solar panels require little maintenance, but cleaning PV panels is a relatively simple process and shouldn’t take too long to carry out.
In Ireland, you may need to clean solar panels in winter after heavy bouts of snow. Clearing the snow away can be done simply with lukewarm water.
While your solar panels need to be cleaned once a year or so, depending on where you live and the environment in which your house is situated, more frequent cleaning could be necessary to ensure your solar panels can absorb the most sunlight possible.
Relying on Rain to Clean Solar Panels
We have no shortage of rainy days in Ireland, and some might assume that the rain will clean solar panels.
And in some ways, they are correct – however, the rain won’t completely prevent dirty solar panels, and a more thorough job is recommended from time to time.
This is because after a downpour or a day of soft drizzle, soil can build at the base of the solar frame, obstructing solar cells from sunlight.
Cleaning Ground-Mounted Solar PV panels
Ground-mounted solar panels are no different to rooftop solar panels when it comes to cleaning and maintenance, as dirt, leaves and debris can build up on panels mounted anywhere.
Again, do not use any soap or cleaning agents, power hoses or abrasive cloths or sponges to clean them.
Get a Quote
Your solar panel provider will explain the best maintenance practices for your solar panels, ensuring they produce as much energy as possible. Get a FREE quote today with our 90-second questionnaire.
