Solar Panel Maintenance

One of the many 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.

This page explains exactly how you can maintain solar panels so that they produce as much electricity as possible.

The key takeaways:

Solar panels are easy to maintain
Cleaning every 6 months ensures optimal performance
It is easy to clean solar panels DIY
Professional solar PV cleaning services also exist

How often should you clean solar panels?
Other Maintenance Tips
FAQs

How to Clean Your Solar Panels

Although it’s possible to hire a professional to clean your solar panels, it’s easy to do it yourself – and most people with solar panels opt for this DIY option.

There are a number of solar panel cleaning kits that you can buy, which can be extremely handy for those wishing to avoid the expense of hiring a professional.

These cleaning kits come equipped with biodegradable soap, a wiper, and a small brush – or a brush with a long handle.

But you might already have everything you need to effectively clean your solar panels.

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Step-by-step guide to cleaning solar panels DIY

Mix biodegradable soap with water in a bucket.
Dip the brush in the bucket and begin gently wiping the solar panels to remove any dirt or debris that might have accumulated on your solar panels.
Ordinary water and a soft brush can be used to get rid of any grime or dirt that has built up.
Cleaning solar panels when they are wet or moist is recommended, so that dirt can be removed with ease.
Remember not to use an abrasive sponge or soap for your solar panel cleaning as doing so could cause scratches on the glass. Similarly, harsh materials are to be avoided as they could damage your solar PV panels.
For solar panels that have just a small amount of dust or dirt, a hose can be used.
Always remember: safety comes first. To avoid unnecessary injuries, a wiper with a long handle can be used to clean your panels whilst standing on the ground.

Do’s and Don’ts of Cleaning Solar Panels

Use a hose to gently remove any dirt.
Instead, use a biodegradable, solar panel friendly soap, and gently wipe down the panels.
You can use a soft sponge or rag, which will effectively remove any dust that has built up.

Do not spray your solar PV panels with a pressure washer as the strong force could damage the panels.
Harsh materials should be avoided when cleaning solar panels.
Do not use a harsh sponge which could cause scratches on the glass of your solar panels.

Break Even in 6 Years

A typical solar installation is fully paid back within 5 – 7 years. All solar panels we recommend are under warranty for 25 years, so you will enjoy at least 18 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!

€1,800 SEAI Grant

There is a range of government grants available for all new solar installations. Our team will guide you through the application process.

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:

Analysis of energy production
String testing
AC/DC connector checks
Inverter testing
Inspections of solar PV system for signs of damage
Roof fixing and roof condition checks
Cleaning solar PV panels
Maintenance reports
Fixing or replacing faulty parts

How often should you clean solar panels?

While there is no right or wrong answer to this question, it is generally recommended that you clean your solar panels every 6 months to a year.

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.

Depending on where you live and the environment around your house, more frequent cleaning might be necessary.

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Other Tips for Solar Panels Maintenance

Remove Obstructions

Make sure to remove any trees, bushes or anything else that could cast a shadow over your solar PV panels. Shade will make your solar panels much less efficient as the solar cells inside your panels will absorb less sunlight, and therefore produce less electricity.

Track Output

Keep a close eye on the daily performance of your solar panels, and keep a diary of your solar panels’ energy output, tracking the times of day and year when they are producing the most electricity.

Use Monitoring Systems

Monitoring systems, such as a smart meter, help monitor performance, and also allows you to track how much you can earn from selling surplus electricity back to the grid. There are also dedicated solar monitoring systems with software platforms which can inform you of the output coming from each solar panel.