Solar Panel Maintenance: Tips & Recommendations

Last Updated on June 3, 2025

Solar panel maintenance is a vital part of ensuring your system continues to generate clean, efficient energy for years to come. While solar panels are generally low-maintenance, regular checks and some occasional cleaning can prevent costly issues, especially as your panels age.

Whether you’re a UK homeowner, landlord, or commercial property owner, this guide provides practical advice, a checklist for care, and insights on when replacing older panels may be the smarter long-term investment.

What Maintenance is Required for Solar Panels?

The core elements of a solar panel maintenance schedule in the UK should include:

• Visual inspections: Check for cracks, discolouration, or physical damage.
• Cleaning: Panels should be cleaned 1-2 times per year to remove grime and dirt.
• Monitoring energy output: Sudden drops may signal performance issues.
• Inverter checks: The inverter should display a green light if everything is functioning correctly.
• Wiring and component check: Ensure all connections are secure and not corroded.

Pairing your panels with a solar monitoring system is one of the smartest ways to automate and streamline solar system maintenance.

Use this quick of solar panels maintenance checklist to keep things running smoothly

Solar Panel Maintenance Tips

Here’s how to maintain solar panels effectively:

1. Clean with care: Use a soft brush or sponge with deionised water. Avoid harsh detergents or abrasive tools.
2. Choose the right time: Clean early morning or late evening to avoid thermal shock.
3. Trim nearby trees: Shading reduces output and drops debris onto panels.
4. Check for pests: Birds or rodents nesting under panels can cause wiring issues.
5. Track performance: Regularly monitor your solar panel output to spot issues early.

These practical solar panel maintenance tips help extend system life and ensure you continue benefiting from reduced bills and a smaller carbon footprint. Read our guide on how solar power reduces your carbon footprint.

How Often Do Solar Panels Need Maintenance?

For most UK households:

• Cleaning: Once or twice per year
• Professional servicing: Every 3-5 years
• Monitoring checks: Monthly (automated through apps or smart monitoring systems)

Commercial solar PV maintenance should be scheduled more frequently due to higher energy demands and greater exposure to environmental wear.

Solar Panel Maintenance Costs in the UK

The cost of solar panel maintenance in the UK varies depending on system size, access, and whether specialist services are required. Here’s a general idea:

• Basic inspection: £80 – £150
• Professional cleaning: £50 – £100
• Full service (including electrical checks): £150 – £300

Commercial solar panel maintenance typically costs more due to larger systems and stricter compliance requirements.

Keep in mind: older panels may require more frequent servicing, and the cumulative cost of ongoing maintenance can sometimes outweigh the benefits, especially if your energy output is declining.

Why Do Solar Panels Need Maintenance?

Most solar PV systems require only occasional cleaning and routine inspections to ensure optimal performance. Dust, bird droppings, moss, or other debris can accumulate and block sunlight, reducing energy output. 

That said, if you find yourself frequently experiencing dips in energy production or recurring faults, it could indicate a more serious problem that calls for servicing solar panels or even replacement.

Is It Time to Replace Your Solar Panels?

Knowing how to care for solar panels means fewer surprises and better returns on your investment. But if regular issues arise and your panels are past their prime, investing in a new system could be the smarter, more energy-efficient move.

Solar panels can last 25-30 years, but efficiency starts to decline after about 20 years. If you’re scheduling frequent maintenance or struggling with recurring faults, it might be more cost-effective to consider an upgrade.

Investing in newer panels means:

• Improved efficiency: Modern panels convert more sunlight into electricity.
• Lower maintenance: New systems are more durable and reliable.
• Better tech integration: Smart monitoring and battery compatibility improve usability.

If your system was installed over a decade ago, and you’re noticing a drop in performance despite regular upkeep, a new installation could save you more money long-term than continuing to service an outdated setup.

Speak to a professional to assess whether repair or replacement is your best bet.

Ready to Upgrade Your Energy System?

If your solar panels are ageing, underperforming, or constantly needing maintenance, it might be time for an upgrade. Modern solar PV systems offer better efficiency, longer warranties, and more savings over time.

Eco Happy provides expert installation and tailored advice to suit your property and energy goals. Get a no-obligation quote today and discover how much you could save with a brand-new solar panel system.

Request your free quote for new solar panels today and take the next step toward long-term energy savings with Eco Happy.

FAQs

How much does it cost to service solar panels?

In the UK, the cost to service domestic solar panels typically ranges from £100 to £200 per year, depending on the size of the system, location, and the service provider. A standard service may include a visual inspection, electrical testing, performance checks, and cleaning if necessary. 

Regular servicing helps maintain efficiency and detect any potential issues early. While solar panels require minimal maintenance, an annual check-up is recommended to keep your system in top condition and ensure long-term performance.

How do I know if my solar PV system needs cleaning if I can’t access my roof?

If you can’t access the roof of your home or business, then you won’t be able to do a visual inspection of your panels. But don’t worry! There is another way to assess whether it’s time to clean your solar array.

All you need to do is monitor the energy output of your system. If it’s starting to dip, then it means that there is potentially a dirt build-up or other problem with your panels. That’s where professional cleaners or solar experts come in. They can check on your system and advise you on how to restore its power output – whether it’s through cleaning or solar panel repairs.

Are there any special maintenance requirements for ground-mounted solar panels?

While ground-mounted solar panels generally have the same maintenance schedule and routine as roof-mounted panels, they tend to become dirty much faster than roof panels. As a result, you may have to clean them more frequently or have a dedicated cleaning team do it for you on a regular basis.

Rather than only cleaning these panels one to four times a year, it may be necessary to clean them every one to two months.

Final Thoughts

It’s incredibly easy to maintain solar panels – as long as you know how to. With this guide, you’ll be able to keep your solar panel system in immaculate condition all year round. In fact, you can even create an individual maintenance schedule that suits the needs of your home or business to keep the power on and everything running smoothly.