So, you’ve taken the plunge and had solar panels installed. But is it ok just to leave them to work their magic or do you need to clean them occasionally to keep them in optimum condition?
Low maintenance
Fortunately, solar panels require very little maintenance, thanks to the amount of rainfall we get in the UK which ensures they get a regular rinse. This means they don’t require servicing or cleaning, as they should run well by themselves. But there are ways of checking if they are working properly.
The Energy Saving Trust advises that solar panels require little maintenance, but that ground-mounted panels can acquire more debris. Equally, if you live in an area where there is a lot of dust in the air, it is advisable to have the panels cleaned occasionally.
It is best to use a specialist company which has the right equipment for cleaning the panels safely, as they are covered in a special coating which allows rainwater to easily run off, carrying most dirt with it.
What to check
Your installer should have provided you with details of any maintenance checks to be carried out to ensure that the panels are working correctly. They should demonstrate what the main fault signals are and how to troubleshoot.
If you are planning on using solar panel installers Nailsea, installation specialists such as https://redbridgeandsons.co.uk/solar-pv-panels/solar-panel-installers-nailsea can let you know what to look out for.
You should have a certificate showing the estimated amount of electricity generated by your solar panel system, so if yours is a lot lower than this, there could be an issue. It may simply be that there is an object such as an overgrown tree which is casting a shadow over your panels, a problem which is easily solved.