Do Solar Panels Need Maintenance?

Solar panels are designed to be durable and efficient, with no moving parts and long lifespans. That said, they’re not completely maintenance-free and over time, dirt and debris can build up, components can degrade, and performance can be affected.

Regular inspections and professional servicing help identify any issues before they cause major problems and ensure your solar panel system continues to generate clean, reliable solar energy.

In this article:

1. What could go wrong with solar panels?
2. What does solar panel maintenance involve?
3. How often should you have full solar maintenance?
4. Do you need to replace solar panels?
5. How much does solar panel maintenance cost?
6. Discuss maintenance packages

What could go wrong with solar panels?

Solar panels are designed to be robust, but several issues can reduce their efficiency if not addressed through frequent solar panel maintenance, many of which are preventable – but only if the system is regularly inspected and serviced.

Inverters

Inverters convert the direct current (DC) produced by solar panels into alternating current (AC), which your business can use. Because they work continuously, inverters are one of the most common components to experience faults. Problems can include software errors, overheating, or general wear over time, and if ignored, inverter faults can result in a significant drop in energy output across the entire system. Regular servicing ensures inverters are monitored, repaired or replaced when needed, keeping your solar energy system working effectively.

Electrical Issues

As with any electrical installation, wiring and connections can degrade over time. Loose connections, corrosion or water ingress can lead to faults that interrupt energy generation or even present safety risks. If left unchecked, minor electrical problems can escalate into expensive breakdowns, so routine inspections by a professional solar panel installer can catch issues early and prevent downtime, ultimately safeguarding your energy supply.

Battery Failure

For businesses with battery storage, maintenance is particularly important. Batteries store surplus energy for later use, but their performance can be reduced if not properly managed. Over time, cells degrade and reduce storage capacity and efficiency. Without regular monitoring, your business could be relying on a battery that is only partially effective, so implementing periodic servicing extends battery life and ensures you are getting the best value from your system.

Damaged PV Systems

While panels themselves are durable, extreme weather, falling branches from nearby trees or accidental impact can cause cracks or surface damage, and even small defects can reduce performance and increase the risk of faults spreading across the system. Broken glass or water ingress can also lead to long-term electrical faults. Professional inspections help spot this early and recommend repairs or replacements where needed, preventing minor damage from becoming a major issue.

Long-term Drop in Quality

As with all technology, solar panels gradually lose efficiency over time – typically averaging around 0.5% per year. If not monitored, this gradual drop in performance can go unnoticed, leaving businesses with rising grid energy costs. Maintenance checks benchmark system output, helping to track and manage long-term quality so that businesses can plan ahead for replacements when necessary, rather than waiting for a sudden drop in performance.

Dirty Panels

One of the simplest but most common issues is the buildup of dirt and debris. Dust, bird droppings and pollution can accumulate on the surface, reducing the amount of sunlight reaching the cells, and over time, this can cut efficiency by several percentage points, especially in urban or industrial areas.

Cleaning your solar panels properly (never with a pressure washer, which can cause cracks) helps to maintain efficiency. Professional cleaning is generally recommended, especially for large systems or panels installed in hard-to-reach places.

Hot Spots

If part of a solar panel is shaded or covered in debris, the affected cells can overheat and create ‘hot spots’, which can damage the panel permanently and reduce the system’s overall performance. Routine checks and cleaning prevent these from occurring, ensuring your panels operate at peak efficiency.

Poor Installation & Setup

A solar panel system that has not been installed correctly can face ongoing issues such as poor wiring, ineffective mounting etc. Inadequate setup can also lead to higher maintenance costs later down the line, so choosing an experienced installer like Low Carbon Energy ensures systems are designed and fitted to the highest standard. Regular maintenance also further lowers the risk of problems caused by poor installation, ensuring long-term system stability.

What does solar panel maintenance involve?

Solar panel maintenance goes beyond simply keeping your panels clean. Having your system professionally serviced provides peace of mind that you are getting the most from your investment, and covers monitoring, inspections and servicing to ensure every part of your solar installation works as it should.

Performance & Output Monitoring

Modern systems include monitoring tools that track energy generation, providing real-time alerts if there’s a sudden drop in output – often a sign of an underlying issue. Monitoring is one of the most effective ways to maintain your solar panels, as it ensures problems are spotted quickly. Many businesses now use advanced asset management tools to analyse system data, identify inefficiencies and maintain consistent output across the year.

Keep your panels clean

Keeping panels clean is essential. In some cases, rainfall can naturally clean your solar panels, but businesses in dusty areas or with panels installed near trees, for example, may need more frequent cleaning. However, it’s important not to use a pressure washer, as this can cause cracks, and instead, hire a professional or use specialist cleaning equipment designed for solar PV systems. For larger commercial sites, maintenance contracts often include scheduled cleaning, reducing the risk of output loss and keeping your panels performing at their best.

Have regular inspections

Professional inspections are the most effective way to maintain your solar panel system. Engineers will check wiring, mounting systems, inverters and batteries (if fitted) to ensure everything is operating safely and efficiently, identifying any early signs of damage that might otherwise be missed from ground level. For large-scale systems, inspections are typically recommended at least once a year. Businesses with multiple sites often choose annual service packages to guarantee consistent performance across their portfolio.

How often should you have full solar maintenance?

Most commercial solar panel systems benefit from professional servicing at least once a year, but the frequency can vary depending on the size of your installation, location and how much energy you generate. Systems with higher annual output, or those that include battery storage, may require more frequent inspections, e.g. a factory with heavy daytime energy demand could benefit from biannual checks to make sure the system keeps pace with usage.

Do you need to replace solar panels?

Solar panels typically last 25 – 30 years, and don’t usually need replacing before this unless they’re damaged or suffer from significant long-term degradation. Towards the end of their lifespan, panels are likely to operate at lower efficiency, but professional servicing helps track performance so you’ll know when a replacement is needed. If degradation is gradual, businesses can plan ahead and budget for replacement, avoiding sudden disruption.

How much does solar panel maintenance cost?

The cost of solar panel maintenance varies depending on system size, location and whether you choose individual services or a package. For most commercial systems, cleaning and inspections can range from a few hundred pounds per visit, while bigger sites might pay more. Factoring in solar panel maintenance packages can help spread costs and ensure consistent care, but it’s also worth noting that proactive maintenance often saves money in the long run, preventing expensive breakdowns and maximising the return on your solar investment.

Discuss maintenance packages

At Low Carbon Energy, we offer tailored solar panel maintenance packages to suit your business needs, from performance monitoring to professional cleaning and inspections. Our services keep your system operating efficiently for the long term. Speak to our experts today to find out more.