Solar Panel Maintenance: What You Really Need to Do (and What You Don’t)
If you’ve recently invested in a solar PV system, you might be wondering: “Do solar panels need cleaning?” or “How much maintenance do solar panels actually need?” The truth is — solar panel maintenance is simpler than most people think. At Belectrix, we’ve installed and serviced hundreds of solar PV and battery systems across Hertfordshire, North London, Bedfordshire and beyond, and we’re here to share what really matters (and what doesn’t).
Do Solar Panels Need Cleaning?
In most cases, rain does most of the work for you. For roof-mounted panels installed at a good tilt, dust and light debris usually wash away naturally. However, if your panels are flat, or you live near trees, farmland, or busy roads, build-up can occur — especially pollen, bird droppings, or traffic film.
We recommend checking your panels visually twice a year, ideally in spring and late summer. If you notice visible dirt on the panels or a drop in generation on your monitoring app (for example, see our guide to Solar PV monitoring systems), it might be time for a clean.
💡 Installer Tip: Avoid pressure washers or harsh detergents — they can damage the glass or seals. Use a soft brush, telescopic pole, and deionised water, or book a professional clean once every 2–3 years.
What Maintenance Solar Panels Actually Need
Apart from occasional cleaning, a solar PV system is largely maintenance-free. Modern panels and inverters are built to last — panels typically come with 25–30 year warranties and minimal degradation over time.
Still, there are a few practical checks worth doing:
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Monitor your system regularly. Keep an eye on performance via your inverter app or web portal.
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Check inverter status lights. A red or amber light may indicate a fault — don’t ignore it.
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Ensure no shading changes. New trees, roof works, or nearby structures can affect performance.
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Inspect cables and isolators visually (from ground level) for damage or corrosion.
For peace of mind, consider a Belectrix Solar PV Health Check — we offer professional inspections, testing, and cleaning packages to keep your system working safely and efficiently.
What You Don’t Need to Worry About
You don’t need to dismantle panels, rewire anything, or replace components unless there’s a genuine fault. Batteries, if installed, also require minimal attention — just ensure ventilation is adequate and firmware is kept up to date (we can help with battery servicing and software updates).
There’s also no need for annual servicing like with boilers. Most issues are rare and can be diagnosed remotely.
How to Know When to Call an Expert
If your system output suddenly drops, or your inverter reports repeated faults, it’s best to contact a qualified electrician or MCS-registered solar installer like Belectrix.
We can check for:
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Faulty DC connectors or isolators
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Inverter error codes
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Bird nesting or shading issues
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Ground or insulation faults
You can book a maintenance visit here or read our related post: “How to Tell If Your Solar PV System Isn’t Working Properly”.
Final Thoughts
Solar Panel Maintenance: What You Really Need to Do (and What You Don’t) comes down to this:
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Keep your panels generally clean.
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Monitor your system output.
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Get a professional inspection every few years.
That’s it. With a quality installation from Belectrix, your solar PV system will keep generating free, green energy for decades — with minimal effort from you.
Ready to get more from your solar system?
Get in touch with Belectrix today for solar PV, battery storage, and EV charging solutions across Hertfordshire, London, and surrounding counties.
