Solar panels demand remarkably low maintenance to operate smoothly. However, it’s wise to be aware of the potential costs involved. In this guide, we’ll break down the essentials of solar panel upkeep and the typical expenses you might encounter.
Investing in solar panels for your home is not just about harnessing renewable energy; it's also about ensuring that this significant investment stands the test of time through proper maintenance.
Solar panel systems, on average, boast a lifespan of approximately 30 years. To maximise this duration and ensure your panels operate at peak efficiency, routine maintenance is essential.
This guide will explore the intricacies of solar panel maintenance, including the procedures involved, the frequency at which maintenance should be conducted, associated costs, and how these factors vary across different types of solar panel systems.
By understanding these aspects, you can protect your investment and keep your solar panels functioning effectively for years to come.
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How Do You Maintain Solar Panels In The UK?
The advantage of solar panels lies not only in their efficiency and eco-friendliness but also in their ease of maintenance.
With the advent of performance monitoring software, identifying a decrease in a panel's efficiency becomes a straightforward task, allowing for prompt action to restore optimal performance.
Effective maintenance of your solar panels typically encompasses several key practices:
Routine Cleaning: Keeping your panels clean from dust, debris, and other obstructions ensures they can absorb as much sunlight as possible.
Regular Servicing: Scheduling professional inspections and servicing helps in maintaining the system's overall health and efficiency.
Shading Management: Actively managing and reducing shading from trees or structures around your panels can significantly boost their performance.
Damage Assessment and Repair: Vigilant observation for any signs of damage—and addressing repairs as necessary—protects against efficiency losses and prolongs the life of your panels.
By adhering to these maintenance steps, you can enjoy the full spectrum of benefits your solar panels offer, ensuring they deliver clean, renewable energy for years to come.
Explore a Solar Case Study: Delve into an insightful Q&A session featured in one of our detailed case studies on domestic solar panels. Hear directly from a Heatable customer in the UK and gain valuable perspectives on their experience here.
Solar Panel Cleaning
Solar panel maintenance costs - £150-£250
The main cost of maintaining solar panels is cleaning. Over time, your panel's performance will drop if the panels are dirty or dusty.
If you have a microinverter system, you can monitor the individual performance of each panel.
Premium panels, such as the REA Fusion2 or REC Alpha Pure-R have the highest level of self-cleaning glass and only need cleaning every 5-7 years. Lower-quality panels cost more to maintain as the glass is rarely self-cleaning or has a lower-quality coating, these generally require cleaning every 2-4 years.
Heatable install premium quality solar panels with the highest grade self-cleaning glass, get your quote here.
The cost of solar panel cleaning varies however, most window cleaners now offer the service using an extendable pole system. For a typical 10-12 panel array, expect to pay £150-£250.
Please note: never use aggressive cleaning products on your panels as this may remove the self-cleaning coating.
Get your best solar deal now, or find out more about how much energy solar panels produce.
Solar Panel Servicing
Inspection and testing costs £140-£250
The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), a regulatory body for the renewable energy industry, advises that high-voltage DC systems undergo an annual inspection. This is to ensure that all connections and DC wiring remain in optimal condition and are free from arcing.
For components on the AC side of the system, such as the fuse board or AC isolators, it's recommended that inspections take place every 10 years. This extended interval reflects the different maintenance needs of AC system components.
Owners of AC systems that incorporate microinverters should also adhere to a 10-year testing and inspection cycle. This ensures that the system continues to operate safely and efficiently over time.
Heatable specialises in installing AC systems that boast lower maintenance requirements. To learn more about how these systems can benefit you and to receive a tailored online quote, click here.
This approach not only ensures the longevity and efficiency of your solar energy system but also aligns with industry best practices for safety and performance.
Solar Panel Repairs
Repairs outside of warranties - £120-£1500
Any MCS installer is required to offer a minimum of a 24-month workmanship warranty.
Along with this, you’ll also be provided with product warranties to cover you for product defects.
Warranties vary from system to system but this table gives a good indication of each product and its warranty length
Product | Product Warranty | Expected product replacement cost (25-year system life) | Expected labour replacement cost |
High-quality solar panels | 25 years | £0 | £150 per panel |
Standard solar panels | 12 years | £240 per panel | £150 per panel |
Microinverters | 25 years | £0 | £120 per inverter |
DC hybrid inverter | 5-12 years | £650 | £450 |
Batteries | 5-12 years | £1500 | £400 |
Table data: last updated April 2024.
Labour costs to attend the site beyond the first 24 months would generally be around £120 for a callout and 1 hour of maintenance. Access costs (if required) will increase the expenditure of a repair.
What should you know before buying solar? Have a flat roof? Read all about flat roof solar and if you have a conservatory, it is possible to have solar on a conservatory roof too.
Solar Panel Insurance
Insurance costs £60-£100
Once your system is installed, you’ll need to notify your building's insurance provider to have the appropriate replacement cost added to your home policy.
Some policies also provide cover for damage from hailstone or lightning strikes.
Prices vary but expect to pay between £ 60 and £100 to have a system added to your policy. Refer to our comprehensive guide on solar panel insurance here.
Next Steps For Your Solar Journey:
When planning to install solar panels for your home, there are several important factors to consider. Make sure to refer to the following guides to help you make informed decisions:
To dive deeper into these topics, head over to our advice section, check out our YouTube channel for informative videos, or read a customer case study to see how others have benefited from their solar installation.
Get a Quote for Solar Today
Without boasting you should get your solar installed with us, here's why:
Thousands of Happy Customers: We boast an average score of 4.9 on Trustpilot, outperforming the market leader.
Which? Trusted Trader: Heatable is proudly recognised as a Which? Trusted Trader.
MCS Accredited: Our accreditation by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) ensures high-quality standards.
Exclusive Panels: We offer REA Fusion solar panels, available only through Heatable.
Consumer Protection: As members of the HIES consumer code, we provide 2-year deposit protection.
Flexible Payment Options: Choose from multiple payment methods, including finance options.
Fixed Price Guarantee: Enjoy transparency with no hidden costs.
Save Your Quote: You can save your quote and decide later.
Bespoke Design Tool: Draw your own conclusion (literally) on whether solar is worth it for you, here.
