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Solar panels don't require everyday attention to work. You don't have to turn them on, nor do you have to press any buttons to access the electricity they generate. However, they do require maintenance to keep them working efficiently. This involves annual checkups and professional cleaning every six months.
Keep up this maintenance and your panels will last longer, generating the maximum power output possible.
Read on to find out more of the benefits of solar panel maintenance and the processes it involves. We'll also break down the costs involved in annual maintenance and solar panel cleaning.
The Benefits of Solar Maintenance
Solar panel care is vital. It will maximise efficiency, prolong the life of your panels, and accelerate your payback period. Failing to maintain your solar panels will prevent them from absorbing enough sunlight to power your home during peak times.
Maximising Efficiency
Regular solar panel cleaning will prevent the build up of debris on your solar system. Dirt, debris, and bird droppings will regularly fall on your exposed solar panel system, blocking sunlight absorption. As a result, your panels will produce a lot less solar power and lose efficiency.
A clean solar PV panel system will be able to absorb all the sunlight it needs for maximum power output.
Longer Lifespan
On average, a solar panel system will have a lifespan of over 25 years. If you don't clean your solar panels regularly, debris can produce micro-scratches on the panels' surface. Not only will this permanently reduce efficiency, it will accelerate the aging process of the panels.
If the panels cannot absorb sunlight, it will lead to heat build up on the system's surface. This will contribute to greater wear and tear of the system's components over time.
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Increased System Safety
Routine solar maintenance will enhance your system's safety. You'll be able to spot issues as they arise, allowing for solar panel repairs before the issue becomes too big. This could be an issue with wiring, or solar installation faults. Whatever it may be, sorting it early will ultimately end up saving you money.
By finding and solving all your problems the instant they arise, you'll also prevent system shutdowns. A turned off system won't be generating any electricity, therefore you won't be saving any money.
Faster Return on Investment (ROI)
Solar panels typically pay your investment back within a decade. If you maintain your panels correctly, you'll generate the most solar energy output. This will lead to a fast ROI, essentially putting you in profit from your savings.
Some solar panel installers will require you to have constant solar maintenance to keep your warranty valid. If something was to go wrong and your warranty was invalid, the repair costs would be substantial.
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Solar Panel Maintenance Costs
Your panels will need an annual service to ensure everything is running smoothly and efficiently. Annual services will cost between £100-£200 and will include a thorough inspection of your system. Your maintenance worker will check the mounting, wiring, and inverter, before providing you with a report.
A comprehensive maintenance checkup will include a solar battery storage assessment. The worker will check that the battery is working well with the system, seeing whether there is any wear and tear damage.
Most reputable renewable energy companies will offer maintenance plans after they install your solar panels. A plan will save you the hassle of having to sort annual checkups by yourself and shop around for better prices.
Cleaning Costs for Solar Panels
A solar panel maintenance checkup is not the same thing as solar panel cleaning. You should aim to have your panels professionally cleaned every six months or so. Cleaning costs tend to range from £4 to £15 per panel. Most medium sized homes have a maximum of 12 panels, meaning you can expect to pay up to £180 a clean.
Small homes will have between four and eight panels installed, resulting in a maximum spend of £120 for a full clean. Large homes will have up to 16 panels installed, costing a maximum of £240.
Ground level solar panels will be cheaper to clean, as there's no safety equipment required. This is something you'll be able to do yourself, providing you put adequate care into the job. A professional cleaner will have all the cleaning equipment to do a thorough job.
Can You Maintain Solar Panels Yourself?
You shouldn't attempt to maintain your solar panels yourself. Solar panels are an incredibly specialist form of renewable energy equipment which requires an expert's touch. Solar panel maintenance also requires working at height, which is incredibly dangerous for untrained individuals.
As mentioned, you should also leave solar panel cleaning to a professional. They'll know how to do a thorough job, leaving no area uncleaned. This will allow your panels to absorb as much sunlight as possible and work to their maximum.
EPC: Essex Solar Panel Installation Made Easy
At EPC, our MCS certified installers will design high-end solar panel systems for your residential or commercial property. We take the hassle away from you, sourcing the equipment and carrying out the installation in one simple package.
With our solar panel installations, you won't just be saving the planet, you'll be saving yourself a fortune. With solar energy, you can shave hundreds of pounds off your annual energy bills. Solar allows you to reduce your reliance on grid energy, which is becoming more expensive each year.
So, don't hesitate. Get in contact with us today to find out more about your new solar panel installation.