Author: Lauren Smith

Written in collaboration with Anthony Smith, Director at MAC Renewables

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Why Solar Panel Maintenance Is Non-Negotiable

Solar power may be renewable, but the technology behind it still requires nurturing. Solar panels function at their best when they’re clean, clear of debris, and electrically sound. Without maintenance, panel degradation accelerates, often silently, as energy output dwindles and performance dips beneath your expectations.

Neglect can translate into significant financial loss over time—something no property owner wants to deal with when energy prices are on the rise.

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What We See in the Field at MAC Renewables

“One of the most common things we see on UK rooftops is avoidable damage—from nesting birds, blocked drainage around mounting brackets, or even inverter errors that go unchecked for months,” says Anthony Smith, Director at MAC Renewables.

“A quick inspection could have prevented most of these issues. We recently serviced a commercial client’s system that had dropped 30% in performance over two years. One callout and a thorough cleaning later, they were back to full output.”

Anthony and his team have maintained hundreds of residential and commercial solar systems across the UK, and their field experience makes one thing clear: preventative care beats emergency repairs every time.

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How Often Should You Service Solar Panels?

Solar panels don’t need attention every week, but they do need consistent oversight to ensure optimal efficiency.

Anthony’s Maintenance Rule of Thumb

“Treat your solar system like you would your car. You don’t wait until it breaks down to book a service. For us, annual servicing is non-negotiable—and in coastal or rural locations, annual checkups are better.”

MAC Renewables’ Service Schedule:

• Residential Systems: Annual servicing minimum
• Commercial Installations: Bi-annual servicing
• Off-grid or battery systems: Every 6–9 months

Homeowners should perform quick monthly visual checks, especially after storms or high pollen periods.

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What’s Included in a Solar Panel Maintenance Plan?

A properly structured maintenance plan doesn’t just clean your panels—it audits your entire system, ensuring each component operates within safe and efficient parameters.

What MAC Renewables Includes in Every Service Call:

• Visual Survey – Check for physical damage, loose cabling, corrosion
  
• Electrical Testing – Measure voltage drop, output variance, and resistance
  
• Inverter Diagnostics – Scan for software faults or internal errors
  
• Panel Cleaning – Deionised water rinse and soft brush scrubbing
  
• Thermal Imaging (if needed) – Identify hotspots or hidden microfractures
  
• Documentation – Performance report and maintenance certificate
  

“We always give our clients a post-service performance breakdown,” Anthony explains. “It’s not just about cleaning—it’s about proving your system is operating at its full potential.”

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How to Clean Solar Panels

Cleaning solar panels is trickier than it looks. MAC Renewables often receives emergency calls from homeowners who used harsh chemicals or abrasive sponges, scratching the surface glass or damaging the coating that boosts solar absorption.

Anthony’s Top Cleaning Tips:

• Always use purified or deionised water to avoid limescale buildup
• Soft-bristle poles only—avoid anything with steel or plastic ends
• Never clean in full sunlight as thermal shock may crack glass
• Don’t walk on your panels—this can shatter internal wafers or microfracture the glass
• No pressure washers—ever. Even a “low setting” can breach seals and introduce moisture

“The best time to clean? Early morning before the sun gets too strong, or in the evening after the panels cool down.”

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Signs Solar Panels Need Attention

Catch the red flags early, and you can avoid 80% of the major issues MAC Renewables typically encounters.

Anthony’s Top Red Flags:

• Sudden output drop in your monitoring app
• Inverter flashing red or showing error codes
• Unusual shadows or hot spots in drone or thermal scans
• Bird nesting activity or scratching noises under panels
• Debris accumulation that doesn’t wash off with rain

“If your system output drops 10% or more with no change in weather patterns, give us a call,” says Anthony. “That’s often the first sign something’s wrong.”

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DIY Maintenance vs Professional Servicing

Some aspects of solar care can be done yourself—but there are limits.

DIY Tasks You Can Do:

• Visual inspections
• Basic debris brushing (from the ground only)
• Monitoring output via your solar app
  Trimming nearby trees

Leave These to the Experts:

• Inverter diagnostics
• Electrical testing
• Roof mounting inspection
• Pest-proofing or nesting removal
• High-access cleaning on pitched roofs

“We’ve had homeowners short-circuit their entire system by trying to fix a cable themselves,” says Anthony. “It’s not worth the risk.”

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Common Solar Panel Problems (and How to Prevent Them)

Over the years, MAC Renewables has documented the most frequent solar issues in UK systems. Here are their findings—and how to prevent them.

Issue	Cause	Solution
Bird nesting	Gaps under panels	Install bird mesh barrier
Inverter faults	Software glitch or surge	Annual firmware updates and inspection
Broken connectors	UV damage or pest nibbling	Replace with UV-rated, rodent-proof wiring
Algae or lichen growth	Moisture buildup on frame	Gentle biocide application (pro only)
Panel hotspots	Dirt buildup or internal microcracks	Thermal scan and panel replacement

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Seasonal Maintenance Tips for Maximum Solar Yield

“Each season brings a new threat. Solar owners should prepare for that shift in advance,” Anthony advises.

Spring & Summer:

• Wash off spring pollen
• Cut back vegetation casting shadows
• Inspect for nesting under panels

Autumn:

• Clear away leaves and moss buildup
• Check all cabling is secure before storms hit
  Inspect waterproof seals

Winter:

• Monitor output for snow obstruction
• Avoid using hot water to melt snow
• Inspect for frost damage in exposed cabling

“We’ve found that most winter output issues are due to snow sticking to dirt. Clean panels shed snow faster.”

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Costs of Solar Panel Maintenance in the UK

According to MAC Renewables’ 2025 rate card, here’s what you can expect to pay:

Service Type	Estimated Cost (2025)
Standard Annual Service	£125 – £175
Full Electrical Diagnostics	£250 – £325
Professional Panel Cleaning	£95 – £180
Emergency Callouts (24/7)	£150 base + time
Bird Mesh Installation	£200 – £400

“The biggest cost isn’t the service—it’s the savings you lose by ignoring it. Clients we service annually save more on energy than the service costs.”

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How Maintenance Affects Warranty and Insurance

“We’ve had warranty claims rejected because the client couldn’t prove they maintained the system,” Anthony shares. “It’s a painful lesson.”

To Stay Covered, Always Keep:

• Service reports
• Photographic evidence
• Cleaning logs
• Technician certifications

Insurance providers may also require proof of regular servicing to pay out for storm or fire-related claims.

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How to Make Your Panels Last 30+ Years

While solar panels degrade naturally over time, they don’t need to become obsolete. At MAC Renewables, several clients still operate panels installed over 25 years ago—at 80–90% original efficiency.

Anthony’s Longevity Checklist:

• Stick to your maintenance schedule
• Upgrade inverters every 10–12 years
• Keep panels cool and free of shade
• Seal roof penetrations and cable entry points
  Use quality parts—don’t skimp on connectors or mounts

“Solar systems are like any engine—treat them right, and they’ll last well beyond their warranty.”

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to turn off my panels to clean them?

“No—but if you’re doing anything electrical or near the inverter, absolutely shut down the system. When in doubt, call your installer.”

Is bird mesh really necessary?

“In urban areas with lots of pigeons? 100% yes. It’s one of the most requested services we offer.”

Can storms damage my solar panels?

“High winds can dislodge frames if not properly secured. We always inspect mounting systems during service visits.”

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Final Thoughts from Anthony Smith

“Solar isn’t just plug and play—it’s a living system that interacts with your roof, your weather, and your home. Maintenance isn’t just good practice—it’s smart ownership.

At MAC Renewables, we believe in building long-term relationships with our clients, because solar should be saving you money, not causing headaches. Stay proactive, stay informed, and let us help you protect your investment.”

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Need a tailored maintenance plan?
Visit www.macrenewables.co.uk or speak directly with Anthony’s team to schedule a free system health check.

As energy costs soar across the UK and the demand for sustainable solutions grows, solar power is becoming an increasingly effective way for homeowners to cut energy costs by up to 80% whilst also reducing their carbon footprint too!

When it comes to having a solar panel installation, the process generally falls into three key stages; having a  survey at your home with a solar panel system designed around your specific needs, acquiring the necessary permits and equipment, then last but not least the installation and commissioning of the solar panel system so it can start saving you money. 

MAC Renewables specialise in not only solar panel installations, but battery storage systems and air conditioning too! MAC provide high-quality installations tailored to your individual needs and with solar panel installations taking around 2-3 days to complete, you can start saving fast!

Read on to discover more about how solar panels are installed, how they work and the many ways they can benefit you!

How Are Solar Panels Installed?

The installation of solar panels typically involves three key stages, which begin with;

1. Site Assessment and Solar system design

Your solar installation journey will begin with a site survey to assess your energy needs, property layout, and roof suitability. This survey will include an energy audit and shading analysis too, which will ensure your solar panel system design will align with your specific energy requirements and maximise energy production. With your survey complete, a MAC Renewables specialist will provide you with a quotation that includes a customised system design and a cost analysis that will also highlight potential savings and your return on investment. 

2. Securing Permissions and Solar Equipment

Once you decide to go ahead with your installation, that’s when the team at MAC Renewables will send your DNO (Distribution Network Operator) application for approval. This process can take up to 11 weeks but is very important for both regulatory compliance and safety too. In the meantime, all the equipment needed for your installation from solar panels to inverters or even battery storage units will be procured and prepared in readiness for your upcoming installation. 

3. Solar Panel Installation and System Setup/Commissioning

Once all applications are approved and your equipment is ready, MAC’s skilled installation team gets to work. The first step is to set up any required scaffolding before mounting the solar panels and running the required wiring to the inverter. With the solar panels and inverter connected, the next step would be to connect any battery storage and integrate the system with the property’s electrical grid. Before activating your system, MAC conductcomprehensive testing to verify that all components are operating correctly before taking your solar panel system live and connecting it fully to the grid.

Did you know?

Solar Panels Work During Cloudy Weather and will generate electricity even on overcast days too!

MAC Renewables

How Do Solar Panel Systems Work?

Whether you have solar panels installed or are still considering an installation, having an understanding of how they work also can help you make an informed decision on whether they are right for you. Ultimately the entire process is underpinned by how the energy is captured and how it is converted into useable electricity. 

Solar Energy Capture

Solar panels harness sunlight and convert it into usable electricity through a process called the photovoltaic effect. When sunlight hits the solar cells, it excites electrons within the cells, generating DC current electricity. The more sunlight the panels receive, the more electricity they can produce, although this DC electricity needs to be converted into AC current to be compatible with home electrical systems. 

Solar Energy Conversion

In order to make the energy generated from solar panels usable, the inverter installed as part of the solar panel system will convert the DC current into AC current. This makes the inverter just as essential as the solar panels themselves as it ensure the electricity produced is safely converted to match the voltage and frequency to match household appliances. 

How much energy does a solar panel produce?​

Just as no household is quite the same, each solar panel system is adapted to the needs of the home and so the energy they produce will always vary, although it is possible to make a general approximation so you have a clearer idea as to what to expect. 

As a rough average, a single solar panel in the UK can generate around 300kWh of electricity per year, although this will always vary due to factors ranging from the angle of the roof to the strength of the sunlight itself. As most households will have between 10-12 solar panels with their system, you can expect around 3000-3400kWh to be generated annually. With a solar panel setup like this, you can expect the energy generated to cover around 70-90% of your annual electricity use for the entire year! 

It’s important to remember that if you also have battery storage, you can maximise the use of the electricity you generate even after the sun sets as any additional energy generated during the day will be stored for use overnight. Similarly, even without battery storage, you can export any excess electricity you generate back to the grid for a discount off your remaining energy bill too. 

With modern solar panels being around 20% efficient, it may sound low in comparison to the high efficiency you can expect with heat pump technology, although the main reason for this is because of the amount of heat also provided by the sun. A large amount of the light energy solar panels receive from the sun also is coupled with heat energy, which isn’t quite as useful, although with the vast amount of sunlight available this does not particularly impact solar panels from generating energy.

Did you know?

As a general rule, you do not need planning planning permission for solar panels. Usually you will only need planning permission if the building is listed, in a restricted area or if the system is for commercial use.

MAC Renewables

Get Started with Solar Energy by Installing Solar Panels!

Ready to make the switch to clean, renewable energy? Contact MAC Renewables today for your free site survey and quotation. 

With years of expertise and a proven track record, MAC Renewables is the trusted choice for solar panel installation in the Midlands. Our client-first approach, combined with cutting-edge technology and meticulous attention to detail, ensures that every installation meets the highest standards. Whether you’re looking to lower your electricity bills or contribute to a greener future, MAC’s experienced team ensures a seamless, professional, and efficient installation process from start to finish. Get in touch today to find out more at info@macrenewables.co.uk or call us on 0121 730 4800.