Solar Panel Maintenance: Expert Advice from MAC
Written in collaboration with Anthony Smith, Director at MAC Renewables
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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 |
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.”
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.”
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.
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.”
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.”
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.”
Need a tailored maintenance plan?
Visit www.macrenewables.co.uk or speak directly with Anthony’s team to schedule a free system health check.
