How much maintenance do solar panels need?
Very little. Solar panels have no moving parts, no consumables, and no filters to replace. But they're exposed to the elements 24/7, which means dirt, bird droppings, leaves, and lichen gradually reduce output.
A professional clean once a year and a visual check of the inverter is all most systems need. Total annual maintenance cost: £100–£250.
Annual maintenance checklist
- Panel cleaning (£100–£200). A professional cleaner uses deionised water and soft brushes. No chemicals, no pressure washers. Dirty panels lose 5–10% output — a clean pays for itself in recovered generation within 2–3 months.
- Visual inspection. Look for cracked glass, discolouration, loose cables, or bird nesting under panels. These are visible from ground level with binoculars.
- Inverter check. Verify the green light is on and the display shows generation figures matching expectations. Most inverters have an app showing daily/monthly output.
- Mounting check. Ensure roof brackets and frames are secure. Loose mountings can cause water ingress. This is best done by a professional during cleaning.
- Monitoring data review. Compare this year's generation to previous years. A sudden drop (more than 10%) suggests a fault — call your installer.
Can you clean solar panels yourself?
Yes, if you can reach them safely from the ground using a telescopic hose and soft brush. Never climb onto the roof — the fall risk isn't worth the £150 saved. Never use a pressure washer — it can crack the glass or force water into the frame seals.
In Leeds, rain handles most of the cleaning naturally. But bird droppings and tree pollen don't wash off easily — that's where an annual professional clean makes a difference.
When to call a professional
- Inverter error lights or no display. Could be a simple reset, could be a component failure. Don't open the inverter yourself — it carries high voltage.
- Sudden output drop. If generation falls 15%+ compared to the same month last year (weather-adjusted), something's wrong. Could be a panel fault, shading from new tree growth, or a wiring issue.
- Physical damage. Cracked glass, storm damage, or bird damage to cables. Contact your installer — most offer warranty repairs.
- Inverter replacement. At year 10–15, your string inverter will likely need replacing. Cost: £800–£1,500. See our guide on how long solar panels last.
Most issues are caught early through monitoring. Check your winter generation expectations so you know what's normal. Find a Leeds installer who offers maintenance packages.