The importance of solar PV maintenance in Kent for residential and commercial properties

Solar PV maintenance

As households and businesses in Kent strive to reduce their carbon emissions, the uptake of solar panels has increased. Here at South East Solar & Electrical, we’ve had the privilege of helping hundreds of homeowners, commercial enterprises and schools to embrace renewable energy, lowering their utility bills and saving thousands of kilograms of CO2 every year.

Installation, however, is only the first step. In order to enjoy maximum efficiency and longevity from your solar PV system, regular maintenance is crucial. Here, we explore the benefits of routine commercial and residential solar panel maintenance, advise on what you can do yourself, and outline our services.

Benefits of solar PV maintenance in Kent

There are many reasons why keeping your solar panel system in good shape will benefit you long-term. Here are some of the most important:

• Optimal performance

Just like boilers, heat pumps and other appliances, solar PV systems need regular servicing and maintenance in order to perform at their best. Over time, dirt, debris and bird droppings can accumulate on solar panels. This has the same effect as shading, decreasing the overall output of your system. Regular cleaning ensures all debris is cleared away, allowing your panels to operate optimally throughout their lifespan.

• Extended lifespan

An annual solar energy system inspection helps to extend the lifespan of your solar PV system. During a service, your MCS-certified engineers can identify any damage that may have occurred to the panels, as well as carrying out electrical testing and a full system performance check to ensure everything is working as expected. If damage is identified, it can be repaired before it begins to cause bigger problems. This will keep the system functioning at its most efficient for as long as possible.

• Safety assurance

Routine inspections also bring peace of mind from a safety perspective. An engineer can identify and mitigate risks such as electrical faults or external damage, keeping the overall system safe. This is particularly important for businesses that have a duty of care towards staff and clients.

• Compliance and warranty protection

Solar panel systems come with a warranty that protects you from expensive repairs if the system fails during the first years of its lifespan. At South East Solar & Electrical, our products come with a 10-year warranty. However, professional maintenance is required in order for this to remain valid, making the investment in routine servicing worthwhile.

• Cost savings

Regular solar PV maintenance in Kent can save homeowners and businesses money. Panels that are working at optimal efficiency will minimise a property’s dependence on the grid for electricity, resulting in lower energy bills. What’s more, a periodic solar energy system inspection gives professionals a chance to identify errors or faults and fix them before they become a major – and costly – issue.

• Environmental impact

An efficient solar PV system also delivers maximum benefit to the environment. By optimising the use of renewable energy, less demand is placed on the grid, which still produces much of its power by burning fossil fuels. As such, a properly maintained system ensures your carbon footprint is kept to a minimum.

Solar PV upkeep tips for Kent homeowners and businesses

There are several steps that homeowners and organisations can take to keep their solar panels in good condition and working optimally.

• Clean regularly

Clean your panels twice a year to remove any buildup of dirt, dust and debris. Use a soft, non-abrasive sponge or cloth and a mild soapy water solution for this. It’s a good idea to clean them in the morning before they have absorbed much heat. In winter, snow can be removed with a long handled brush and lukewarm water. It’s important not to use hot water, as solar panels are made of tempered glass and can crack when exposed to extreme temperature disparity.

If you are unable to clean your solar panels yourself, we at South East Solar & Electrical offer solar panel cleaning services to keep your system dirt-free and running smoothly.

• Prune overhanging trees

If you have trees or shrubs overhanging your roof, it’s a good idea to prune away any branches that are shading your solar PV system. This will prevent leaves and other debris from falling onto it, as well as ensuring the panels have as much exposure to sunlight as possible. This will maximise the overall  efficiency of the system.

• Monitor your system

Your solar panels’ output can be monitored via an app. Keep an eye on this to ensure your system’s energy production doesn’t suddenly decrease. If you do notice something amiss, get in touch with your provider.

Solar maintenance services in Kent from South East Solar & Electrical

Kent homeowners and businesses with solar panels can get in touch with the team at South East Solar & Electrical for help with their maintenance needs. We offer a wide range of solar pv services to support you, including:

• Solar panel cleaning

If you are unable to clean your solar panels or feel uncomfortable trying to do so, don’t worry. Our team provides professional solar panel cleaning services that ensure your system works efficiently year-round. We’ll remove dirt, grime and debris, as well as performing a visual inspection to ensure there is no damage to your panels.

• System inspections

We highly recommend an annual solar energy system inspection to optimise performance. Our engineers will visit your home or business and carry out a full analysis of the system, test the output of the panels and the function of the inverter, and assess the condition of your property’s roof. We will also advise if any animals have started to nest beneath the panels; this can cause damage and even system failure if cables are impaired.

• Bird protection installation

Birds and nocturnal animals sometimes make their home beneath your panels, which can result in damage to the panels themselves, the strings and other equipment. Our bird protection ensures birds and rodents cannot access the space underneath your solar PV system, leaving it clean and safe.

• System repairs

Part of our service includes the diagnosis and remediation of faults in your solar PV system. Our engineers will carry out any necessary repairs, ensuring your panels remain safe and effective.

• System additions

If you want to increase your energy independence with the addition of a solar battery or EV charger, our team can provide this service. We have experience with retrofitting solar batteries to existing systems, and can upgrade your inverter or install a power diverter to help you optimise efficiency. We are also an approved partner of Tesla, Zappi and Pod Point, meaning we can fit an EV charger to meet your needs.

Why choose South East Solar & Electrical?

Established in 2014, South East Solar & Electrical is a leading provider of solar PV systems and domestic and commercial solar maintenance in Kent. We’re fully MCS certified and accredited by NAPIT and NICEIC, meaning you can rely on us to deliver safe, compliant and high quality solutions to your renewable energy needs.

Based in Kent, we serve homes and organisations across the county from Thanet to Medway. We understand the specific needs and conditions of the area, tailoring each job to the unique requirements and challenges of the customer. From 3kW domestic PV systems to commercial arrays that generate over 100kW, our team has worked on a huge variety of projects, helping hundreds of clients to lower their energy bills and reduce their carbon emissions.

Similarly, our solar maintenance services in Kent are tailored to each client. Whether your business’ solar panels need regular cleaning or you want to add a solar battery to your residential system, we’re here to help.

To learn more about our services or enquire about our solar PV maintenance in Kent, get in touch with our friendly team today. We’re ready to help you enjoy optimal performance from your solar panels throughout their lifespan.