To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your solar panel array, professional servicing and maintenance are vital. Our solar experts are on hand across the region, in Lincolnshire and beyond, to ensure you’re maximising the return on your investment.
Solar Panel Servicing and Maintenance
At Lincs Renewables, we understand that investing in a renewable energy solution for your home or business is a significant step towards a more sustainable future for everyone. It can also have a host of benefits; however, to ensure you’re able to reap the rewards of commercial solar or domestic solar energy, regular servicing and maintenance are key.
Why Is Regular Servicing and Maintenance So Important?
Although solar panels are designed to operate with minimal intervention from the user, the system contains important electrical components that should be checked periodically, alongside upkeep and cleaning that keeps everything working as it should.
Looking after your solar panel array means catching potential problems early, which not only reduces downtime, but protects the long-term value of your system. Regular servicing and maintenance means:
01
More Energy
Regular cleaning lets more sunlight hit the photovoltaic cells, ensuring you’re getting as much energy as possible.
02
Lower Energy Costs
Having more electricity ready to utilise means lower bills and less reliance on the grid.
03
Longer Lifespan
Early problem detection and regular maintenance allow you to address or troubleshoot any common issues before they arise.
04
Early Fault Detection
To ensure the safety of your home or business, we’ll do the legwork to identify any faults early on, so they can be rectified as swiftly as possible, keeping your system safe and working as it should.
What Does Our Servicing Include?
Solar panel servicing can go far beyond the routine upkeep of your panels, and takes a closer look at the performance, condition and electrical safety of your system. A service can include:
String voltage and current testing
AC and DC safety checks
Inverter operation checks
Inspection of isolators and electrical connections
Checks for signs of overheating, deterioration or loose wiring and connections
A full system performance assessment
Thermal imaging of components such as the inverter, DC isolators and consumer unit where needed
Investigation of inverter fault codes or any monitoring issues
Following a service, we’ll explain our findings in plain English, highlighting any maintenance, repairs or further investigations that our experts recommend.
What Does Our Maintenance Service Include?
Solar panel maintenance focuses on keeping your system clean, protected and in good physical condition.
A maintenance visit can include
Professional panel cleaning
Visual panel inspections
Bird and pest protection
Performance monitoring checks
Wiring and connections checks
Preventative maintenance
How we look after your panels
Checking for build-up of dirt or debris
Cleaning with non-abrasive methods
Checking for signs of deterioration
Our maintenance checks are designed to ensure you’re getting the most out of your system.
How Often Should You Get Your Solar Panels Serviced?
There isn’t one servicing schedule that will be right for every household, business or installation. How often your system should be professionally serviced depends on several key factors, including age, manufacturer, components, warranty requirements, location and environment.
Every 3–6 months
Visual check from the ground
Look for debris, shading from new tree growth or visible damage.
Every 12–18 months
Maintenance
Or sooner if you can see a build-up of dirt or debris on your panels.
Every 3–5 years
Technical service
Or more frequently if you notice any changes or cause for concern.
While this is generally a good rule of thumb to follow, if you’re unsure whether your solar system is due a check-up, our friendly team are always on hand to offer servicing and maintenance advice.
What Can Go Wrong?
While solar panels are built to last and withstand the changing temperatures and weather fluctuations of the great outdoors, issues can still arise. Common issues include:
Contact us today to discuss your requirements and arrange a free no-obligation quotation!
Servicing and Maintenance Options
Every solar system is different, so we tailor our servicing and maintenance to what your installation needs.
01
Solar Panel System Health Checks
Includes string voltage and current testing, AC/DC safety checks and a full performance assessment.
02
Professional Solar Panel Cleaning
The process of removing dirt, bird droppings, moss, debris, or lichen using de-ionised water and soft-bristled brushes for a gentle but streak-free clean.
03
Solar Panel Pest Control
Bird-brush protection to discourage birds from nesting underneath your solar array. At Lincs Renewables, bird protection is included as standard on solar panel systems we install.
04
Electrical and Inverter Checks
Checking inverter operation, isolators, connections and signs of overheating or deterioration. We can investigate error codes on inverters from major brands such as Solis, Fox ESS, SolaX and SIGEnergy. If needed, we can offer to replace faulty units with more modern, high-efficiency models.
05
Solar Panel Thermal Imaging Inspections
Checking the inverter, DC isolators and consumer unit for any abnormal heat patterns or hotspots that require investigation.
06
Upgrade Your Set-up
Oftentimes, we may recommend upgrades to your set-up if they’re outdated and limiting your solar performance. We even retrofit battery upgrades, meaning if you originally went for a solar only package, you can still have the option to add extra battery storage, which will allow you to utilise more power at high usage times, or during the evening when you’re generating less.
Has Your Solar Panel Installer Stopped Trading?
Is the company that originally installed your solar panels no longer trading? Have you been left without anyone to contact when your system needs servicing, maintenance, technical support or repairs? This is often referred to as an orphaned system.
At Lincs Renewables, we can take over your solar panel maintenance needs, starting with a professional assessment document that details the health, performance, and configuration of your solar array.
Following our assessment, we’ll provide a clear report that outlines our findings along with any recommended steps. This not only gives you a point of contact for your solar system and a clear understanding of the condition, but also peace of mind that you’re supported by our team of experts, and your investment is protected.
Our MCS-approved solar installers provide solar panel installations, servicing, maintenance, and repairs around Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire, including:
- Brigg
- Caistor
- Cleethorpes
- Gainsborough
- Grantham
- Grimsby
- Horncastle
- Hull
- Lincoln
- Louth
- Market Rasen
- Newark
- Scunthorpe
- Skegness
- Woodhall Spa
Ready to Keep Your Solar System Performing at Its Best?
Whether you’re in Lincolnshire or Yorkshire, from Grimsby to Harrogate, Lincoln to York and everywhere in between, we can support you in reducing your reliance on the grid and ensuring your solar system is safe, clean and performing as it should.
Get in touch today to arrange solar panel servicing or maintenance, or download our solar guide to learn more about solar energy.
FAQs About Solar Panel Servicing and Maintenance
How do I check my panels are in good condition?
While professional care and servicing are essential, there are several checks you can carry out yourself in order to keep an eye on your system’s condition.
- Read your meter to check the energy output matches the estimates in your system’s guide. If you notice a big difference, this could signal a problem.
- Check your panels visually. This doesn’t mean climbing up on your roof, just simply taking a look to see if you can see any dirt, cracks or signs of animal activity around your panels. If you do, it’s likely time to call in the experts.
How does solar panel maintenance save money?
Regular solar panel maintenance saves you money by preventing energy output losses and catching minor faults before they become expensive breakdowns or costly repairs.
How often should you have your solar panels serviced?
Typically, solar panels require a technical service every 3 to 5 years, or more frequently if you notice any changes or cause for concern. Maintenance should be completed every 12 to 18 months, or if you can see a build-up of dirt or debris on your panels.
When is the best time of year to get my solar panels serviced?
The best time to get your solar panels cleaned is typically spring, as this ensures your system is fully optimised and clean, ready for the longer, sunnier days. Temperatures also tend to be cooler in the spring, stopping the water from evaporating too quickly and leaving streaks.
What does a typical solar panel service include?
A professional solar panel service includes a full visual check, electrical testing of the inverter and wiring as well as a system performance evaluation.
Do solar panel inverters need servicing?
Yes, solar panel inverters need regular monitoring and occasional professional servicing. They are a vital component of your set-up and are integral to your system’s performance.
