Installing a solar PV system is a long term investment that delivers clean energy, lower electricity bills and greater energy independence. However, like any electrical system, solar technology performs best when it is properly maintained. A common question we hear from our customers across the South East is: how often should solar systems be serviced?
In this guide, we explain recommended solar servicing intervals, what a service involves and why regular maintenance protects both performance and warranties.
Do Solar PV Systems Need Servicing?
Solar PV systems are low maintenance, but they are not maintenance free. Over time, environmental factors such as dirt, debris, weather exposure and component wear and tear can reduce efficiency or cause faults that go unnoticed.
Regular servicing ensures:
- Maximum energy generation
- Early fault detection
- Improved system lifespan
- Compliance with warranty and insurance requirements
For homeowners, schools and businesses throughout the South East, routing checks help ensure systems continue delivering expected savings year after year.
How Often Should a Solar PV System Be Serviced?
Recommended Servicing Frequency
Most manufacturers and industry professionals recommend a full solar system service every 12 months. In some cases, particularly for commercial systems or sites exposed to heavy pollution, tree cover or coastal conditions, 6 monthly inspections.
Annual servicing is usually sufficient for domestic solar panels, standard residential inverters and typical roof mounted solar PV systems.
What Does Solar Servicing Include?
A professional solar service goes well beyond a visual glance at your panels. A comprehensive service typically includes:
Solar Panels
- Visual inspection for cracks, hotspots, or shading issues
- Mounting system and roof integrity checks
- Performance assessment against expected output
Solar Inverter
The solar inverter is the most critical working component of you system.
- Error code and fault log review
- AC/DC electrical safety tests
- Firmware and operational checks
Since most inverter faults are not visible, servicing is essential for early diagnosis.
Electrical and Safety Checks
- Cable condition and connections
- Isolation switches and protection devices
- Compliance with current electrical standards
What Happens If You Don’t Service Your Solar System?
Failing to maintain your solar PV system can lead to reduced energy output and lower savings. Problems with your inverter, damaged panels and cabling issues may all go undetected without professional servicing. Many systems can continue operating at reduced performance without triggering alarms, meaning lost energy can go unnoticed for months or even years. Without regular servicing and visual checks, you could end up being faced with expensive system failures and longer downtime, further affecting your savings.
Do Solar Panels Need Cleaning?
In the South East, rainfall will keep your panels reasonably clean. However, cleaning may be beneficial if your panels are near trees, roads or agricultural land. Carrying out a visual check will let you identify issues with dirt, bird droppings or debris, which can reduce the output of your solar panels. Using your system monitoring platform to detect unexplained drops in solar generation can also be an indication your solar panels need cleaning. Cleaning it typically assessed during a routine solar service rather than carried out automatically.
How Long Do Solar Inverters Last?
While solar panels often last 25 years or more, solar inverters usually have a lifespan of 10-15 years. Regular servicing helps:
- Identify early signs of inverter degradation
- Extend operational life
- Plan timely replacements without unexpected downtime
Solar Servicing in the South East
If you live in Essex, Kent, London, Surrey or the wider South East, SolarTherm UK is available to help keep your system working for longer with regular servicing. In the South East regular servicing is particularly important due to:
- Dense urban pollution
- Variable weather conditions
- High system utilisation in schools and commercial buildings
Using an experienced, MCS accredited installer ensures servicing is carried out safely and in line with manufacturer guidance. Our engineers assess solar panels, inverters and electrical safety to ensure your system continues operating at peak efficiency.
Regular solar servicing protects your investment, maximises savings and ensures long term reliability.
If you’re looking to have your system serviced or are just starting your journey with solar, contact SolarTherm UK today for a free, no obligation quote and design, tailored to your property, usage and future energy needs. No hard sell, just honest, expert advice.
Your home. Your energy. Your future.
