Solar power systems are designed be reliable and long lasting, but like any important investment, they benefit greatly from routine maintenance and servicing. Many homeowners assume solar panels are “fit and forget”, yet small issues can build up over time, reducing efficiency and costing you money in lost generation.
Here are the key signs that your solar PV system may need a professional maintenance check.
Noticeable Drop in Energy Production
One of the clearest indications that something isn’t right with your system is a sudden or gradual unexplained decline in your system’s output. You might observe:
- Lower daily generation than usual
- Electricity bills creeping back up despite the sunny weather
- Inconsistent performance patterns
If your system has monitoring software, compare your current output with previous months or the same season last year. A drop often points to issues such as faulty panels, inverter problems or shading and dirt issues.
Your Inverter Is Showing Warnings or Fault Lights
The inverter is the heart of your solar system, if it fails, your energy production will drop to zero. Look out for:
- Red or flashing warning lights
- Error codes
- Unusual noises
- The inverter shutting off unexpectedly
These are signs you should schedule a maintenance inspection immediately.
Visible Dirt, Debris or Damage on Panels
Over time, your panels can collect bird droppings, dust and dirt, leaves, moss or algae. Most will be naturally cleaned away by rainfall, but any build up on the glass surface reduces sunlight absorption, reducing output. Likewise, any physical damage like chips, cracks or hot spots can impact efficiency and safety. Even if your panels look fine from the ground, elevated checks often reveal issues that aren’t noticeable from below.
Wiring or Mounting Looks Loose or Damaged
Weather, wildlife and system ageing can lead to loose cabling, chewed wires, rust or corrosion on the mounts, which lead to panels shifting position and water ingress in connectors. These hazards can reduce performance and pose a safety risk, so they shouldn’t be ignored.
Your System is Over 5 Years Old
Solar PV systems require periodic servicing to maintain peak performance. If your system is over 5 years old and has never been checked it’s a good idea to book a System Check. Components degrade over time and early intervention prevents small repairable issues becoming expensive replacements.
If your system was installed by a company that is no longer trading or you find they have had their MCS accreditation removed, it is also worth booking in for a System Check with an accredited MCS installer to ensure the quality and safety of your system.
Your Export Payments Are Dropping
If your export payments seem lower than expected, a maintenance issue could be affecting the accuracy of your meter, the output of your panels or the operation of your inverter. A professional inspection can identify the cause and get your system earning properly again.
Strange Electrical Issues in Your Home
Your solar system shouldn’t cause disruption but if you notice:
- Flickering lights
- Breakers tripping
- Inconsistent power quality
These may signal electrical or grounding issues related to your PV system.
Why Regular Solar Maintenance Matters
Routine maintenance ensures:
- Maximum system efficiency
- Longer equipment lifespan
- Better return on your investment
- Safety for your home and electrical system
- Continued eligibility for warranties and export schemes
Most systems benefit from regular visual check ups every 6 months to a year and a full system inspection every 2-3 years.
Book a Solar Health Check with SolarTherm UK
If you’ve noticed any of the signs above or just want peace of mind, a professional inspection by an MCS accredited installer can keep your system operating safely and efficiently.
At SolarTherm UK we don’t just offer high quality solar installations, we provide long term aftercare. To book in for a System Health Check visit our Customer Support Helpdesk.
Your home. Your energy. Your future.
