Solar PV systems are famously low-maintenance, with no moving parts and warranties stretching 20–25 years. But a small amount of annual care keeps your system generating at peak efficiency. Here's what ELECSI recommends for Suffolk homeowners.
How Often Should You Clean Solar Panels?
In most of the UK, rain does a reasonable job keeping panels clean. But in Suffolk — particularly near coastal areas like Felixstowe and Aldeburgh — salt spray, bird droppings, and pollen can reduce output by 5–15% over time. We recommend a visual inspection every 6 months and a professional clean every 12–18 months. If you live near trees or the coast, every 8–12 months is better.
DIY Cleaning vs Professional
DIY cleaning from ground level with a long-handled soft brush and deionised water is safe. Never use abrasive sponges, high-pressure washers, or chemical cleaners — these can damage the anti-reflective coating. For roof-mounted systems or two-storey homes, professional cleaning is safer and more thorough. ELECSI's solar maintenance visits include panel cleaning, frame inspection, and connection checks.
Inverter Checks
Your inverter is the most likely component to fail. Check the display or app regularly — most inverters show daily generation in kWh. A sudden drop to zero or error codes like "Grid Fault" or "Isolation Fault" require immediate attention. Inverters typically beep or show red LEDs when faulty. Do not attempt inverter repairs yourself — they contain hazardous voltages even when switched off.
Monitoring Your System
Most modern inverters include WiFi monitoring via apps like SolarEdge, Growatt, or FoxCloud. Set up alerts for zero-generation days, abnormally low output, or inverter offline status. Comparing monthly generation year-on-year is the best way to spot gradual degradation. A 2–3% annual output decline is normal; anything above 5% suggests a fault or soiling issue.
Visual Inspections from Ground Level
Check for: cracked or discoloured panels, loose or damaged cabling, vegetation growing under or around the array, and bird nests under panels. Pigeons and seagulls are particularly fond of nesting under solar arrays in Suffolk. Bird-proofing mesh, installed at the time of fitting, prevents this — we can retrofit it if needed.
When to Call ELECSI for Maintenance
Contact us if you notice: zero generation on a sunny day, inverter error codes, burning smells from the inverter location, physical damage to panels after storms, or persistent low output compared to previous years. Our solar maintenance service includes full electrical testing, thermal imaging for hot spots, DC and AC voltage checks, and a written condition report.
Professional Maintenance Cost
ELECSI charges £120–£180 for an annual solar maintenance visit including cleaning, inspection, and testing. This is a tiny fraction of your annual generation value — typically less than 2% — and can identify problems before they become expensive failures.
Frequently Asked Questions
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ELECSI provides free, no-obligation quotes for solar, EV charging, battery storage and electrical work across Suffolk.