Solar Panel Maintenance Services in Newcastle upon Tyne
Regular maintenance is essential to ensure your solar panel system continues to operate at maximum efficiency throughout its 25 to 30-year lifespan. At Newcastle Solar Panels, we offer comprehensive maintenance services designed to protect your investment and maximise your energy generation year after year.
Whilst solar panels are remarkably low-maintenance compared to other home improvements, they are not entirely maintenance-free. Over time, dirt, bird droppings, moss, lichen, and general atmospheric pollution can accumulate on the surface of your panels, reducing their ability to absorb sunlight and generate electricity. In the North East, where weather conditions can be particularly variable, regular maintenance becomes even more important.
Our maintenance programmes are designed to give you complete peace of mind. Whether you had your panels installed by us or by another company, our team of experienced engineers can provide thorough inspections, professional cleaning, and detailed performance analysis to ensure your system is generating as much clean energy as possible.
Our Solar Panel Maintenance Services
We offer a range of maintenance services to suit every need and budget. Each service is carried out by our trained technicians using specialist equipment and industry-approved methods:
- Professional Panel Cleaning: Using purified, deionised water and soft-bristle brushes, we safely remove all dirt, grime, bird droppings, and biological growth from your panels without causing any damage to the surface coating.
- Visual Inspection: Our engineers carry out a thorough visual inspection of your entire system, checking for cracked or damaged panels, loose fixings, degraded cabling, and any signs of water ingress or corrosion.
- Electrical Testing: We perform comprehensive electrical tests to ensure all components are functioning correctly, including inverter diagnostics, string voltage testing, and earth continuity checks.
- Performance Monitoring Review: We analyse your system's generation data to identify any underperformance and pinpoint the cause, whether it be a faulty panel, shading issues, or inverter problems.
- Roof and Mounting Check: We inspect the roof fixings, mounting brackets, and flashing to ensure everything remains watertight and structurally sound.
- Bird Proofing: Pigeons and other birds can nest beneath solar panels, causing damage and mess. We offer bird-proofing mesh installation to prevent this problem.
Annual Maintenance Plans
For the best value and complete peace of mind, we recommend our annual maintenance plans. These include a scheduled visit each year, typically in spring, to clean your panels and carry out a full system inspection. Our plans include:
- Basic Plan (£99/year): Annual professional clean and visual inspection
- Standard Plan (£149/year): Annual clean, visual inspection, and electrical testing with a written report
- Premium Plan (£199/year): Everything in the Standard plan plus bird proofing, performance analysis, and priority call-out for any issues
All plans include a detailed written report following each visit, giving you a clear picture of your system's condition and performance. We also provide recommendations for any remedial work that may be required.
How Often Should Solar Panels Be Cleaned?
In the Newcastle upon Tyne area, we recommend having your solar panels professionally cleaned at least once a year. However, some properties may benefit from more frequent cleaning, particularly if they are located near trees, close to the coast where salt spray is a factor, or in areas with heavy bird activity. Properties near industrial areas or busy roads may also experience faster soiling rates.
Our engineers can advise on the optimal cleaning frequency for your specific situation during your first maintenance visit. Regular cleaning can improve energy generation by up to 20% compared to panels that have not been cleaned for several years, making it a worthwhile investment.
Signs Your Solar Panels Need Maintenance
Keep an eye out for the following indicators that your system may benefit from a maintenance visit:
- A noticeable drop in energy generation compared to previous months or years
- Visible dirt, moss, or bird droppings on the panel surface
- Error messages or warning lights on your inverter
- Unusual noises coming from the inverter or mounting system
- Physical damage to panels, such as cracks or discolouration
- Birds nesting beneath the panel array
If you notice any of these signs, do not hesitate to contact us. Early intervention can prevent minor issues from becoming costly problems. Call us on 0330 223 7664 or request a callback to arrange a maintenance visit.