Last updated on July 26th, 2023
Solar panel maintenance cost guide
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If you’re considering getting solar panels, it’s important to think about maintenance as well as just the cost of installing them. Solar panel systems are designed to be quite low maintenance, but you’ll still need to do a few things to keep yours working at maximum efficiency.
In this guide, we’ll look at the average solar energy maintenance costs. This includes things like cleaning, replacing components when they wear out and annual servicing by a solar panel maintenance specialist.
How much does solar panel maintenance cost?
| Low cost | High cost | Average cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleaning solar panels - per panel | £4 | £15 | £9.50 |
| Replace the inverter (once every 25 years) | £800 | £1000 | £900 |
| Annual service | £100 | £200 | £150 |
Our costs are ballpark averages – get a local tradesperson to quote now
There are a few factors that can affect the cost of maintaining solar panels. This includes cleaning, replacing parts and carrying out regular checks.
To start with, you may want to sign up for an annual service with a specialist solar panel company. This is a good way to keep your solar PV system in sound working order and to spot and fix any problems before they become serious. It can also give you peace of mind that everything’s all ok up there on the roof.
An annual solar panel service can cost between £100 and £200 a year depending on the provider.
Cost of maintaining solar panels with regular cleaning
To keep your solar panels functioning at maximum efficiency, it’s a good idea to have them cleaned regularly. Over time, dirt, dust and debris, along with bird droppings and other grime, can build up. This can affect the performance of your solar panels.
Ideally, you should have your solar panels cleaned every six months or so. This could cost anywhere between £4 and £15 per panel.
Other solar PV maintenance costs you need to know about
One of the only other solar power maintenance costs you need to know about relates to the inverter. This is a key part of the unit, which converts the DC output of your panels into the AC required by your local power grid.
The inverter has an average lifespan of around 25 years, after which it’ll need replacing. This can cost between £800 and £1,000.
FAQs
How long do solar panels last?
On average, most solar panels last for around 25 years without any significant drop in performance, or without needing replacement. However, some systems can function perfectly well beyond this.
Can I maintain my solar panels myself?
It’s not recommended to attempt solar panel maintenance yourself. Not only could it be dangerous, as you’ll be working at height, but you could also risk damaging the unit and/or invalidating the warranty.
You can clean solar panels in line with the manufacturers’ instructions, but only if they’re at ground level and you’re confident about how to clean them. Always call in the professionals for cleaning and other maintenance for roof-mounted solar panels.
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Claims are sourced from a survey conducted by Deep Blue Thinking on a nationally representative UK sample in November 2021. *8 out of 10 people would choose a trade endorsed by Checkatrade compared to one that isn’t endorsed.
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