How to clean your business solar panels for maximum efficiency
10 July 2025
As businesses move towards net zero, many are seeing the benefits of installing solar panels. These benefits include lower energy costs and reduced carbon footprints. However, the journey doesn't stop after installation. To enjoy the long-term benefits of solar energy, it's crucial to understand the ongoing care and maintenance needed to keep your solar panels running efficiently.
This article will help ensure your solar panels provide maximum performance and savings for years. It includes practical advice on cleaning solar panels, routine maintenance tips, and long-term Operation and Maintenance (O&M) packages.
How long do solar panels last?
Solar panels are built to last, with performance and efficiency typically guaranteed for 25 years for most systems. This warranty often includes annual degradation and lifetime performance percentages. Most parts are covered by warranties ranging from 12 to 20 years.
The lifespan of solar panels can vary based on several factors, including the quality of the panels, installation practices, and environmental conditions. That’s why it’s essential to choose a trusted installation partner and commit to regular maintenance. Following a consistent maintenance schedule with regular cleaning and inspections will help ensure you have reliable solar energy for decades.
How do you clean solar panels?
Regular cleaning and maintenance of your solar panels not only helps them work efficiently, but it also allows you to spot any issues that could affect their performance sooner. As a general rule, solar panels should be cleaned once or twice a year.
However, if your business and solar panel installation are near a busy road, wooded area, factory, or farm, you may want to clean them more often due to faster dust and debris buildup. You can use a pressure washer or a simple soft brush to clean your solar panels.
Depending on their size, type, and location, you might prefer a professional cleaning service. They will use industry-standard practices and can safely access solar panels, no matter how challenging the site is
Tips on how to clean your solar panels
- Regularly check your solar panels to ensure they are free from dirt and debris.
- Install bird guarding where necessary to prevent nesting and dirt accumulation on the panels.
- Monitor and report the performance of your solar panel system to spot any changes early.
- If you have solar panel optimisers installed, monitor the system at the panel level for the best performance.
- Keep nearby trees well managed to ensure no solar panels are shaded.
Solar panels operations and maintenance packages
Most solar panel installations for businesses come with an O&M package. This typically covers the first 12 or 24 months and includes full remote monitoring, an annual site inspection, and a visit for a complete demo and education on the system apps and technology. After this initial period, you can choose an ongoing annual maintenance plan, which will vary based on your system's size and complexity.
Do you have a Commercial solar panel project in mind?
Before investing in solar technology, it's important to find a partner you can trust. That's why we collaborate with Aztec Solar Energy, a leading solar installation supplier with over 30 years of experience in providing affordable solar panels for businesses across all sectors. Together, we can help you turn your unused roof or ground space into a source of renewable energy.
For large organisations with solar installations over 500MW we partner with Centrica Business Solutions. With over 20 years of expertise installing large-scale solar systems, solar panels can transform unused roof or ground space into a source of renewable energy – with electricity cost savings of up to 30%.
Get a quote for solar panels for your business
Ready to take the first step? Fill in our quick form to find out how much a solar installation for your business might cost.
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