Solar panel maintenance made easy

As solar energy continues to power homes and businesses across the globe, maintaining your PV panels has become essential for ensuring optimal energy production. In fact, basic care, like the occasional cleaning or check-up, goes a long way in keeping your solar PV system running at peak performance for decades. Doing so not only extends the life of your panels but also ensures you’re getting the maximum return on your investment.

In this guide, we’ll show how simple and rewarding it is to maintain your solar panels, offering clear tips and a confident path to keeping your system efficient.

What is solar panel maintenance?

At its core, it means keeping your PV system clean, functional and free from damage. This includes visual inspections for cracks or corrosion, clearing away dirt and debris, as well as checking electrical connections for signs of wear.

Some of the main maintenance activities include:

• Cleaning the panel surfaces to remove grime and dust
• Inspecting mounts, brackets and electrical components
• Monitoring energy production through apps or inverters
• Scheduling professional servicing annually

Why PV panel maintenance matters

While solar panels are naturally low-maintenance, a little upkeep makes a big difference. Over time, dust, bird droppings or fallen leaves can block sunlight, just like your car’s dirty windshield makes it harder to see the road. In fact, studies show that heavy dust buildup can reduce output by 25% in very dusty conditions. In simple terms, that’s lost energy your home could have used.

Regular maintenance ensures your panels get all the sunshine they deserve, keeping your electricity production and savings as high as possible. A quick clean or inspection can go a long way, helping you catch minor issues early before they turn into costly repairs or affect performance. Clean, well-maintained panels work more efficiently, operate safely and deliver better long-term returns. Plus, most warranties require proof of maintenance, so staying on top of upkeep not only protects your investment but also extends your system’s lifespan — a small habit with big rewards.

Malta’s climate and its impact

Our country’s sunny Mediterranean climate is a dream for solar power. With abundant sunshine year-round, panels have plenty of energy to capture, however, our local weather also affects how we care for them. Fine sand from Saharan winds or nearby construction can build up on panels over time, while coastal homeowners may also notice a light film of sea salt mist.

Although rain helps rinse panels occasionally, it’s best not to rely on it alone. In Malta’s climate, a simple rinse or wipe after a dusty sirocco wind or a long dry spell will keep panels performing optimally. With just a bit of attention, our abundant sunshine translates into consistently high energy output.

Routine cleaning to keep panels clear and productive

Keeping your solar panels clean is simple and doesn’t require any special skills, just a few practical steps to keep them free from grime. For most households, cleaning the panels once or twice a year is sufficient to remove any dust or dirt that builds up over time. However, if you live in an area that’s particularly dusty, close to the coast or near a busy road, you may want to give them a quick clean more often, as those conditions can cause extra dirt or salt to accumulate on the panels.

Here are a few simple and practical cleaning tips to keep your solar panels shining and productive:

• Use gentle tools and water: clean the glass surface with a soft brush or sponge and a regular garden hose to wash away dust and bird droppings. There’s no need for high pressure or power washing. A light rinse and gentle scrub are enough to clear most dirt.
• Avoid harsh cleaners: stick to plain water and maybe a mild biodegradable soap if needed. Do not use abrasive soaps, strong chemicals or hard mineral-rich water that could leave residue or scratches. Make sure the water is cold and clean, while do not use hot water to prevent any sudden temperature shocks to the glass.
• Choose the right time to clean: it’s safest to clean your panels during cooler parts of the day like early morning, late afternoon or on an overcast day. This avoids spraying cold water on very hot panels, which could cause thermal shock. Not to mention that cleaning under a gentler sun is more comfortable for you and helps prevent water from evaporating too quickly on the panels.
• Stay safe by calling a pro if needed: if your panels are hard to reach or on a high roof with a tricky angle, it’s wisest to hire a professional for the cleaning. While the cleaning itself is simple, no amount of energy savings is worth risking a fall.

Periodic inspections

Beyond cleaning, it’s smart to give your system a regular once-over. These are simple visual checks to ensure everything looks right. Regular inspections help you spot any potential issues early on, which can then be addressed before they affect your system’s performance.

Every few months or after severe weather, take a moment to inspect the following:

• Panel surfaces: make sure there’s no obvious debris build-up like leaves, twigs or bird droppings that might have accumulated in corners or edges. Most debris will wash off with rain or wind, but if you see something like leaves stuck under a panel edge, safely remove them if possible. Also, check for any visible dirt film. This would make the panels look grimy and if it hasn’t rained in a long time, it might be time for that cleaning we mentioned.
• Physical condition: look for any signs of damage or wear. It’s rare, but extreme weather, such as a hailstorm or gale, could potentially crack a panel’s glass or loosen its frame. Check from ground level for cracks, cloudiness or anything out of the ordinary on the panel surfaces. Also, if you can see the mounting racks, ensure nothing looks bent or loosened.
• Shading changes: one often overlooked aspect is new shading. Has a nearby tree grown taller or a new structure been built that casts shade on your panels, especially during peak sun hours? Even partial shading can significantly reduce output, so you want to catch it if it happens.
• System indicators: take a quick peek at your system’s inverter or monitoring device. Most solar inverters have indicator lights or a display. Typically, a green light means all is well, however, if you see a red or blinking error light or an unexpected message on the display, that’s a sign something needs attention. Often, minor issues can be resolved quickly by professionals, but noticing them is the first step.

Monitoring system performance

One of the best things about modern PV systems is real-time performance monitoring. By keeping an eye on your system’s output, you can ensure it’s operating efficiently without even climbing on the roof. Our PV systems come with an easy-to-use mobile app and online dashboard that lets you track your solar production day by day. With a quick glance, you can see how much power your panels are generating right now, today, or this week.

But monitoring your system’s performance isn’t just cool tech, it’s also a valuable maintenance tool. The app will send you instant alerts if it detects any performance issues or if maintenance might be needed. By checking your dashboard occasionally, you’ll get a feel for normal performance and easily notice drops in output.

Overall, these tools give you peace of mind. They’re like a friendly watchdog for your solar setup, ensuring everything runs smoothly and letting you know if something needs your attention. Plus, it’s rewarding to see the numbers roll in, kilowatt by kilowatt, while your bills shrink.

When to call the professionals

Most maintenance is simple enough for homeowners, but sometimes professional help is the safest and smartest option.
Call in the experts when:

Electrical or performance issues

If your monitoring app or inverter displays an error or if you suspect an electrical issue, it’s time for professional help. Solar technicians have the tools to safely diagnose and fix issues with wiring, inverters or panels. Remember, the system is live electricity so troubleshooting beyond basic monitoring should be left to the experts for safety.

Difficult cleaning or maintenance tasks

As mentioned, if your panels are on a high roof, steep angle or you’re not comfortable accessing them, it’s wise to call a cleaning service. The small cost of a professional clean is well worth it to avoid the risk of accidents. In addition, professionals will also have the proper equipment such as harnesses, long-handled tools and safety gear, to do the job efficiently and safely.

Physical repairs or upgrades

If you ever notice physical damage like a cracked panel or a loose mounting bolt, do not attempt to fix it on your own. Similarly, if you decide to upgrade by adding more panels or installing a new battery or inverter, call the experts.

Routine professional inspections

Some homeowners schedule a detailed inspection every few years for peace of mind. While not entirely necessary, professionals can perform a thorough system test, ensuring all connections are solid, panels are performing optimally and everything is up to scratch. This can be especially comforting a few years into operation or before a heavy usage season like heading into summer. It’s a bit like servicing a car, mostly you won’t need anything beyond the basics, but a pro’s eyes can sometimes spot things early.

Long-term care and system lifespan

Solar panels are built to last, often 25 years or more, while maintaining strong performance. GO Energi panels come with a 30-year performance warranty, while our inverter and battery setups are covered for 10 years. These long warranties reflect the technology’s durability and reliability, providing added peace of mind that you’re covered should anything unexpected happen.

Long-term care simply means keeping up those small habits — occasional cleaning, quick inspections and prompt attention to any issues.
Maintaining your solar system is genuinely as easy as it sounds. A little care and attention go a long way toward keeping your panels efficient, safe and productive for many years to come.

Would you like to find out more about our PV panels? Here are six reasons why you should switch to solar energy and here is why PV panels are key to sustainable energy. Meanwhile, take a look at which appliances consume the most energy and how upgrading your inverter and battery can maximise efficiency.

Sources:
Photovoltaic Panels in Malta (part 1)