# SUMMARY Jordan from Artisan Electrics explains how to maintain solar PV systems for optimal performance and longevity. # IDEAS: - Solar panels typically self-clean at over 15° pitch, relying on rainwater for cleaning. - Flat roof systems require frequent cleaning to maintain efficiency due to low pitch angles. - Natural rainwater is preferred over hose water due to hard water residue affecting panels. - Regular cleaning helps prevent dirt buildup, enhancing solar panel performance over time. - Choosing a high-quality installer ensures long-lasting solar PV systems and reduces maintenance calls. - Monitoring solar system performance allows users to detect issues before they escalate. - Tree maintenance is crucial to prevent shading, which decreases solar panel efficiency. - Poor installation is often the root cause of maintenance calls or system underperformance. - Regular electrical installation condition reports (EICR) can catch potential issues before they become serious. - Systems with individual panel monitoring can highlight problems specific to a malfunctioning panel. - Firmware must be kept updated to maximize solar system efficiency and functionality. - Hardwired connections can mitigate issues with Wi-Fi dropping and improve system reliability. - Dust can significantly reduce solar panel performance, emphasizing the need for regular cleaning. - An annual calculation can help determine whether cleaning panels is financially worthwhile. - SolarEdge and Enphase microinverters can help minimize performance losses due to shading. - Routine checks for shading ensure that your solar panels receive optimal sunlight exposure. # INSIGHTS: - Solar PV systems are effective and can save money, but require specific maintenance habits. - Regular maintenance and monitoring can prevent underperformance and costly repairs over time. - Selecting an installer focusing on quality installation can reduce future maintenance headaches. - Keeping trees trimmed ensures solar panels receive sufficient sunlight for optimal energy production. - Avoid unnecessary maintenance packages by focusing on essential tasks like cleaning and monitoring. # QUOTES: - "Installing solar and battery storage systems isn’t cheap, and you’ll want to keep it in excellent condition." - "Studies have shown that even a thin layer of dust can have a significant impact." - "99% of the time, when we get called out, it’s because the system was not installed properly." - "Never use detergents or soap on solar panels; natural rainwater is the best cleaning method." - "A flat roof system requires cleaning regularly because it’s not self-cleaning due to lower pitch." - "Firmware needs to be kept up to date for the best performance from your solar system." - "Monitoring allows you to track system performance and generate data for comparisons." - "Trees can inadvertently shade solar panels; maintain the garden to maximize sunlight exposure." - "Electrical Installation Condition Reports detect deterioration that could lead to dangerous situations." - "A typical three-bed semi generates about 4,000 kWh with proper panel maintenance." - "Paying a window cleaner can often save money by enhancing solar panel performance." - "Electronic connections may loosen over time; periodic inspections help prevent future issues." - "You have to be proactive about the condition of your solar panels for optimal output." - "Hardwired ethernet connections ensure better reliability than Wi-Fi for system monitoring." - "Regular cleaning may drastically improve the lifetime and performance of your solar system." - "Monitoring platforms should allow visibility into daily and yearly performance patterns." # HABITS: - Schedule panel cleaning every 6 months to maintain optimal performance of solar systems. - Regularly check for shading from trees and trim them back as necessary. - Conduct EICR inspections every 5 to 10 years to ensure electrical safety. - Regularly monitor system performance to catch inefficiencies or failures early. - Ensure firmware updates are performed to maintain system efficiency and reliability. # FACTS: - Solar panels can exhibit poor performance even with a dust layer reducing light by just 5%. - Poorly installed solar systems can deteriorate significantly faster than high-quality installations. - Manufacturers typically recommend EICR inspections every 5 to 10 years for solar systems. - Most domestic solar systems do not need extensive regular maintenance, just cleaning and monitoring. - A 10% reduction in solar energy output could equate to paying an extra £120 annually. # REFERENCES: - Artisan Electrics’ video explaining solar PV maintenance and best installation practices. - Case studies of solar installations highlighting the importance of quality workmanship. - Information on monitoring solar system performance from manufacturers like SolarEdge and Enphase. - EICR process detailed in a separate video referenced by Jordan. # ONE-SENTENCE TAKEAWAY Investing in quality installation and regular maintenance enhances the performance and longevity of solar PV systems. # RECOMMENDATIONS: - Clean your solar panels regularly to avoid performance loss due to dirt buildup over time. - Choose a reputable installer with a solid track record to ensure long-term efficiency. - Monitor your solar system’s output continuously to spot any performance issues promptly. - Schedule garden maintenance twice yearly to prevent tree shading on solar panels. - Perform regular firmware updates on monitoring systems to maintain optimal efficiency and performance.

### Key Takeaways for Solar PV System Maintenance: 1. **Installation Quality**: - Choose a reputable installer. Poor installation is often the cause of system underperformance and issues over time. 2. **Self-Cleaning Capability**: - Solar panels are "self-cleaning" on pitches above 15°, but dirt, lichen, and bird droppings can still accumulate, especially on flatter roofs (10-15° pitch). 3. **Cleaning Recommendations**: - Clean panels 1-2 times a year using purified water, ideally from a professional with a pure water pole system. Avoid detergents or soaps. - Regular cleaning can prevent performance loss (e.g., even a 10% dirt layer can reduce output by 10-25%). 4. **Monitoring Performance**: - Use systems that allow you to monitor performance regularly, including individual panel output. This helps identify issues early. - Ensure firmware is updated regularly for optimal system performance. 5. **Tree Maintenance**: - Monitor and manage nearby trees to prevent shading, which reduces solar output. 6. **Annual Calculations**: - Conduct an annual assessment to determine if cleaning panels is financially beneficial compared to energy savings from higher output. 7. **Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)**: - Get an EICR done every 5-10 years to check wiring and connections. This can identify potential risks and ensure the system is safe and functional. 8. **Future-proofing**: - Consider hardwired internet connections instead of Wi-Fi for monitoring and maintenance ease. 9. **Avoid Unnecessary Maintenance Packages**: - Most solar systems don’t require extensive maintenance beyond occasional cleaning and monitoring. 10. **Professional Audits Available**: - If uncertain about your system's performance, professional audits can provide assessments and identify any issues. ### Conclusion: To keep your solar PV system operating effectively, focus on quality installation, regular cleaning, performance monitoring, and periodic professional checks. This proactive approach can enhance the system's lifespan and efficiency.