What’s Involved in Maintaining a Commercial Solar PV System?

As more UK businesses invest in commercial solar PV systems to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions, it’s essential to understand that installation is just the beginning. Ongoing solar panel maintenance is crucial to ensure long-term performance, safety, and return on investment.

At East Green Energy, we specialise in supporting commercial clients with end-to-end solar services — and that includes professional maintenance plans tailored to your business.

Why Solar Maintenance Matters

While solar PV systems are low maintenance by design, they are not completely maintenance-free. Over time, issues such as dirt or lichen build-up, component wear, electrical faults, or shading can lead to performance degradation — cutting into your energy savings.

Regular inspections and proactive maintenance help:

• Maximise energy generation

• Prevent faults and costly breakdowns

• Extend the system’s lifespan

• Ensure safety compliance

• Protect your return on investment

1. System Performance Monitoring

At the heart of modern solar maintenance is remote monitoring. This allows real-time tracking of system performance, instantly flagging any issues such as dips in generation or inverter faults.

Our clients benefit from sophisticated monitoring platforms that provide:

• Live performance data

• Energy yield comparisons

• Fault notifications

• Asset optimisation tools

With instant diagnostics, we can often resolve issues before you even notice a drop in output.

2. Scheduled Inspections

Routine physical inspections are essential for checking the health of the system’s components. These typically include:

• Panel condition and cleanliness

• Wiring integrity and electrical safety

• Inverter performance

• Mounting structure security

• Drone assessment

At East Green Energy, we recommend annual or bi-annual inspections for most commercial systems, depending on the size and location.

3. Solar Panel Cleaning

Dirt, dust, bird droppings, and debris can block sunlight and reduce panel efficiency. While the UK’s rainfall helps naturally clean panels, commercial rooftop arrays or ground-mounted systems often require professional cleaning — especially in agricultural, coastal, or industrial areas.

We use specialist, non-abrasive equipment and purified water to clean panels safely and effectively without damaging coatings or voiding warranties. Our sister company Clearsol provides these services to our clients.

4. Inverter Servicing and Fault Management

The inverter is the hardest-working part of your solar system — converting DC electricity into usable AC power. It’s also the most common component to experience faults over time.

Inverter checks are a critical part of every maintenance visit. If faults arise, our engineers are trained to diagnose and repair issues quickly, minimising disruption and keeping your system running efficiently.

5. Reporting and Compliance

Our commercial clients receive detailed service reports, including:

• System health checks

• Fault logs and rectifications

• Energy generation summaries

• Recommendations for optimisation

This documentation not only helps you understand system performance but also supports compliance with insurance, finance, or ESG reporting requirements.

Ready to Protect Your Solar Investment?

Speak to our team today about a commercial solar maintenance plan that fits your business. We’ll ensure your system runs smoothly, safely, and at peak performance — year after year.

Contact East Green Energy to find out more or request a free site assessment.

Routine physical inspections are essential for checking the health of a solar system’s components.