Make the most of your solar panels

Cutting your electricity bills and your carbon footprint are two of the biggest reasons people choose to install solar panels. How you use your solar panels is key to doing both.

Our tips - gathered from experienced solar panel owners and experts - will save you hours of research and help you maximise the benefits of solar panels.

Plus we reveal the answers to common questions about maintaining, cleaning and using your solar panels.

If you have an issue with your system, check solar panel problems and how to solve them. 

Also check our solar panel brand reviews and find out how much solar panels cost.

How can I maximise profit from my solar panels?

Once you've invested in solar panels, make the most of them by using as much of the free renewable electricity they generate as possible.

Compare the price you pay for electricity from your energy supplier with the amount you are paid for exporting your excess solar electricity to the grid to find out how much you could save on your bills.

To get paid for exporting solar electricity you'll need to sign up for the Smart Energy Guarantee. If you have had solar panels for a few years, you might receive Feed-in Tariff payments instead. Find out what the Feed-in Tariff was.

Solar panels typically produce most electricity during the daytime in summer when it's sunny. 

Which? members should log in (or you can join Which?) to read experienced solar panel owners' tips on how to use more of their solar electricity, including what to do if you're not at home when your panels are generating.

Do solar panels need cleaning?

Not always. Solar pv panels should be self-cleaning, especially if your roof has the right incline. A heavy rain shower should be enough to clean them.

However, if the following are true of your system, then the occasional clean can help keep them working at full capacity:

• birds regularly roost on your roof and soil your panels
• trees drop leaves onto them
• salt builds up on your panels because you live near the sea
• inner-city traffic pollution creates a film on your panels.

Monitor how much your solar system generates. If you see an unusual drop, check with your installer what the reason could be. It might be that your panels need cleaning, but it could be something else.

Can I clean my solar panels myself?

If your panels have built up more dirt than natural rainfall is removing and you think it’s affecting how much electricity they generate, consider your options for cleaning.

It’s possible to clean your own panels and solar panel cleaning kits are available online and from some hardware stores, costing £50-£100. We’d recommend you look for one with an extendable pole so you can clean them from the ground.

But there are also many companies offering solar panel cleaning services. Speak to a couple of companies and get quotes so you know the going rate in your area before you commit.

Will I need to replace the solar panel inverter?

Probably, yes. Solar panels often have warranties for 20-25 years but inverters aren't expected to last as long.

Which? members can log in (or you can join Which?) to find out how often you should expect to replace your inverter and how much it'll cost.

What happens if my solar panels are shaded?

Shade is bad news for solar pv panels, so watch out for chimneys and trees. 

Over the 25 or more years you will have the panels, young trees may grow to shadow them. Even if just one panel is in the shade, the whole system’s performance may be hampered.

Which? members can log in (or you can join Which?) to find out what to ask your installer about shade and what to do if your neighbour's tree shades your solar panels.

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