Solar Panels are expected to last or perform at an optimal level for 20-30 years. However, with the right maintenance, this can be extended by a significant margin. As part of our pre-purchase house surveys and for a small additional fee we can closely inspect existing solar installations for damage. Also, drone infrared technology can be used to detect large temperature differences across individual panels indicating that a panel may need to be replaced. We can also assess whether panels are in need of cleaning. Panels should be ideally clean twice a year to ensure that that operate at an optimum level, particulalrly during the Autumn & Winter months when solar gain diminishes significantly
Kelleher Chartered Building Surveyors use DJI & Yuneec drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras and 4K cameras, allowing us to quickly and accurately survey any type of solar panel.
In a recent survey as part of a flat roof inspection it could be clearly seen from the air that the PV panels needed to be cleaned. Thankfully, there was no evidence of damage.