How often should solar panels be serviced?

Once a year is right for most domestic systems. Homes near the sea, under trees, or with regular gull activity usually benefit from a six-monthly cycle, because salt, sap and droppings all cause the same kind of localised shading damage.

How long does it take?

Sixty to ninety minutes on site for a typical domestic system, depending on size and how easy the inverter and isolators are to reach. You get the written report the same day.

Yes, for at least part of it. We need access to the inverter and the consumer unit, and we would rather walk you through what we found in person than just email it over.

Does it include cleaning?

No. The Solar MOT is a diagnostic inspection. If your panels need cleaning we will tell you and quote for it separately, which keeps the inspection price down and means you only pay for work that is actually needed. An annual clean is included on the Care Pro plan.

My installer went out of business. Does that matter?

Not to us. We work on systems of any age and any brand, whoever fitted them. It is one of the most common reasons people call us, and we can usually get hold of the paperwork you need even when the original company has gone.

Will you try to sell me a new inverter?

No. We do not sell hardware on the day and we do not ask you to sign anything at your kitchen table. If something genuinely needs replacing it goes in the written report with a price, and you can take that report to anyone you like.

What areas do you cover?

We cover the South Coast, including Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and Southampton. If you are not sure whether your postcode is in range, ring 01202 023069 and we will tell you straight away.

Domestic solar array inspected by No1 Solar Care

Solar panel servicing and maintenance in Dorset and Hampshire: the Solar Health Check

A 21-point check of your panels, inverter and electrics by an MCS-certified engineer, with a written report the same day. We call it the Solar MOT.

Regular servicing keeps a system earning. If you want ongoing maintenance, our maintenance plans keep it covered all year.

£195£149

Solar MOT. VAT included.

Book your Solar MOT Call 01202 023069

We call you back within one working hour.

500+

Systems inspected

9.9/10

Rated on Checkatrade

4.8★★★★★

Rated on Google

15 yrs

Family run, MCS certified

21-point health check

Where we look, and what we find

Tap a point to see what we check there.

7 checks here

Outside: roof and array

Panels checked for cracks and damage
All panels secure and aligned
Mounting rails and fixings secure
Roof tiles and weatherproofing intact
Gutters and rainwater routes clear
Free from soiling, moss or shading
Free from bird nesting or pests

Every check graded pass, advisory or fail.

Book your Solar MOT · £149

Twenty-one checks on a standard system. Battery storage adds three more, and they are recorded as not checked if you have not got one.

The most common faults

Soiling and contamination

Dirt, moss and droppings shade cells and cause permanent hot-spot damage. The South Coast coastal air makes it worse.

Up to 25% output loss

Silent inverter failure

Inverters lose 10 to 15% efficiency quietly, long before any fault code shows.

£150 to £300 a year

Mounting and wiring faults

Heat, cold and wind gradually work fixings loose. Corroded earthing can void your warranty.

Can void your warranty

All three are fixable once you know about them. Birds nesting under your panels? See our bird proofing.

After

Before

Drag to compare, before and after a professional clean

What it costs

£149

£195

including VAT

An MCS-certified engineer, a 21-point check of your panels, inverter and electrics, and a written report with photos the same day.

Book your Solar MOT Call 01202 023069

What you get on the day

A written report, in your hands the same day, with photographs of anything we found and a clear view of what to do about it.

Pass, advisory or fail

Traffic light grading across all six categories, with photographs.

Priced and prioritised

What it costs and how urgent it is. Anything that can wait, we say so.

Nothing to lose either way

Say yes to the work and the £149 disappears from the bill. Say no, and you're out an hour.

The report is yours

Take it to any other company, or do nothing at all. No pressure either way.

Birds nesting under your panels? See our solar panel bird proofing.

Work it out

What an underperforming system costs you

Set your system size and how far down you think it might be running.

System size4 kW

Output loss15%

That is costing you roughly

£126

every year, or £630 over five

Expected output

3,400 kWh/yr

Electricity lost

510 kWh/yr

Find out what yours is doing

Based on 850 kWh per kW per year and the Ofgem Q2 2026 rate of 24.67p per kWh.

What South Coast homeowners say

9.9/10on Checkatrade4.8on Google

“Very impressed with the service received. Extremely knowledgeable and helpful team of staff. Highly recommend.”

Verified Checkatrade review

BH15

“I felt very confident in this company from first instance. Every aspect was fully explained and all questions answered. Professionalism at its best.”

Verified Checkatrade review

BH6

“The level of communication and work carried out was exceptional. Everything was made easy. Nothing was too much trouble.”

Verified Checkatrade review

BH25

“Been doing lots of research on solar and felt this company was extremely knowledgeable on all questions I asked. Great communication throughout.”

Verified Checkatrade review

BH14

Solar panel installation completed by No1 Solar Care

Book your Solar MOT

Booked in minutes, no obligation.

We call back within one working hour.

After your MOT

Start a care plan and your MOT is £95

Rolling monthly, cancel any time, no contract. Your plan starts once you have your report, so you decide with the facts in front of you.

Solar MOT with any care plan

£95

Cheaper because we will be looking after your system for years rather than visiting once.

Care

£16.99/mo

For newer systems performing well.

Monthly remote health check
Photo submission service
Remote portal support
20% off call-out rates

Common questions

If it is not here, ring us on 01202 023069 and ask.

A Solar MOT is £149 including VAT (standard price £195). You get an MCS-certified engineer, a 21-point check of your panels, inverter and electrics, and a written report with photos the same day.