If you have solar panels on your home in Bath, Bradford on Avon, Corsham, Chippenham, Calne, Devizes, Melksham, Trowbridge, or Westbury, you could be losing hundreds of pounds each year without even realising it.
For many homeowners in West Wiltshire and Somerset, solar panels installed between 2010 and 2016 came with a very attractive deal: the Government’s Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme. This provided generous, long-term payments for every unit of electricity generated. However, as panels age, dirt and environmental grime build up, quietly reducing output — and cutting into those valuable returns.
In this article, we’ll explain how to check if you’re on a Feed-in Tariff, how dirt impacts your earnings, and how much money you could be leaving on the table by not keeping your panels clean.
How to Check If You’re on the Feed-in Tariff (FiT)
Many homeowners aren’t sure if they are benefitting from a Feed-in Tariff, especially if they purchased a property where solar panels were already installed.
Here’s how to find out:
- Check your paperwork: Look for documents from your energy supplier mentioning “Feed-in Tariff” or “generation meter readings.”
- Look at your electricity bills: Some bills may reference FiT payments, especially if you submit meter readings.
- Contact your supplier: If in doubt, call your electricity company and ask whether your system is registered under the FiT scheme.
Visual clues: Panels installed during the key FiT period (2010–2016) often:
- Use silver-framed panels (black-frame “all black” panels became common later).
- Feature inverters from brands like SMA, Fronius, or SolarEdge from the early 2010s.
Why Dirty Solar Panels Are a Hidden Problem
Solar panels need clear, unobstructed sunlight to perform at their best. Dust, bird droppings, algae, moss, and even fine layers of pollution can all accumulate on panels. Over time, this reduces their ability to absorb sunlight efficiently.
The problem often builds slowly — meaning you might not notice the loss day-to-day. But cumulatively, the financial impact can be significant, especially when you’re being paid high rates for every unit generated.
What You Could Be Losing — The Numbers (Updated for Accuracy)
Let’s look at the potential financial losses.
A typical 4kW domestic system in the UK generates around 3,500 kWh per year (source: Energy Saving Trust).
Average current Feed-in Tariff rate: Many early adopters now receive around 50p/kWh, after inflation adjustments (source: Ofgem).
If dirt reduces your solar panel output by just 10% to 50%, here’s what that could cost you:
| % Output Loss | Annual Loss (at 50p/kWh) | Cumulative 5 Year Loss |
|---|---|---|
| 10% Loss | £175 | £875 |
| 20% Loss | £350 | £1750 |
| 30% Loss | £525 | £3275 |
| 40% Loss | £700 | £3500 |
| 50% Loss | £875 | £4375 |
Assumptions: 4kW system generating 3,500 kWh annually, with a 50p/kWh Feed-in Tariff rate. Actual output will vary based on panel orientation, shading, system health, and maintenance.
Additional Benefits of Cleaning Your Solar Panels
Besides protecting your Feed-in Tariff earnings, regular professional cleaning offers several other advantages:
Maximise Energy Efficiency and Savings
Clean panels absorb more sunlight, directly boosting your system’s output and financial return.
Protect Your Investment
Dirt and grime, if left untreated, can cause staining, potential hotspots, or even corrosion over time, impacting the panels’ longevity.
Preserve Your Warranty
Many solar panel manufacturers require regular maintenance to keep warranties valid. Skipping maintenance could risk costly future repairs.
Maintain Curb Appeal
Keeping your panels spotless ensures your home looks its best — a small but important detail, especially when it comes to property value.
Safety First
Professional cleaning minimises the risk of damaging the panels or harming yourself. Proper procedures, equipment (such as insulated poles and electrical awareness), and site-specific safety assessments are essential when working near live electrical systems.
Future Energy Prices and Solar Value
With the UK moving towards greener technologies — including electric cars (EVs), ground source heat pumps, and home battery storage — electricity demand is expected to keep rising. This likely means higher energy prices over the long term.
Maintaining your solar panels’ performance today isn’t just about protecting current income; it could also be vital for meeting your future household energy needs.
In Summary
Keeping your solar panels clean is one of the simplest, most cost-effective ways to protect and maximise your Feed-in Tariff earnings. Even a small drop in efficiency could be costing you hundreds — or thousands — over the lifetime of your system.
If you’re in Bath, Bradford on Avon, Corsham, Chippenham, Calne, Devizes, Melksham, Trowbridge, or Westbury and want to ensure you’re getting the most from your solar panels, request a free quote today. We’ll respond within 24 hours.
Sources:
- Energy Saving Trust — Average Solar Panel Output: https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/solar-panels/
- Ofgem Feed-in Tariff Historical Rates and Inflation Adjustments: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/environmental-and-social-schemes/feed-tariff-fit-scheme/tariff-tables
- UK Government FIT Scheme Overview: https://www.gov.uk/feed-in-tariffs
Why Professional Solar Panel Cleaning Makes the Difference
Cleaning solar panels isn’t just a matter of climbing a ladder and giving them a quick wipe. Working at height combined with electrical equipment presents real safety risks, which is why professional services (like ours) use:
- Non-conductive equipment like fibreglass water-fed poles.
- Specially treated deionised water to prevent residue buildup.
- Electrical safety checks and visual inspections as part of the process.
Take Action
Whether you’re curious about improving your panels’ output or simply want advice on how to care for your system, we’re happy to help. The difference could be more significant than you think.
Areas We Cover:
Bath | Bradford on Avon | Corsham | Chippenham | Calne | Devizes | Melksham | Trowbridge | Westbury