Solar Panel Cleaning for PV systems in Worcestershire and the West Midlands

Solar Panels in Worcestershire and the West Midlands

The UK’s commitment to renewable energy is growing across all of its counties. The increase in installations with solar panels in Worcestershire and the West Midlands, where renewable power adoption is rapidly increasing, is noteworthy. With government incentives, corporate sustainability goals and efforts to combat rising energy prices, more homeowners, businesses and institutions are continuing to invest in this exciting power source.

These regions play a significant part in the nationwide transition to cleaner power sources, with projects in Worcestershire and the West Midlands ranging from small residential installations to large-scale industrial solar farms. With all of these solar PV panels being installed, it’s important to take the necessary steps to maintain peak efficiency – solar panels require regular cleaning and maintenance for optimal performance and longevity.

We’ve put together this article to highlight major solar PV installation projects in the West Midlands and Worcestershire, and expand on why proper solar panel cleaning is essential for sustained energy production.

Major solar panels in Worcester/Worcestershire

The solar panel installations Worcestershire residents have been installing are indicative of the nationwide push towards solar energy adoption, demonstrating how solar PV projects can take corporate and community forms. High-profile installations range from industrial-scale commercial rooftop solar PV systems to local council initiatives.

Here are some of the most notable solar panel installations in Worcestershire currently:

Worcester Bosch HQ

Worcester Bosch has become a leader in sustainable energy solutions, not only selling its own solar panels but practicing what it preaches! In August 2023, it integrated a large-scale solar PV system of over 2,000 panels at its headquarters and manufacturing site, accounting for 16% of its overall electricity and saving 16.4 tonnes of CO2e per quarter every year.

Malvern Hills Solar Projects

The Malvern Hills area is home to several solar projects and alternative renewable energy projects (wind turbines, ground source heat pumps, biomass boilers) that provide clean energy to local communities. These projects are set to expand in their contribution to the region’s green energy targets, with plans submitted for a large-scale solar farm in the area submitted just a couple of months ago.

Solar Together Worcester

Worcestershire County Council started the Solar Together Worcester – a project to increase the installations of solar panel projects on schools, public buildings and community centres to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Over just 2023, it installed 5,279 solar panels in Worcester and Worcestershire – estimated to reduce carbon by 9,000 tonnes over 25 years.

Major West Midlands Solar Panels & Projects

The West Midlands is a powerhouse for industry, transport and various other forms of enterprise. This makes the shift to renewable energy particularly important here, with installations in Birmingham, Solihull and beyond making all the difference.

Here are some of the leading solar panel installations in the West Midlands:

West Midlands Solar Co-Op

Across the county, the Big Solar Co-Op is working as a community-based, volunteer-led project to bring solar panels to local people. Its goals by 2030 include:

●       Install 100 MW of rooftop solar PV panels

●       Save nearly 40,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions a year (enough to power 250m miles in an EV)

●       Galvanise 250 active volunteers in 25 local groups

●       Create 10 sustainable jobs

●       Create accessible investment opportunities amounting to £25m raised

●       Save community buildings and social housing over £300,000 annually on fuel bills

The Big Solar Co-Op is a testament to grassroots community solar action.

Midlands Metro Alliance

Midlands Metro Alliance has been working towards massive carbon savings and, as part of this process, has installed 48 solar towers. These towers contributed to a massive savings in 2023, with the Metro Alliance team exceeding its carbon reduction target by more than 300 tonnes; saving of 3,389t CO2e in total.

Ackers Adventure, Residential Centre & Ski Centre

Birmingham is arguably the capital of the West Midlands, showcasing a high-level solar panel installation on an outdoor activity centre. The Ackers Adventure Residential Centre and Ski Centre all have their own solar panel installations, operating at different capacities.

●       Ackers Adventure – 10kW

●       Ackers Residential Centre – 10kW

●       Ackers Ski Centre – 19kW

These installations showcase how solar panels can be used for recreational and leisure-based projects.

The Importance of Solar Panel Cleaning

Although solar panels are a low-maintenance energy solution, regular upkeep is still essential to ensure optimal performance.  Cleaning solar panels is absolutely essential, since over time, dirt, dust and pollutants can accumulate, reducing their efficiency. Here’s why regular cleaning is essential:

Maximising energy output

Studies show that dirty solar panels can lose a huge amount of their efficiency due to grime, bird droppings, lichen build-up and pollution. A regular visit from professional solar panel cleaners helps them achieve maximum sunlight absorption, keeping energy output at optimal levels.

Regional challenges

Worcestershire and the West Midlands face specific environmental challenges that impact solar panel performance:

●       Industrial pollution Factory emissions and urban smog can leave a layer of grime on panels

●       Traffic dust & roadside residue In high-traffic areas like Birmingham, airborne dust and debris settle on and interrupt solar installations

●       Bird droppings Rooftop installations are particularly vulnerable to bird droppings, which can cause shading and hot spots.

Extending the Life of Your Solar Panels

The industry has changed over the years and it is now considered 'frowned-upon' to NOT have your solar panels cleaned regularly. Solar panels are designed to be a long-term investment, often lasting 25 years or more – essential if you want them to be worth the money in terms of energy savings. However, neglecting the solar panel cleaning can lead to permanent staining, reduced performance, hot-spots and even full-blown damage. Keeping solar panels free of debris, lichen and bird droppings with a regular solar panel cleaning schedule, homeowners and businesses can have peace of mind and protect their investment whilst avoiding unnecessary damage or repairs.

Choose the Best Solar Panel Cleaning Company

Worcestershire and the West Midlands are making huge strides in solar energy adoption, from large commercial rooftop sites to smaller community-driven projects. Locals in these areas need to invest in the best solar panel cleaning company possible to take care of their solar PV installations.

With over a decade of hands-on experience in the solar O&M industry, here at Solar Panel Cleaning Services Ltd we’ve refined our equipment and techniques to provide you with the highest quality service in the industry. Our expertise extends across a wide range of solar PV systems, allowing us to tackle any challenge with precision and efficiency. Our quality customer service, expertise, safety and excellent results speak for themselves, coupled with our enviable client list.

Whether you need residential, commercial or agricultural solar panel cleaning, our highly trained solar panel cleaners deliver exceptional results with safety, efficiency and professionalism at the core of everything we do and with our strict no-subcontracting policy, we can safely see every job through to completion.

Visit us at Solar Panel Cleaning Services Ltd to book the best, most experienced solar panel clean possible, powered by high-tech equipment and expertise with an outstanding reputation to ensure that Worcestershire, the West Midlands and beyond can continue to benefit from their clean solar PV investment.