Every home needs a yearly energy check, especially those with solar panels. But our maintenance checklist isn’t just about keeping your panels clean (although this is a great starting point).
Modern homes are made of many parts (doors, windows, HVAC systems, insulation) that come together to form a whole.
So, if you’ve noticed a sudden hike in your utility bills or want to maximise solar energy, it might be a good idea to conduct a thorough, home-wide assessment.
From draught-proofing to glazing and smart meters, Project Solar is here to tell you how to make your home more energy efficient. (Plus, if you’re looking for an installer, we’ve already helped 50,000 UK properties make the switch!)
1. Solar-panel system health check
Keep a close eye on your solar panels, and they’ll continue to work optimally. A clean solar array in an unshaded area, free from thick dust, will maintain peak energy conversion for decades (or even longer).
So, once every couple of months, perform a quick visual inspection. Walk around your solar panels (or view them from an accessible vantage point) to check for obvious issues, like cracks or chips.
Loose, damaged wiring or connectors should be flagged, and any nests or foreign objects tucked underneath your solar panels are a definite cause for concern.
While it’s normal for your panels to accumulate a small amount of dirt, a thick covering can reduce your panel’s efficiency. Contact a professional to help clean your panels at least once a year.
2. Roof & loft insulation
To make sure your solar-generated warmth isn’t immediately lost upwards, a well-maintained layer of roof insulation is essential. If accessible, open your loft hatch and visually survey the insulation layer.
Look for bare patches, compressed insulation under stored items, or signs of shifting. If there are signs of wear or even pest activity, you may need to contact a professional.
UK best practice recommends a minimum of 270 mm of loft insulation (approximately 10.5 inches), so if the insulation depth is below standard (and your loft is dry), consider adding more material.
3. HVAC / heat-pump service
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems heat and cool your home by transferring heat (as opposed to generating it).
It uses a refrigeration cycle, moving heat from one area to another using a refrigerant, compressor, coil, and fans. To make sure your HVAC system operates at maximum capacity, inspect filters monthly during winter and summer.
Then, if you identify dust, pests, damage or leaks in the ductwork, don’t forget to schedule an annual service with a certified technician before peak seasons (e.g., spring for cooling, autumn for heating).
4. Air sealing & draught-proofing
Another way you could be wasting solar energy is with a lack of draught-proofing. Does your home always seem to have a breeze in each room, despite all the windows and doors being closed?
Air sealing is an energy-saving technique aimed at minimising unwanted air leaks in buildings. Homeowners need to inspect windows, doors, chimneys (including chimney balloons), floorboards and more to see if they need to install or renew seals.
Don’t forget to check areas like letterboxes and keyholes! The cost of purchasing materials like self-adhesive foam, rubber, or brush-strip draught excluders should, in the long run, be offset by your yearly energy savings.
5. Window & door glazing inspection
Speaking of doors and windows, draughts may not be your only way you’re losing solar savings. Did you know that heat is lost through single glazing around twice as fast as through standard double glazing?
The UK government highlights how 18% of heat loss occurs through windows, with poor seals and old frames forcing your heating (whether solar‑powered or conventional) to work harder.
That’s why you should keep a lookout for mist or fogging between panes: this is an indicator of lost insulating gas (argon/krypton), which reduces your window’s thermal efficiency.
6. Outdoor shading & solar gain management
Homeowners should be equally mindful of overhanging branches or vegetation that may shade their panels, especially throughout the seasons. Even small amounts of shade can reduce output due to how photovoltaic (PV) cells are wired.
Be sure to trim branches hanging over the panel array or roof, especially from south, east, and west-facing directions. Trees grow, and shadows move, so you’ll need to plan pruning ahead of key sun angles each season.
7. Track & benchmark energy use
Bring real data to your solar-energy strategy with a smart meter.
Now widely used in UK properties, smart meters automatically record real-time energy usage and send it wirelessly to your supplier. To keep a closer eye on your year-on-year usage, consider creating a basic spreadsheet to log each month and compare it with the same month from last year.
Be sure to note increases beyond 5–10%, as these may indicate issues we’ve previously raised, like poor insulation, failing appliances, or incorrect thermostat settings.
Ready to invest in solar energy?
Now you know how to make your home more energy efficient, are you ready to pair this practical checklist with a professional solar installation? As one of the UK’s top installers, we’re on hand to help those joining the green revolution.
Our qualified technicians are waiting to set up your array. If you’re interested in what we have to offer, contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote.