More power from your roof: Why proper solar system care is essential for your EV
Solar panels and electric cars are a real dream team. But for maximum efficiency, your PV system needs regular care. In this guest post, our PV partner Otovo explains what matters most — and how you can save yourself the effort.
A home solar system combined with an electric vehicle is the dream team of the energy transition. But to ensure your EV continues to charge as efficiently as possible with clean solar power, the power plant on your roof needs a bit of attention from time to time. Whether cleaning your PV system, checking the technology, or monitoring energy yields — here’s what matters when it comes to maintaining your system and how you can save yourself the effort.
Why a clean system matters
A solar system is robust and low-maintenance, but not maintenance-free. Dust, pollen, bird droppings or leaves can gradually accumulate on the modules. Dirt often collects at the edges in particular, which — similar to moss — can lead to permanent shading. The result: reduced yield. Even light soiling can reduce the amount of solar power flowing into your wallbox. Cleaning your panels — either yourself or through a professional — directly ensures more range for your EV.
DIY or professional? How solar system cleaning works
Many system owners ask: Can I clean my solar panels myself, or do I need an expert?
In general, rain provides basic cleaning (“self-cleaning effect”), but it’s often not enough. If you want to take action yourself, keep these rules in mind:
Safety first: Never climb onto the roof without proper protection. Use telescopic poles or call a professional if in doubt.
The right equipment: A dedicated solar panel cleaning kit with soft brushes is ideal. Abrasive sponges or high-pressure cleaners are off limits — they clean the surface but can also damage it.
Water choice: Can you clean solar panels with tap water? Best not. Tap water often contains limescale, which leaves streaks after drying and reduces performance. Professionals use demineralized water. Rainwater from a barrel is an acceptable alternative for DIY cleaning.
More than cleaning: Solar system maintenance
Clean modules are good — technical health is better. Regular maintenance goes beyond surface cleaning. An electrician checks the wiring, mounting and most importantly the inverter.
A common scenario: the inverter is offline even though the sun is shining. This may be due to a simple internet issue but can also indicate a defect. Without proper monitoring, you may only notice at the annual review that your system hasn’t produced electricity for weeks.
A professional maintenance check should be carried out every 2 to 4 years (costs for cleaning and maintenance vary depending on system size and scope).
Checklist: Solar system care throughout the year
Spring: Quick check after winter. Any modules damaged by snow load?
Summer: Pollen and dust. Cleaning during long dry periods can secure high summer yields.
Autumn: Remove leaves to avoid moisture films.
Winter: Monitor production. Does the system generate plausible yields on sunny winter days?
The easiest way: Peace of mind with Otovo Care
To keep your solar system running reliably — whether newly installed or many years old — there is Otovo Care, the service provided by Otovo, the exclusive PV partner of Elli (Volkswagen Group).
Across Europe, many installation companies have closed down, leaving countless homeowners without a contact person when issues arise. At the same time, PV systems, batteries and inverters require ongoing attention to maintain full performance.
Otovo Care closes exactly this gap — for new and existing systems.
What Otovo Care offers:
Active monitoring: Issues are detected before you even notice them.
Fast assistance: In case of outages or malfunctions, you receive a clear action plan within 24 hours.
Discounts on repairs & cleaning: Lower service costs for Care customers.
This ensures your energy system runs reliably — and your EV is always charged with maximum solar power.
Exclusive for Elli
As part of the partnership with Elli, you can get Otovo Care starting from just €9 per month — and the one-time €99 start-up fee is completely waived.
Whether you’re planning a new solar system or already have one that’s causing issues: Otovo Care ensures your PV system operates reliably — today and in the future.