Since we live in England, let’s begin this blog by talking about the weather. Specifically, the rain.
Now, unless you live on the south coast, our little island nation isn’t known for its tropical beaches and midday siestas. Especially not here in the middle of the country, in Derby (sadly).
Instead, we’re known for one thing: rain.
It may surprise you, though, that many countries, including tropical countries, see more rain than we do across a typical year.
The difference is that, here, it stays grey and damp for more of the time.
And all that is important to know as we consider whether solar panels are water-repellent. This blog explains all.
Are solar panels waterproof or water-repellent?
Solar panels are designed to sit on rooftops and ground-mounted stands. Since they’re built to be outside, they’re naturally made to handle rain, snow, dew and other moisture without letting water into the working parts of the panel.
So, yes, solar panels are water-repellent in everyday use.
However, let’s not get that word mixed up with waterproof. Solar panels certainly aren’t meant to sit underwater (for example, if a flat roof begins pooling).
Basically, for most homes and certified installations, rain isn’t a problem.
What happens when rain falls on solar panels?
When rain falls on solar panels, most of the water runs down the glass surface and off the edge of the panel. From there, it reaches your gutters and drains away, as normal.
This is normal. Rain can also help keep your panels cleaner, which we’ll cover in the next section.
Solar panels can also keep working when it rains. They produce less electricity because there’s less sunlight, but rain itself doesn’t necessarily stop them from working.
Rain does help clean solar panels, but it certainly doesn’t do the whole job.
A good rainfall can wash away light dust, dirt and pollen, which can naturally build up in our climate.
However, rain is unlikely to remove more stubborn dirt, such as bird droppings, thick grime, moss, lichen or sap.
If your panels look visibly dirty or you’re noticing a significant drop in power, your panels may need checking or cleaning. We recommend always asking a professional to complete this work for you.
Tethered vs untethered EV chargers: which charges faster?
It doesn’t make any difference. A tethered charger and an untethered charger can charge at the same speed if they have the same power rating.
For example, a 7kW tethered charger and a 7kW untethered charger can both charge at up to 7kW. The charging speed depends on the charger’s power rating, your home’s electrical supply, your car’s charging limit, the cable’s rating, and whether your property has a single-phase supply, as most UK homes do, or three-phase power.
So, tethered vs untethered isn’t really anything to do with charging speed. It’s about convenience vs aesthetics.
Can I hose down solar panels?
Yes, but you should be careful.
Some manufacturers allow gentle rinsing with clean water, but you should always check the guidance for your specific panels first.
Avoid pressure washers, harsh chemicals, abrasive tools or standing on your roof without the proper safety equipment.
Solar panels can be slippery, and roof work is extremely dangerous.
If your panels are hard to reach, very dirty, or you are unsure what to do, it’s safer to use a professional solar panel cleaning service.
Should I add a water-repellent coating to my solar panels?
Usually, no. Most solar panels don’t need an extra water-repellent coating once they’re installed.
The types of solar panels used on homes already have glass surfaces designed for outdoor use. Some may also have special surface treatments that help with water runoff.
There’s no need to add sprays, coatings or cleaning products unless the manufacturer says they’re safe and recommended. The wrong product could damage the glass, affect performance or cause warranty issues. If you’re unsure, ask your installer before applying anything to your panels.
Can water damage solar panels?
Normal rain shouldn’t damage your solar panels.
That said, water damage is possible when something else is wrong. For example, there may be cracked glass, damaged seals, loose connectors, poor cable management or faulty installation.
Over time, older panels may also become more vulnerable if seals fail or parts wear out.
The best way to protect your solar panels against water problems is by investing in proper installation.
A professional installer should check your roof’s condition, use suitable mounting equipment, manage cables properly and make sure electrical connections are protected. You may also receive a recognised certification, such as an MCS certificate, showing the installation has been registered through the relevant scheme.
Your roof is important. If it’s already damaged, weak or poorly sealed, these issues need to be addressed before installation.
Can rain cause roof leaks after solar installation?
Installing solar panels involves drilling holes in your roof. So, does that mean the rain can get in?
No. Provided the solar system was installed properly, you shouldn’t see any roof leaks at all. Leaks usually only happen due to poor workmanship, incorrect fittings, damaged tiles, weak flashing or pre-existing roof problems that weren’t addressed.
If a leak appears after installation, contact your installer immediately. It may need inspection around the mounting points, roof covering and cable entry areas.
Trust Electrical Innovations for long-term installation
If you’re worried about an existing system or planning a new solar installation, it’s always best to get expert advice as soon as possible.
At Electrical Innovations, our certified technicians install and maintain solar PV systems. We can design and install a solar setup tailored to your needs and future plans.
Whether you’re planning a new installation or need your existing system checked, our team can help you protect your panels, your roof and your long-term energy savings. Contact us today to learn more.
