After several delays, Scotland finalized the installation of the largest rooftop solar panel at the Kevin Hall in Glasgow. The process began at the start of 2025 and is expected to have a lifespan of 25 years, according to the council. The panel has extended to five primary schools and two daycare centres, and is expected to save up to £183,000 per year on energy bills.
The growing use of sustainable energy across Glasgow is considerably beneficial for both citizens and companies, and more than 33 buildings have already received such panels in the past. What’s best is these investments will pay for themselves in a matter of six to seven years.
Solar energy is a renewable source that reduces carbon emissions. Additionally, it is believed that it stimulates economic growth by supporting the creation of a wide range of job opportunities. However, the challenges of installing them include technological limitations, geographic variations in solar intensity, and recycling hurdles.
So, what will these solar panels look like in the years to come?
The importance of long-term maintenance
While the project at Kelvin Hall was considerably ambitious and laudable, we must understand how they can improve people’s lives for the long term. Maintenance is one of the most important factors that can contribute to a longer lifecycle, so it’s always best to collaborate with renewable energy professionals who will install them properly and help maintain them through:
- Regular cleaning at least twice a year;
- Carrying out visual inspections to identify potential damages;
- Recording data about the solar panels to consider at the following visit;
However, cleaning is not enough, as it is also important to check the power output for forecasting energy generation and determining the date for future upgrades. The professionals will also examine the wiring and connections, so users can prevent short circuits. That’s why routine electrical checks are so important.
How can solar panel owners clean their own panels?
Cleaning a solar panel is a relatively straightforward process. However, people should be cautious when considering the height of these panels and their placement before planning the cleaning. Ideally, solar panels should be cleaned at the beginning of winter and at the end of spring. Moreover, the cleaning process should start in the early morning, when the panels are still cool.
The tools needed are only a damp cloth or soft brush and water to remove any type of dirt. It’s essential not to leave any water residue on the panels, and use a clean cloth if the natural process doesn’t work. An extendable handle could help clean solar panels that are difficult to reach.
How to determine if solar panels need maintenance?
Despite proper maintenance and cleanliness, solar panels might show signs of needing care. Recognizing them early on can prevent further complications, and these hints include the following:
- The solar panels have a decreased energy output;
- There are physical damages, such as cracks, that have the potential to affect their productivity;
- The inverter indicates red or orange lights that can give insight into a malfunction;
- The solar panels generate unusual sounds;
Additionally, it’s essential to inspect the solar panels after every unusual weather event, such as a storm or heavy snowfall, as they may be affected by debris buildup.
What’s Scotland’s plan for solar panel adoption in the future?
In terms of solar adoption and installation, Scotland is second in the UK in pursuing this improvement. An increasing number of households now benefit from these sustainable solutions, especially from the bill’s perspective, as well as from the consideration of reducing carbon emissions.
One of the latest solutions to increase solar panel input is found in the southwest of Scotland, where eight historic hydroelectric power stations could become home to hundreds of solar panels. The suggestion is still in its early stages, but it could help generate approximately 482 MWh of clean electricity on-site every year.
What about recycling?
Solar panels can last somewhere between 25 and 30 years with the current technology. While this is a breakthrough considering other household systems last much less than that, the recycling side of the story is a pressing matter, and there are a few reasons for that:
- The composition of solar panels lacks a standardized protocol, resulting in diversity issues for the recycling process. Manufacturers use different technologies that require distinct approaches in recycling;
- The cost of recycling, depending on the materials and technology used, may not be economically viable. Moreover, specialized recycling facilities have yet to cover the broad range of solar panels;
- Solar panels that contain lead or other toxic metals can have environmental and health risks that might counteract their benefits. Improper disposal of these materials can be disastrous for nature;
- The regulatory hurdles involving solar panel recycling trigger inconsistency and uncertainty. In addition, the lack of awareness can affect proper recycling;
What will solar panels look like in the future?
Although the technology is quite new, current solar panels already need improvements. The idea behind them has so much potential that these future trends could help navigate their challenges and build a better future:
- Solar panels with perovskite minerals that have a low-temperature manufacturing process potential;
- Bifacial solar panels capture sunlight from both sides, increasing energy production;
- Lightweight solar panels for use cases like wearable electronics or portable tech solutions;
- Transparent solar panels are made for architectural aspects and designs;
As newer technologies arise in the solar panel industry, we hope that regulations will become clearer and more supportive of renewable energy, contributing to a healthier and greener future.
The rise of solar panels in Scotland
Scotland has become a leader in installing and utilizing solar panels in the UK, helping numerous homeowners and businesses reduce their energy costs. Still, governments must be wary of the maintenance needs these panels have, from cleaning to frequent checks, to lengthen their life cycle. Luckily, innovation for solar panels contributes to better products for the future, when generating energy will be affordable for everyone.