Going Away This Summer? Here's What You Need to Know About Your Solar Panels Before You Leave
Heading off on holiday this summer? Before you lock the front door and make your way to the airport, you might be wondering whether there’s anything you need to do with your solar panels or battery storage system. The good news? In most cases, not a lot.
The suitcases are packed.
The passports are by the front door.
You’ve checked the windows, turned the heating down and made sure someone is feeding the cat.
Then one final thought crosses your mind…
“Should I do anything with my solar panels before I go away?”
It’s a question we’re asked every summer, and thankfully, the answer is usually very straightforward.
Modern solar PV systems are designed to operate safely and automatically, whether you’re relaxing in the garden or relaxing on a beach thousands of miles away. In fact, while you’re enjoying your holiday, your solar panels could still be quietly generating clean electricity back at home.
Before you head off, here’s everything you need to know.
First things first… every solar system is different
Before we dive in, it’s worth mentioning that every solar installation is unique.
The advice below is intended as general guidance for most modern domestic solar PV systems. Features such as battery settings, monitoring apps and Holiday Mode can vary depending on the manufacturer and model of your equipment.
If you’re ever unsure about changing your system settings, we always recommend checking your user manual or speaking to your installer before making any adjustments.
Do I need to switch my solar panels off?
For almost every homeowner, the answer is no.
Your solar panels are designed to generate electricity automatically whenever there’s enough daylight. They don’t need to be switched off simply because you’re going away.
In fact, leaving your system operating normally means it can continue powering any appliances you’ve left running and, if you have battery storage, charging your battery too.
Think of your solar system like your fridge. It’s designed to keep working while you’re away without needing constant attention.
What happens if nobody is using the electricity?
Even when your home is empty, it’s still likely to be using a small amount of electricity.
Things like:
- Your fridge or freezer
- Broadband router
- Security alarm
- CCTV system
- Smart home devices
Your solar panels will continue supplying electricity to these appliances first.
If your panels generate more electricity than your home is using, your system will either:
- Charge your battery (if you have one), or
- Export any excess electricity back to the grid.
Nothing is wasted, and your system continues to work exactly as it should.
Will my battery overcharge while I’m away?
This is one of the most common questions we hear.
Fortunately, modern battery storage systems are designed with built-in protection to prevent overcharging.
Once the battery reaches its maximum charge, it simply stops charging. If your solar panels continue generating electricity, any excess will usually be exported to the grid instead.
In other words, your battery knows what it’s doing, even if you’re sipping cocktails by the pool.
Should I use ‘Holiday Mode’?
Some battery systems include a feature called Holiday Mode, or something similar.
If available, this setting is designed to optimise how your battery operates while your property is unoccupied. Depending on the manufacturer, it may reduce unnecessary charging and discharging or help preserve long-term battery health during extended periods away.
Not every system offers this feature, and how it works can vary.
If your system has Holiday Mode, it’s worth taking a look at what your manufacturer recommends.
If it doesn’t, don’t worry. Your system is still designed to manage itself automatically.
Should I leave my battery at 50%?
This advice usually relates to long-term storage when a battery is being switched off, rather than leaving your solar and battery system operating as normal while you’re on holiday.
For most homeowners heading away for a week or two, there’s no need to manually set your battery to 50%.
In fact, for the long-term health of most home battery systems, it’s beneficial for the battery to complete regular charging and discharging cycles. Modern battery management systems are designed to look after the battery automatically, helping to optimise both performance and longevity.
For example, our Hanchu battery systems will periodically charge the battery to 100% if it hasn’t naturally reached a full charge through normal solar generation. This typically happens during the winter months, when shorter days and lower generation mean the battery may not regularly reach full capacity.
Can I still check my system while away?
Absolutely.
Many modern solar and battery systems include monitoring apps that allow you to check how your system is performing wherever you are.
Depending on your equipment, you may be able to see:
- How much electricity your panels are generating
- Battery charge levels
- Household energy usage
- Electricity exported to the grid
It can be quite satisfying to see your home producing clean electricity while you’re enjoying your holiday.
Just don’t spend too much time checking the app… you’re supposed to be relaxing!
Five quick things to check before you leave
Before you lock the door, it’s worth taking a quick look at the following:
- Your monitoring app is working normally (if you use one).
- There are no obvious branches or objects shading your panels.
- Your battery system is operating as normal.
- If your system has Holiday Mode, decide whether it’s appropriate for your installation.
- Then… go and enjoy your holiday!
Enjoy your break. Your solar system has this covered.
Holidays are for switching off, not worrying about what’s happening back home.
The good news is that modern solar and battery systems are designed to look after themselves, continuing to generate clean electricity safely and efficiently while you’re away.
So whether you’re spending two weeks in Spain, enjoying a caravan holiday on the Yorkshire coast or simply visiting family for a long weekend, you can head off knowing your solar system is still doing what it does best.
From all of us at ASK Renewables, we hope you have a fantastic summer.
Disclaimer
The information in this blog is intended as general guidance only. Every solar PV and battery storage system is different, and features such as Holiday Mode, battery settings and monitoring capabilities vary between manufacturers and models. Always refer to your system’s user manual or speak to your installer before changing any settings. If you’re an ASK Renewables customer and have any questions before you travel, our team will be happy to help.