Do I Need to Service My Solar System?

Do I need to service my solar and battery system?

Considering a solar system, it is important to prioritise regular servicing and regular system maintenance. Experts recommend performing these tasks at least every two years. This will make sure that the solar systems keep working well and catch any problems early on.

Regular maintenance and inspections are important to ensure the safety, performance, and protection of your home and family. The solar energy system is expected to generate electricity for 25 years or more, from sunrise to sunset.

Regularly check the area around the solar power system for wear and damage. This can be caused by winds, weather conditions, vermin, birds, or possums. Staying vigilant in monitoring for any signs of wear or damage is important. This will help ensure the solar system continues to function properly.

Why do I need to get my system inspected?

Performance optimisation

Regular servicing helps optimise the performance of your solar and battery systems. Over time, dust, debris, and other environmental factors can accumulate on the solar panels, reducing their efficiency. Regular cleaning and inspections can clear any blockages, helping the panels absorb sunlight efficiently and generate more energy. Servicing helps identify and repair issues that may impact the system’s performance, such as faulty wiring or improper battery charging.

Maximising energy production

Solar panels that are not properly maintained may experience reduced energy production. Dust, bird droppings, leaves, or other debris on the panels can create shading, resulting in decreased sunlight absorption and energy generation. To ensure your solar panels work efficiently, make sure to keep them clean and well-maintained. This will help them generate maximum electricity.

Early issue detection

Servicing your solar and battery system allows for the early detection of any potential issues or malfunctions. Trained technicians can inspect the entire system.

They will check panels, inverters, wiring, and battery charging parts. The goal is to identify any damage, loose connections, or issues. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent larger and more costly repairs in the future.

System Safety

Safety is paramount for solar panel systems. Faulty wiring or improper installation can pose fire hazards or electric shock risks. Regular servicing ensures that all components are functioning correctly and in compliance with safety standards.

Technicians can also assess the integrity of the mounting system, ensuring that it remains secure and stable. Taking care of your system helps prevent accidents and creates a safe environment for your home.

Warranty compliance

Most solar and battery systems come with warranties that cover specific components or system performance. Some warranties may require regular monitoring and maintenance to remain valid. Therefore, keeping up with servicing and maintenance can help ensure your warranty stays in effect.

Neglecting to service your system, especially if this was a contributing factor to the product failure may void your warranty, leaving you responsible for the full cost of repairs or replacements.

A solar panel end clamp can become loose because of vibrations and wind. This can cause the glass to break during a severe storm. This could then not be a panel warranty claim but must be a home insurance matter.

System longevity 

Solar and battery storage systems have a long lifespan, panels often lasting 20 years or more, as they are designed to do so. Regular servicing plays a vital role in extending the life of your system.

By addressing minor issues early on, you prevent them from escalating into major problems that could damage critical components. Servicing also helps spot signs of wear and tear, so you can fix or replace old parts before they cause problems. This can significantly extend the overall lifespan of the system.

Energy efficiency monitoring

Servicing also provides an opportunity to monitor and evaluate the energy efficiency of your system. Technicians can assess energy production data, review system performance metrics, and offer recommendations for improving overall energy efficiency. This can include suggestions on optimising battery usage, adjusting system settings, or integrating energy management solutions to reduce consumption or maximise self-consumption.

What is included in a typical maintenance inspection?

Maintenance inspections typically include:

• Ensuring the solar panels are clean of dirt and grime;
• Ensure that there is no cell damage or signs of defects to the panel surface, framing and components;
• Check that the cables and connections are all intact with no visible wear or tear;
• Check any isolators and switches for integrity, water ingress or wear and tear;
• Reviewing the inverter display, and records for any faults or issues;
• Checking inverter connections and plugs;
• Ensure emergency procedures, labels etc are all intact and legible;
• Check batteries connections and cables are intact. Check batteries for any sign of wear, leakage, bulging or damage.

Some inverters and batteries (panels less so) may require regular inspections as part of their maintenance and warranty schedules. Checking these is worthwhile to ensure that maintenance schedules are in line with these requirements.

Maintenance and service inspections are best undertaken by certified solar installers with Clean Energy Council accreditation. The best way to do this is to get the original installer or solar company to complete the inspection for you.

A properly maintained system can provide significant savings that far outweigh the cost of a simple maintenance inspection.