It’s no secret that renewable energy is beginning to take off in Australia, and more home and business owners are making the decision to invest in solar for their property. While this is setting Aussies on the right path to reducing their electricity bills and lowering their carbon footprint, it is important for solar system owners to know how to maintain their investment.
Some people seem taken aback when we mention solar system maintenance, however, regular maintenance and service for your solar panels are essential to ensure they continue to operate at peak efficiency. In this blog, we will discuss how often you should have your solar panels serviced and why it’s important.
How Often Should Solar Panels Be Serviced?
Maintaining the peak performance of your solar panels is more than just a recommendation; it's a necessity. When it comes to your solar system, particularly your solar panels and array, the question isn’t if your system needs a service, but when it requires one.
The Clean Energy Council recommends a thorough solar panel service every two years for residential and small commercial systems, or every year for large-scale commercial systems. These services must be conducted by a certified solar installer (like us!).
On top of the regular servicing, the Clean Energy Council suggests that solar panels should be professionally cleaned every couple of years also. We never recommend that you clean your panels yourself, as this can be dangerous. For the most part, the rain will clean your panels of dust and debris (especially if you live in Queensland!), so it’s not something that you need to be concerned about often. The best way to know if your solar panels might be due for a clean is if you notice a considerable decrease in your solar production or if you can see some debris on your roof.
These regular check-ups are the cornerstone of preventative maintenance, ensuring that your investment continues to yield high returns in the form of energy savings and environmental contributions. It isn’t too dissimilar from a car service, in that if you take the time to have it checked over by a professional, you are investing in the longevity of your asset. At the end of the day, services help ensure that your system is still saving you as much as possible on your electricity bill.
We offer solar system servicing, however, unfortunately, we don’t offer a cleaning service.
Chat to our dedicated service team about booking your system in for a service here.
What Does a Solar Panel Service Entail?
A qualified solar technician should provide a comprehensive service. They should conduct a thorough inspection of the solar array, checking for loose or damaged panels, as well as testing the electrical components of the rooftop, ensuring there is no faulty or exposed wiring, and the system is still functioning at maximum efficiency. All the findings from the technician should then be effectively communicated to you as the owner.
A Springers Solar service inspection is conducted by our in-house team of service electricians and technicians. Our service electricians will test the circuit breaker and solar inverter, and visually inspect the solar panels, cabling, connections, and terminals.
They will complete a report for you, detail their findings and provide recommendations if needed. They will leave your report on-site or hand it to you in person to discuss (commercial sites will receive their report via email within a few days of the inspection). If there are any faults, our technicians will be able to service it for you on the spot, otherwise, we will arrange further servicing if required.
The Importance of Regular Solar Panel Service
Completing regular services for your solar panels is an imperative part of owning a solar system, and is the key to maintaining the value and efficiency of your investment.
Solar panels, and the extended system, contain a plethora of intricate electrical parts, working in harmony to generate energy for your property. When one of these parts becomes damaged, it can jeopardise the efficiency of the entire system.
This is especially true for the solar panels, as their uncovered location leaves them exposed o the weather, such as rain, wind, dust and sand, which can often wreak havoc on electrical components. Regular service acts as a diagnostic tool; a means of early detection that can substantially mitigate these risks.
If you don’t have regular solar panel services, it can increase the risk of solar panels becoming damaged. Unfortunately, solar panels can’t be repaired once they are damaged. This is because the damage can be so microscopic that it is impossible to fix the cells once they are compromised. In this case, you’d need to look at having to have the panel/s replaced earlier than you would need to if they were properly maintained.
More Tips on How to Protect Your System
- Make sure your solar system is covered in your home insurance policy.
- Regularly monitor your solar system data to diagnose early issues and understand your system’s normal performance baseline.
- Check your solar inverter every so often - normal signs of operation include humming and some warmth to the touch.
- Set yourself a reminder every two years to schedule a professional solar service. We recommend contacting the installation company who installed your system first and foremost.
In summary, regularly servicing your solar panels is important to ensure that your system is still working efficiently and producing solar energy optimally for your property. Not unlike taking your car to the mechanic, taking the time to have your solar system checked by a professional is an investment in ensuring your asset will continue to run for years to come.
If you would like to book your system in for a service from our dedicated service electricians, please contact us by submitting a ticket here. Please note that our technicians are prioritised for our customers with a Springers Solar system.
Springers Solar | Queensland's Most Experienced Solar Installer
Springers Solar provides quality components with proven performance, backed by industry-leading warranties, and dedicated after-sales support. Thousands of satisfied customers over more than 22 years of operation make Springers Solar one of the most established and experienced solar companies in Australia.
Springers Solar has received multiple awards for design and installation and is a certified/preferred installer for a large range of solar panel, inverter, and solar battery manufacturers, including Sungrow, Tesla, and SolarEdge.
Our dedicated in-house team of electrical engineers, project managers, solar PV designers, solar installers, and electricians work closely with you before, during, and long after your project is completed. Springers Solar offers an industry-leading 10-year workmanship warranty which is a testament to our qualified staff and offers you outstanding value and peace of mind.
How Often Should Solar Panels Be Serviced?