For most Australians, going solar is a significant investment. A regular 6.6 kWh system will in most cases cost around $5,500 and $8,000, depending on where you live and what financial rebates you have access to. Because of the high investment in this equipment, you may be asking do my solar panels need maintenance?
Luckily, a solar panel system will usually be a one-time investment, and the system will pay for itself after a few years thanks to the electricity cost reduction. And, in most cases, you will not have to replace your system for at least 20–30 years after installing it.
You need to know that solar panels need maintenance if your system is going to last you for many years to come. So, what maintenance will your solar panels need?
In this article, you will find the answer!
First of all – why is it important to maintain solar panels?
To ensure that your solar panel system is operating in a correct, efficient and safe way, it is important to undertake maintenance regularly.
As time goes by, it is not unusual to see a build-up of debris, dirt and dust on solar panels. This might block the sunlight from hitting the panels and can lead to reduced power production efficiency.
In addition to lower performance, moisture, wind and other factors might damage or deteriorate the solar panels.
In some cases, damage to electrical components can make the solar panels unsafe to be around. Remember, electrical workers, are vulnerable when working on the distribution network.
Prevent fires by having regular solar panel services
Every year, Australian fire and rescue workers attend to several fires caused by solar panel systems. In New South Wales alone, fire and rescue workers attended more than a hundred solar panel induced fires in 2021.
Fires might be caused by poor-quality isolator switches, but also by incorrect solar panel installations.
This is one of the reasons you should never install solar panels yourself. Make sure to use a Clean Energy Council licensed installer, and have regular solar panel services done by professionals.
Recommended solar panel system maintenance
If you let professionals maintain the solar panels regularly, you can make sure your system is both safe and well-functioning.
If you are looking for someone to provide maintenance services on your solar system, you should know what kind of maintenance that is needed.
As a part of the regular maintenance of your solar panel system, the Clean Energy Regulator recommend you include the following:
- Keep the solar panels clean by removing dirt and dust
- No parts should be corroded or deteriorated
- Control the inverter display and look for recorded errors
- Make sure the solar panels are safe and without any defects
- Keep the vents debris free
- All components need an electrical check to make sure they operate as they should
- Control the wiring: it should be undamaged
- Make sure the switches are free of damage or defects
- Cables and fittings should be attached in a secure way
- Control isolator switches: make sure it is not obstructed
- Make sure emergency functions are working (shutdown mode etc.)
Can you perform maintenance work on the solar panels yourself?
It is recommended to let professionals inspect and maintain solar panel systems. According to the Clean Energy Regulator, you should find a licensed electrician or a solar panel installer approved by the Clean Energy Council (CEC) to do the work.
Remember, maintaining the solar system yourself could be potentially hazardous. Unlike most electrical products, you cannot be sure that the solar panels are no longer an electrical hazard when turning the system “off”. There might still be electricity in the panels.
How often do you need solar panel maintenance?
If you have solar panels on your rooftop, it is important to maintain them regularly. But how often? According to the Clean Energy Council, it is recommended to maintain the system every year.
However, an annual solar service might get expensive. If your solar panel system is of high quality, the risk of failure is very low. In many cases, it will be sufficient to have maintenance work done every five years or so.
But remember, if you have a reason to believe there is something wrong with the solar panel system, you should get it checked as soon as possible. One-off inspections may prevent damage to the system or fire.
Have you maintained your solar panel system yet?
If you have a solar panel system installed on your rooftop, it is crucial to make sure it is maintained regularly. That way you will be able to prevent fire and accidents, and at the same time make sure the system is working efficiently.
A clean and safe solar panel system will not only let you sleep better at night but also produce more electricity.
Find a CEC-approved solar panel installer or licensed electrician today, to ensure you can enjoy your solar system for many more years.