Solar Panel Maintenance: How Often Should I Check My Solar & Battery Systems?

One of the reasons that solar and battery systems are amazing is that they are mostly set-and-forget. Simply have them installed and start saving! However, it’s important to have it regularly inspected and maintained for safety, efficiency and cost-saving purposes.

Solar Panel Check-ups

The Clean Energy Council recommends maintaining residential solar panels annually. The best way to undertake this maintenance is to start with a checkup for priority issues. Here’s a quick checklist of things you can do to start the maintenance process:

• Review your energy production and compare it to similar times of year. Reduced production can be a sign of inefficiency due to dirty or obscured panels.
• Check if your panels look dirty or broken.
• Check the cleanliness of your inverter, battery and other hardware and make sure there are no signs of wear and tear.
• Engage a licensed solar electrician to test the performance of your panels, and check your wiring and electrical components.
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Conducting Maintenance & Cleaning

Solar and battery systems can pose an electrical hazard, so we recommend always engaging a certified solar and battery electrician to check your system. Some common things we look for are:

• Panel and system performance issues.
• Defects.
• Hardware deterioration.
• Dirty or broken panels.
• Debris present in vents or under panels.
• General wear and tear.
• Breakdown of electrical wiring.
• All switching components are free of defects.

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Benefits Of Maintenance and Cleaning

A regular cleaning and maintenance schedule can extend the lifespan of your system and ensure you are maximising the benefits of having a solar and battery system in the first place.

While a well-installed, quality system is generally safe, keeping your system in good order also reduces risk of fire and electrical hazard as the hardware naturally deteriorates over time.

Older Systems

Older solar systems may require more frequent maintenance due to outdated installation standards, less efficient technology and prolonged exposure to the elements. If your system is over 8 years old, it’s likely that it’s outdated and could benefit from newer, more efficient technology. Speak with a qualified solar electrician to assess your system’s performance and explore the advantages of upgrading.

Regular maintenance for your solar and battery system is beneficial for performance and longevity. Whether it’s system durability, financial savings or safety assurance, investing a little effort in maintenance pays off in the long run. Be sure to engage a licensed professional for thorough checks and refer to the Clean Energy Council for additional guidance.

Link to Clean Energy Council: https://www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au/RET/Pages/Scheme%20participants%20and%20industry/Individuals%20and%20small%20business/Solar-panel-system-maintenance.aspx