In South Australia, solar power continues to be an increasingly popular choice for homeowners and businesses alike. With ample sunshine and growing energy costs, installing solar panels makes sense. However, to keep your solar system running efficiently and to maximise its lifespan, regular maintenance is very important.
Here’s a guide on why solar maintenance matters, and what you can do to keep your solar panels, system and battery storage in tip-top shape.
The importance of regular solar system maintenance
If you have invested in solar for your home or business, you want to ensure that you are getting the most out of that investment, and this is why regular maintenance is so important.
- Optimal Performance: Dirt, dust and debris can accumulate on your solar panels, reducing their ability to generate electricity.
- Safety: Regular checks on your solar system can identify any potential hazards like loose wiring or damage thanks to birds or vermin.
- Extended Lifespan: The more you look after your solar system, the more life you will generally get out of it. Not to mention that some manufacturers require regular maintenance to keep warranties valid, so taking care of the system could also ensure that your warranty is valid if you ever need to refer to it.
Common solar system maintenance tasks
Now that we understand the importance of regular solar system maintenance, what are the tasks that need to be undertaken?
Cleaning solar panels
The dry climate in South Australia can lead to dust and dirt building up on solar panels quite quickly. In urban areas in particular, we also have issues with bird droppings on panels.
It is generally recommended to clean your solar panels at least twice a year to ensure their efficiency, and more often if you live in a particularly dusty area, or near the coast.
If you are going to attempt cleaning the panels yourself, please be sure you use a soft brush or sponge, with soapy water. You must avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the panels, and rinse with a hose (not a high-pressure water gun!).
Inspecting solar panels for damage
Our solar panels sit atop our homes and businesses, and are exposed to the elements 24/7. Regular visual inspections of the panels can catch issues before they may become serious.
If you wish to take a look yourself, please be careful to never touch any wiring. You’ll want to look for:
- Cracks or chips in the panels
- Loose or corroded wiring
- Bird droppings or nesting materials
- Shading from new tree growth, or other obstructions
If you think you have found an issue, please do not attempt to repair yourself. We urge you to contact your solar installer company to come out and inspect for you to determine if repairs are required, and these should only ever be undertaken by a qualified and licensed professional.
Checking solar inverter performance
The solar inverter is at the heart of your solar system, as its role is to convert DC power from the panels into AC power for your home or business. Signs of issues with your solar inverter can include:
- Warning lights or error messages
- Unusual noises
- A drop in energy production
Monitoring energy output from your solar system
Most modern solar systems come complete with monitoring software that enables you to track energy production from the system – often via a handy app on your phone. Regularly review this data to spot trends and identify issues early.
If you don’t have monitoring software, another indicator of a change in energy output would be reviewing your monthly or quarterly energy bill. If your consumption has spiked and there is no other apparent reason, this could be cause for investigation.
Professional solar system maintenance
While some solar system maintenance tasks could be done yourself, engaging a professional maintenance service offers several advantages:
- Comprehensive inspections: Trained professionals will conduct thorough inspections, identifying issues that might be missed by an untrained eye.
- Proper cleaning and repairs: Specialised equipment and expertise ensure that the cleaning and repair tasks are done correctly and safely.
- Maintaining warranty: DIY maintenance could see you unintentionally do something to the system, panels, or wiring that could void your system warranty.
- Safety: By engaging a professional to undertake your solar maintenance, you won’t need to take the risk of climbing up on your roof to inspect things, and you won’t be tempted to tinker with live electrical wiring!
What to look for in a solar maintenance provider
If you are looking to engage a professional for your solar system maintenance, be sure that you are contacting experienced solar maintenance providers only.
- Review their websites and check that they offer a comprehensive range of services – from cleaning, to inspections, and repairs.
- Do a check of their online reputation through reading through their Google reviews.
- Consider getting at least 2 quotes so that you can compare, but remember that quality service and experience might cost more upfront – but will save you in the long run.
Regular maintenance is key to ensuring that your solar system operates efficiently, and lasts you for many years. Keeping your panels clean, inspecting for damage, and monitoring performance will help you get the most out of your system.
At Spark Energy, we are here to help you with all your solar maintenance needs, ensuring that your system runs smoothly, saving you money, and supporting a sustainable future.
You can request a quote for solar maintenance simply by emailing us, or calling 0418 896 093.