What Do You Actually Get From Full Solar Servicing?
Many property owners assume that a solar system takes care of itself once installed. This "set and forget" approach leads to one of the most costly mistakes commercial establishments make. In fact, most people only notice something is wrong after their power bills creep back up or their monitoring app shows a sudden dip in output.
Wood Mackenzie reports that Australia’s electricity sector remains relatively subdued at around $70/MWh despite surging oil prices. This structural shift in the country’s power system reflects growth in the renewable energy market. So, if your system is not meeting its performance, it’s calling for professional servicing from a commercial solar installer and repair personnel.
Why Solar Systems Need Regular Servicing
Solar systems run continuously in some of the harshest outdoor conditions Australia offers. UV radiation, temperature swings, and intense weather activities all take a toll on solar components over time. These stressors can cause gradual degradation that quietly erodes performance while the system appears to be running normally.
According to PV Magazine Australia, system inefficiencies cost the country’s solar sector approximately $1.35 billion each year. Most of those losses are avoidable with regular servicing. Without a scheduled inspection program, these issues worsen silently until they cause a system shutdown or, in serious cases, an electrical fire.
What a Full Solar Servicing Includes
Here is what you can expect from full servicing offered by a commercial solar installer company:
Dust, grime, leaves, and debris reduce the amount of sunlight that reaches the photovoltaic cells beneath the glass surface. Bird droppings, in particular, create hotspots on the cell beneath. Meanwhile, organic buildup such as moss, lichen, and leaf residue retains moisture that accelerates corrosion of materials.
Even a moderate layer of buildup creates uneven energy generation across panels, causing the whole system to underperform. As such, professionals use the right cleaning equipment and technique to maintain solar systems amid harsh climates.
Comprehensive Inspections
Technicians inspect each panel closely for cracks, chips, and moisture intrusion. For instance, hailstorms in places like Rockingham can cause micro-cracks in solar cells that measurably reduce output. Meanwhile, delamination allows moisture into the panel and accelerates internal corrosion due to protective layers separating from the cell beneath. These defects worsen with every thermal cycle the system goes through.
The racking system that holds your panels in place also requires an inspection. Professionals often check brackets, rails, bolts, and roof penetration points for signs of structural breakdown. Apart from its structural integrity, a commercial solar installer also checks for infestations as pests commonly settle beneath panels.
All electrical connections within a solar system are tested for tightness, corrosion, and signs of overheating. In particular, solar panels degrade in performance at around 0.5% per year, according to FutureFive reports. For this reason, solar panel repairs are made to restore performance and eliminate thermal hotspots before they cause failure.
Apart from servicing, professionals also ensure electrical systems are well-integrated with solar. They test isolators and safety switches to confirm they operate correctly. They also perform circuit breaker installations and switchboard upgrades to verify every protection device functions within its specifications.
What Happens If You Skip Solar Servicing
Here’s what you need to know when you skip solar system maintenance:
Reduced Energy Savings: Small efficiency losses accumulate over time into meaningful increases in electricity costs.
Expensive Repairs: Minor faults result in full system shutdowns when left unaddressed for a long time.
Shorter System Lifespan: Neglected solar system maintenance accelerates degradation on every component.
Potential Safety Risks: Damaged wiring, failing DC isolators, and overheating components lead to electrical hazards if left neglected.
Solar panels are designed to last up to 30 years of use. However, if maintenance is overlooked, it decreases its expected lifespan. This would then contribute to the 685,000 tonnes of solar component waste by 2030, according to Energy Council Australia.
A full solar servicing covers physical inspection, electrical testing, inverter diagnostics, thermal imaging, and safety device verification. It verifies every system element that determines whether your investment continues to deliver maximum returns. A qualified solar professional brings the technical expertise needed to detect what has been missed.
At SolArk Electrical, we are your trusted solar service provider in Perth. For over 10 years, our team of solar installer and maintenance personnel ensures your system performs reliably in your commercial establishment. To keep your system performing at its best, schedule your solar servicing with us today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to commonly asked questions about solar servicing:
How often do solar panels need to be serviced?
Most solar systems should be professionally serviced every 12 months or more often if you live in coastal areas. Properties located in dusty, coastal, or high-debris areas may require more frequent maintenance.
Can my solar system need a switchboard upgrade after installation?
Yes, older switchboards may not meet current electrical safety or energy demands. That said, a switchboard upgrade ensures a solar system’s compatibility in your electrical infrastructures.
How long does a full solar servicing usually take?
A full solar servicing typically takes between 1 to 3 hours depending on the system size and condition. Larger commercial systems may require longer inspections and testing.