Why service your rooftop solar?
Each year, there are rooftop house fires on solar systems that have never been serviced, particularly older systems. Had these systems been serviced, these fires would have been avoided.
Consider where your system sits – on your roof. It’s outside in all kinds of weather, giving you the benefit of cheaper electricity to keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer.
Hot and cold temperatures, wind, rain and other extreme weather events can cause damage and wear to solar PV installations, including your battery storage system. Servicing your system regularly will mitigate this risk, ensuring they are working safely and efficiently.
So, ensure that it’s running safely and efficiently by getting your home solar system serviced every 2 years by a licensed electrician.
How to choose a licensed electrician
Solar servicing must be carried out by a licensed A Grade electrician, employed by a Registered Electrical Contractor. For extra reassurance, check that they are accredited by the Clean Energy Regulator’s accreditation scheme operator, Solar Accreditation Australia.
Like most other professions, electricians have different grades of licence depending on the work they are qualified to do. Choose an electrician who includes their qualifications and areas of expertise in their advertising. Contact them and ask if they are licensed and experienced to undertake solar servicing. If they are, they will have an identification card licensing them to carry out electrical work.
If your system has been installed under the Solar Homes Program, we recommend you contact your retailer first. Solar Homes Program retailers and installers must meet robust safety and quality standards that also cover strengthened consumer protections and product warranties.
What is involved in a service?
Servicing your rooftop solar involves much more than simply cleaning your solar panels. A licensed electrician servicing your home solar system will ensure:
- no parts have deteriorated or corroded
- switches do not have any defects
- wiring has not been damaged and has not deteriorated
- undertake electrical checks to ensure all components are operating as intended
- confirm fittings and cables are securely attached
- review the inverter display panel for recorded faults
- check that access to the isolator switches has not been impeded
- make sure the emergency procedures for shutdown and isolation are clearly displayed
- panels, vents, inverter and batteries (if installed) are free from leaf litter and debris.
Always ensure that a service is carried out by a licensed electrician, at least once every 2 years. For extra reassurance, check that your electrician is accredited by Solar Accreditation Australia.
To help keep your system safe make sure that nothing is stored against inverters and batteries, such as wood piles, paint and other flammable liquids.
Look out for rogue operators
There are a number of companies operating in Victoria that claim to service solar panels, but they are nothing more than a panel cleaning service. A service must be carried out by a licensed electrician to ensure that the safety of your system is being maintained, and that you are getting the service you are paying for.
Further information
Advice from Solar Victoria
Solar Victoria has a great collection of information and resources to get you started with solar.Visit the Solar Hub
Battery Energy Storage Systems
Poor installation of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) may have severe safety risks.Learn about BESS installations
Advice from the Clean Energy Regulator
The Clean Energy Regulator provides a step-by-step guide to find out all you need to know about installing rooftop solar.Visit the Clean Energy Regulator