Maintain your solar panel system to ensure maximum output and catch problems before they affect your power bill.
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Visual panel inspection
Look for cracks, discolouration, hotspots (dark patches), or bird nesting under panels. Damaged panels produce less power and can be a fire risk.
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Clean panels if visibly dirty
Dust, bird droppings, and pollen reduce output by 5-20%. Clean with water and a soft brush in the early morning. Never use abrasive cleaners or pressure washers.
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Check for new shading
Trees grow. A branch that wasn't there last year might now be shading a panel during peak hours. Even partial shading can dramatically reduce whole-string output.
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Monitor daily output
Check your inverter display or monitoring app. Compare today's output to the same month last year. A sudden drop indicates a problem — don't wait for the power bill.
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Check inverter status
The inverter should show a green light during daylight. Flashing or red lights indicate a fault. Check the display for error codes and contact your installer.
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Check wiring and connections
Look for exposed, frayed, or damaged cables. Rodents sometimes chew DC cables on the roof. Damaged wiring is a fire risk — call your installer immediately.
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Check mounting hardware
Ensure mounting brackets, rails, and clamps are secure. Wind can loosen fixings over time. Loose panels can lift in storms and cause roof damage.
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Review your feed-in tariff
Rates change annually. Check you're still on the best plan. Your energy retailer may have reduced your feed-in rate without notifying you prominently.
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Check battery health (if installed)
Monitor charge/discharge cycles and capacity. Most batteries degrade to 70-80% capacity over 10 years. Check the manufacturer's warranty terms.
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Book professional inspection every 2 years
A qualified solar technician checks connections, tests output, inspects for micro-cracks, and verifies inverter performance. $150-$300 for a full inspection.