Why you need a professional maintenance check of your solar panels

When was the last time you had your solar panel system checked? Just like your car or air-conditioner, solar panels work most efficiently when they are regularly cleaned and maintained. Maintenance checks are also important for finding any safety issues or defects that may have arisen. Servicing checks are also a good way of discovering anything that may be obstructing your panels and reducing their performance, which may lead to long-term damage and very costly repairs.

Of course, a system running at its most efficient is also a cost-effective one, so don’t overlook the financial benefits of peak operation, either. With summer in full swing, it’s the ideal time to make sure your site’s system is performing at its absolute best.

Why maintenance is so important

The maintenance check of your solar panel system will include a thorough examination to ensure there is no damage or cracks in the panels. Aside from the having the solar panel system running as efficiently as possible, correct maintenance reduces fire risk. Choice says solar panel fires are increasing at an alarming rate. While many such fires are caused by DC isolator switches that are either faulty or incorrectly installed, regular servicing is an easy way to avoid solar panel fires.

While regular solar panel systems should be checked and cleaned by a professional every one to two years, The Clean Energy Council recommends one-off inspections in the following circumstances:

• a change in the system’s production, which you may notice through your monitoring system or energy bill
• alerts generated by the system through monitoring software or on the inverter itself
• before moving into or buying a property with an existing system
• to check for a build-up of debris such as trees dropping leaves and branches
• to check for fauna (rats, birds, possums) that may be damaging your system.

Who should perform the maintenance check?

As working on roofs is a high-risk activity, cleaning and servicing of solar panel systems is a task for professionals. It is important to use an organisation with appropriate access systems. Inspectors should assess the following:

• appearance of solar panels
• condition of vents
• switches and wiring are functional
• all cables and fittings are securely attached
• shutdown and isolation emergency procedures are displayed
• access system is in good condition and appropriate for the site.

The importance of appropriate access

Of course, an inspection can only be performed provided the appropriate access and height safety systems are in place and inspected periodically for compliance with the Australian Standards. A recent spate of non-compliance issues on businesses that manufacture, sell, design and install roof solar systems resulted in workers and businesses in NSW and SA receiving fines. In fact, up to three quarters of SA solar panel installers failed compliance audits.

SafeWork NSW has put together a specific solar installers safety list, which should be used in conjunction with SafeWork NSW Guide to Safe Solar Panel Installation, and relevant codes of practice.

An important aspect of solar panel installation and maintenance is safe access to the roof. This includes:

• considering the space available
• the height, size and shape of the panels
• how they will be lifted
• how many people need access.

Partnering with an experienced height safety specialist to ensure your system is compliant is the gold standard. An organisation that has systems, checklists and procedures in place for safe rooftop access makes for a safer situation for everyone.

If you need an inspection or upgrade of your current solar panel access system, our team can meet you for an on-site consultation. RISSafety has a range of customised safety solutions for working at heights and on rooftops. Contact us to find out more.