Did you know that Australia now leads the world in rooftop solar adoption? True story. Over 3.7 million households, about one in three, now harness the sun's power. That's something to be proud of. With some of the most powerful sun in the world, it makes sense for Aussies to harness this clean source of energy, especially considering it's free.
However, while solar panels are a set-and-forget solution for many, regular servicing can help maintain optimal performance and longevity. Conversely, neglecting maintenance can lead to decreased efficiency, potential safety hazards, and reduced returns on your investment. This guide will help you understand the importance of solar panel servicing so you can get the most out of your solar investment.
Why Solar Panel Maintenance Matters
Let’s dive further into why keeping your panels in top shape isn’t just a nice-to-have, but in many ways essential. As you can imagine, with your panels placed on your roof, they collect a lot of dust, leaves, and bird droppings. Over time, all this debris can block sunlight and reduce the efficiency of your solar panels. Even minor shading or dirt build-up can lead to noticeable performance drops.
When your panels aren’t operating at full capacity, they generate less energy. This means that you rely more on the grid which can increase your electricity bill. As such, regular maintenance helps ensure maximum output, protects your return on investment (ROI), and keeps your solar set-up running smoothly year-round.
How Often Should You Service Your Solar Panels in Australia?
How often you need maintenance largely depends on where you live and the immediate surrounds of your home. However, a good rule of thumb is to service your solar panels at least once a year. This keeps them performing at their best and helps catch any issues early.
Homes in coastal regions may need more frequent servicing due to salt air/build-up. Further inland, properties in dusty, dry, or bushfire-prone areas might experience more debris and ash on their panels. In these environments, we recommend a six-monthly check as a smarter move to keep everything running efficiently.
Signs Your Solar Panels Might Need Servicing
You don’t need to be an expert to spot when something is not quite right with your solar set-up. If you can get a good view of your rooftop solar panels, here are some tell-tale signs your solar panels typically could use a service:
- Noticeable drop in system output – If your electricity bills are creeping up or you're not seeing the usual solar savings, your panels might not be working as efficiently.
- Visible dirt, leaves, or bird droppings – A build-up of grime can block sunlight and reduce solar panel efficiency.
- Inverter alerts or warning lights – These are often the first sign that something is wrong in the system and should never be ignored.
What Does Solar Panel Servicing Involve?
While service providers may slightly differ in their offerings, here's a general step-by-step process of what to expect when getting either your flat solar panels or angled solar panels looked at.
1 - Visual Inspection
A licensed and trusted solar panel electrician will begin by inspecting your solar panels installed, mounting hardware, and electrical components for any signs of wear, corrosion, cracks, or loose connections. They’ll also check for shading issues from nearby trees that can affect solar performance.
2 - Cleaning the Panels
Next, cleaning solar panels using specialised equipment/non-abrasive tools and purified water to remove dirt, dust, bird droppings, and other residue. Solar panel cleaning is especially important in coastal or dusty regions.
3 - Electrical Performance Testing
The system’s performance is tested, including the inverter and wiring electrical testing. The technician will check for voltage drops, output inconsistencies, or any error messages. This helps identify problems affecting your energy yield, as well as protecting you against potential solar panel fires.
4 - Reviewing Inverter Data and Monitoring Systems
If you've noticed drops in your solar output, and your system has monitoring software, the technician can review data logs for any solar power drops or irregular patterns. This helps detect hidden faults.
5 - Final Report and Recommendations
After the inspection and testing, you’ll receive a summary of the findings, including any maintenance performed and recommendations for repairs or upgrades if needed.
DIY vs. Professional Servicing – What’s Safer and Smarter?
Now, you may be wondering, can I do this myself? With all the home reno DIY shows out there, we don’t blame you for wanting to get your hands dirty and save some money. However, when it comes to solar panel servicing, the smarter and safer option is usually to call in the professionals.
Safety first. Climbing onto your roof carries obvious risks. In Australia, falls from ladders accounted for approximately 20% of fall-related claims and hospitalisations, and even fatalities.
Furthermore, incorrect cleaning techniques or using the wrong tools could damage your panels or void your warranty. More importantly, professional don’t just clean, they test electrical performance, check your inverter, identify hidden faults, and ensure your system complies with Australian safety standards. In short, they look after the things you can’t see, giving you peace of mind and better performance in the long run.
The Cost of Neglect – What Happens If You Don’t Service Your Panels?
Now, what happens if you choose to ignore your solar panel system servicing? We see this happen more often than not, unfortunately. Most customers think solar is a set-and-forget system. Mostly, it's not, and while skipping regular maintenance might seem harmless, over time it can cost you in more ways than one. Here's what you're risking:
Long-term degradation
If you never clean your solar panels, dirt, debris, and build-up can gradually reduce your dirty panels' efficiency, leading to a steady drop in energy output. As a result, this leads to higher energy bills to make up the difference. Aim for at least a biannual professional cleaning service for best solar production and to save money on your energy bills.
Safety issues
Loose wiring, corrosion, or damaged panels can become electrical hazards if left unaddressed. This is especially relevant if you live in storm-prone and extreme weather areas.
Reduced warranty coverage
Most manufacturers require regular servicing as part of their warranty terms. Neglecting this could void your warranty, leaving you to foot the bill for repairs or replacements.
How to Book a Solar Panel Service
If you're a fan of your solar system and care about the set-up, booking a solar panel service will help you get the most out of your investment. A professional, licensed electrician will inspect your system, clean the panels, test electrical performance, and flag any issues early. It is quick and worthwhile.
Before calling, be ready to share:
- Your system’s age and size;
- Any performance changes you've noticed;
- Recent weather or nearby construction that may have affected the panels.
The best time to book? We suggest spring or autumn when the weather is milder and your system is gearing up for seasonal energy demand. Book your solar panel service with Easther Electrical and keep your solar running at peak performance.
FAQs About Solar Panel Servicing
Do I need to clean panels in the rain?
Rain helps, but it won’t remove built-up grime, bird droppings, or stubborn dust—so occasional manual cleaning is still needed.
Can I hose solar panels down?
You can gently hose them from the ground, but avoid high-pressure water and never spray near electrical components.
Will neglecting service void my warranty?
Yes, many warranties require regular maintenance to remain valid—check your manufacturer’s terms.
How often should you service solar panels?
Once a year is generally recommended, or more often in dusty, coastal, or areas where there is a high density of falling leaves.
Is it worth getting solar panels serviced?
Absolutely—servicing helps maintain performance, prevent faults, and maximise your return on investment.
How often do solar panels need cleaning?
Regular cleaning at least once a year, but more frequently if your home is near trees, the coast, or heavy pollution.
How much does it cost to get your solar panels serviced?
Costs vary, but in Australia you can typically expect to pay between $150 and $300, depending on system size and location.
As solar energy becomes increasingly popular in sunny Australia, there's one thing to look out for—the shade. While solar panels are a fantastic way to harness clean, renewable energy and cut down on your electricity bills, even a small amount of shade can impact the energy output.
Whether it be from trees, nearby buildings, or even debris on your panels, shaded panels can lessen the efficiency of your solar system. There are plenty of ways you can combat solar panel shading though and keep your system running at its best. Let's get into it.
How Do Solar Panels Work?
The process of solar energy begins as sunlight hits the panels and photovoltaic (PV) solar cells in the multiple solar panels absorb sunlight. The sunlight excites electrons in the PV cells, creating an electric current. The panels generate direct current (DC), which flows into an inverter where it's converted into alternating current (AC). This AC electricity powers your home or business and integrates with module-level power electronics to optimise energy distribution. The Clean Energy Council states that any excess clean energy can be stored in a battery or fed into the grid.
Factors Contributing to Shading
When a shaded PV module is affected by obstructions like trees or buildings, its power output can significantly drop, impacting the efficiency of the entire solar array. Shading can come from both natural and human-made sources.
Natural Obstructions
Trees are the main culprit. As they grow, their branches and leaves can cast shadows over your panels. Weather conditions like clouds and overcast skies can also reduce sunlight exposure and power output, especially during rainy seasons.
Human-Made Obstructions
Buildings, fences, or other structures nearby may block sunlight. This is particularly common in urban areas with closely spaced properties. In this scenario, you need to think carefully about where and how you place your entire solar panel array.
Seasonal Variations
The position of the sun changes throughout the year, which can lead to more shading during certain months, especially in winter when the sun is lower in the sky.
Mitigating Shading Issues
Shading doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker for your solar system’s performance. There are a few proactive steps you can take to minimise its impact.
Start with a professional site analysis to determine the best placement for your panels. An experienced solar electrician will observe which direction your home faces and use a sun tracking method to monitor shade patterns cast throughout the day. They will know exactly where to install your solar panels to ensure they receive maximum sunlight throughout the day.
Installing micro-inverters or power optimisers can also help. These technologies allow each panel to work independently to reduce the overall impact of shading.
Finally, maintenance is crucial. Regular cleaning removes dirt, leaves, or debris that might block sunlight.
Additionally, trimming nearby trees and adjusting the angle of your panels can also help improve energy output.
Advanced Technologies to Reduce Shading Impact
There are also innovative solutions to aid you in overcoming shading challenges. Bifacial solar panels, for example, capture sunlight from both sides. This increases efficiency even in partially shaded conditions.
If one side is shaded, the other side can still capture sunlight.
Shade-tolerant panels are another game-changer, designed to minimise power loss by allowing unaffected sections to keep working. And even advanced AI now plays a role in solar energy. The tech monitors systems, identifying shading issues in real-time to help you take corrective action before the energy power system is compromised.
Bypass diodes are small but essential components built into solar panels to maintain their efficiency, especially with partial shading.
A massively popular new feature is the solar app on your phone. This smart monitoring technology allows you to track your solar PV system’s performance right from your phone, no matter where you are. These apps provide real-time insights into your solar energy production, consumption, and efficiency, helping you identify issues like shading or reduced output quickly.
Many platforms also send maintenance reminders or system updates. Managing your solar power system has never been easier!
Maximise Your Solar Potential with Easther Electrical
While shading can significantly impact the efficiency of your solar panels, with the right strategies, technologies and professional advice, you can minimise its effects and fully optimise energy output.
Get the most out of your solar investment and visit Easther Electrical to explore expert solar installation, battery solutions, and maintenance services tailored to your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens when a solar panel is shaded?
It restricts the amount of sunlight reaching the panel. As a result, it reduces the power output.
How much does shade impact solar panels?
The impact depends on the extent of shading, but even partial shade can reduce energy production significantly, sometimes by 20% or more.
What is the shadow effect on solar panels?
The shadow effect is a loss of efficiency caused by shading, as shaded cells disrupt the energy flow in the panel.
What is the distance between solar panels to avoid shading?
Panels should typically be spaced to avoid casting shadows on each other, with the distance depending on the tilt angle and the sun’s position. As a rule of thumb, this will be between 1.5 to 3 metres.
What is a solar array?
A solar array is a group of solar panels working together to generate electricity for your home or business.