Are You Servicing Your Solar Panels Often Enough?
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.