Solar Servicing & Maintenance

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Why Regular Solar Panel Maintenance is Important

Regular maintenance of your solar system offers several key benefits

  • Maximizes Energy Production:

    Ensures your solar panels are performing at their best, generating as much energy as possible.

  • Prolongs System Lifespan:

    Regular care helps extend the life of your solar system, protecting your investment.

  • Ensures Safety and Compliance:

    Maintenance ensures your system complies with industry standards and safety guidelines.

  • Prevents Costly Repairs:

    Detect and address any potential issues early, avoiding expensive repairs or replacements down the line.

Clean Solar Panels

What Does Solar System Servicing Involve?

As we transition towards more sustainable energy sources, solar power stands out as a leading choice. But did you know that regular maintenance is essential to maximize the efficiency and longevity of your solar panels?

Our comprehensive solar system servicing includes the following key steps

Visual Inspection

Inspect solar panels, wiring, and mounting hardware for visible damage or wear.

Look for signs of corrosion, animal interference, or other potential issues.

Performance Monitoring

Analyze your solar system’s performance data to ensure it’s operating efficiently.

Compare current performance with historical data to spot any significant changes.

Solar Panel Cleaning

Remove dirt, dust, and debris that may obstruct sunlight absorption.

Use industry-approved cleaning techniques to avoid damaging the panels.

Electrical Checks

Inspect all electrical components and connections for safety and functionality.

Test the inverter to ensure efficient conversion of DC to AC power.

Safety Checks

Ensure all safety systems are functioning correctly.

Check for shading issues or obstructions that may have developed over time.

Following Clean Energy Council (CEC) Guidelines

To ensure the highest quality service and system performance, we adhere to the Clean Energy Council’s comprehensive guidelines for solar system maintenance:

Frequency of Maintenance

A professional service should be conducted at least once every two years. If your system is in a high-dust or high-salt environment, more frequent checks are recommended.

Qualified Professionals

Always use CEC-accredited professionals for servicing to ensure compliance with industry standards.

Record Keeping

Maintain detailed records of all services, inspections, and repairs to ensure warranty compliance and help track system performance.

Schedule Your Solar System Service

Don’t wait for a problem to arise.

Be proactive in keeping your solar system in top condition with our professional servicing.

Our CEC-accredited team is ready to provide a comprehensive inspection and service tailored to your system’s needs.

DIY Solar Maintenance Tips

While professional servicing is essential, there are a few things you can do to help maintain your solar system.

Regular Visual Checks

Periodically inspect your solar panels and report any visible issues.

Monitor System Performance

Use your solar system’s monitoring software to keep an eye on energy production.

Keep Panels Clean

Gently remove obvious debris while following manufacturer guidelines to prevent damage.

External Effects on Solar

Protect your solar system's efficiency and longevity by addressing the impact of trees, birds, and exposed cabling. Learn how regular maintenance, bird-proofing, and proper cable inspections can prevent damage and ensure optimal performance.

Effects of Trees on Solar Panels

  • Shading:

    Trees that shade solar panels can reduce the amount of sunlight reaching the panels, which directly decreases energy production. Even partial shading can have a large effect, as most solar panels are connected in series. A shaded panel can reduce the output of the entire string of panels.

  • Debris:

    Falling leaves, branches, and other debris from nearby trees can accumulate on solar panels, obstructing sunlight and reducing their efficiency. Regular cleaning is necessary to maintain optimal performance.

  • Increased Moisture & Humidity:

    Trees can trap moisture around solar panels, which may lead to mold or mildew formation. Over time, this can cause corrosion or degradation of the mounting structures.

  • Physical Damage:

    Falling branches or twigs can physically damage the panels or wiring, leading to costly repairs or even system failure.

Effects of Birds on Solar Panels

  • Droppings:

    Bird droppings on solar panels can be harmful by blocking sunlight, reducing panel efficiency. If droppings harden, they can be difficult to remove and may even damage the panel surface.

  • Nesting:
    Birds can build nests under the solar panels, leading to various issues:

    • Fire Hazards:

      Flammable nesting materials such as twigs and leaves can pose a fire risk, especially in warmer climates.

    • Wiring Damage:

      Birds may peck at wiring, causing electrical faults and reducing system performance.

    • Maintenance Issues: Nesting materials can obstruct airflow, crucial for cooling the panels, potentially leading to overheating and reduced lifespan.

  • Corrosion & Damage:
    Bird droppings are acidic and can cause corrosion of the panel frames or mounts, leading to damage over time.

Effects of Exposed Wiring on Solar

  • Visible Wires:

    • Above Ground:

      Check for any visible wires on the roof or near solar panels, inverter, or conduit runs that should normally be enclosed.

    • At Roof Edge:

      Pay attention to the edges of the roof where cabling comes down, especially if the cable conduit or trunking is incomplete or damaged

  • Damaged or Missing Conduits

    Solar cables are typically housed in conduits (plastic or metal tubes). Broken, cracked, or missing conduits may expose cables, which can lead to wear and electrical hazards.

  • Loose Wiring:

    Inspect for wires hanging loosely or sagging away from their installation. Properly installed cables should be tightly secured with clips or straps.

  • Abrasion or Insulation Damage:

    Look for frayed or worn cable insulation due to weather exposure, UV rays, or abrasion from sharp edges.

  • Solar Inverter & Isolator Switches:

    Ensure that the wiring connected to the inverter or isolator switches is properly enclosed and fed through conduits. Exposed wiring around these components is common in older or poorly maintained systems.

  • Roof Penetrations:

    Cables entering or exiting the roof should be sealed with weatherproof grommets or seals. Broken or missing seals can expose cables to weather damage, leading to wear.

Solutions to Mitigate Impacts of Effects

  • For Trees:

    Regular pruning of trees around the solar array will help reduce shading and minimize debris buildup. Proper placement of solar panels during installation, away from trees that will grow larger, can prevent future shading issues.

  • For Birds:

    Bird-proofing your solar system with deterrents such as mesh, spikes, or nets can prevent birds from nesting under the array. Regular cleaning and maintenance will also help avoid long-term damage caused by droppings and nesting materials.

  • For Exposed Wiring:

    If you find any exposed cabling or damage, it’s important to address it promptly to prevent safety hazards or system inefficiencies.. Call your licensed Electrician to make safe and advise on repairs.

Timers & Tariffs

Using timers for pool pumps and hot water systems in conjunction with solar systems is a smart way to maximize energy efficiency and reduce electricity costs. By aligning the operation of these devices with peak solar generation periods, you can optimize the use of the solar power you produce rather than relying on grid electricity.

Here's how you can manage these systems with solar

Timers for Pool Pumps

Pool pumps are one of the larger electricity consumers in a household. By using timers to run the pump during peak solar production hours, you can minimize grid usage

Implementing Pool timers effectively

  • Set pump operation during the middle of the day, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when your solar panels are producing the most power.

    If your pool pump needs to run multiple times a day, you can split the operation period between late morning and early afternoon when solar power is at its peak.

  • Smart timers or pool pump controllers can help adjust schedules seasonally, ensuring you maximize solar output year-round.

  • Variable-speed pumps can also be paired with timers, allowing you to reduce power consumption when the pump doesn't need to run at full speed, further optimizing energy usage.

Timers for Hot Water Systems

Electric hot water systems are another major electricity consumer. Using a timer to heat water when your solar system is generating power can significantly reduce electricity costs

Implementing Hot Water timers effectively

  • Set the water heater to operate during midday (e.g., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), using the excess solar power to heat water.

  • Use a catch power

    If you have a smart solar system with a diverter, it can prioritize sending excess solar energy to the water heater before exporting it to the grid.

  • Ensure your water tank is well insulated to retain heat, allowing you to heat water during the day and use it later when needed without relying on nighttime grid power.

Combining Solar with Air Conditioners

During the day, use solar power to cool the house, minimizing your reliance on the grid. Your solar system can run the air conditioner when your panels are producing the most energy.

Maximize solar power storage: If you have a battery system, you can store excess solar power during the day and use it to power your aircon during times when Solar is unavailable or when the grid is under peak demand.

Understanding Tariffs for Air Conditioners

  • If you run your air conditioner during the daytime & the night time, the best option is to set them to Tariff 11, and maximise the solar generation during the day for higher savings.

  • Tariff 33 is cheaper than the standard residential tariff (Tariff 11), making it ideal for running high-consumption appliances like air conditioners.

    However, Tariff 33 is controlled, meaning supply may be turned off for up to 6 hours a day, typically during peak demand periods.

  • If you have a battery system, you can store solar energy during the day and use it to run your air conditioner during non-solar times.

  • You can optimize your air conditioners by connecting to Tariff 33, If you don’t need to run them during peak demand times (e.g., midday in some areas), this can be a cost-efficient solution for cooling needs, especially during evenings and early mornings when the grid is less stressed.

Incorporating Energy Tariffs

Some homes with solar systems may still be on time-of-use electricity tariffs. In this case, you can program timers based on solar output and your time of usage.

By implementing timers, you can reduce reliance on grid electricity, lower bills, and make your pool and hot water systems run more sustainably with your solar setup

Understanding Tariffs for Pool Pumps & Hot Water Timers

  • Prioritize the use of solar power first, and only switch to full-price grid power (Tariff 11) when Solar is not available

  • Monitor your usage demand peak times via energy reports from Ergon. You can do this via online portals for your Energy account.

    Adjust your high demand appliance usage via timers and delay switches to during the day when solar is available.

  • Pool pump & Heater: Runs primarily during peak solar hours (10.00am-3.00pm) using solar power via a timer. Putting your pool pump etc on too early in the morining will draw some power from the grid as the load required to run it will be more than what the solar is producing at that time of day.

Book your Inspection Today!

Ready to keep your solar system running smoothly or tackle that electrical project? Complete our booking form today, and our expert team will get you sorted with reliable, hassle-free service!

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