Australia leads the world in rooftop solar adoption. According to the Clean Energy Regulator, more than 3.9 million homes now have rooftop solar systems installed. That means almost one in three households relies on solar to power daily life.
While modern solar systems are designed to operate reliably for decades, they are not maintenance free. Dust, heat, storms, electrical wear, and component ageing all affect performance over time. Without proper care, even a high quality system can lose a significant portion of its output.
One of the most common questions homeowners ask after installation is whether they can maintain their solar system themselves or if professional servicing is required.
The answer is both. Some tasks can be safely performed by homeowners. Other tasks must legally and safely be handled by licensed electricians and accredited solar technicians.
This guide explains exactly where that line is drawn, what you can safely manage yourself, what must be left to professionals, and how to protect your solar investment long term.
Why Solar Maintenance Is Not Optional
Solar panels are engineered for durability. Most panels come with 25 year performance warranties and are tested to withstand hail, wind, and extreme temperatures. However, a solar system is not just panels. It is an integrated electrical power plant installed on your roof.
Your system includes:
- Solar panels
- DC cabling
- DC isolators
- Inverter
- AC cabling
- Switchboard protection
- Monitoring hardware
- Roof mounting structure
Each of these components plays a role in safety and performance.
According to Solar Analytics, around one in three Australian solar systems may have an undetected fault at some point during their operating life. These faults often go unnoticed because the system continues to operate at reduced output.
Common consequences of poor maintenance include:
- Gradual energy loss
- Inverter failures
- Electrical safety hazards
- Fire risk from degraded isolators
- Water ingress into roof penetrations
- Voided manufacturer warranties
- Reduced return on investment
Maintenance is not about keeping panels clean alone. It is about ensuring your entire power system remains safe, compliant, and productive.
What Homeowners Can Safely Do Themselves
There are several low risk maintenance activities homeowners can perform without tools, technical training, or roof access.
These tasks focus on observation, monitoring, and basic cleanliness.
Visual Inspections From Ground Level
Every three to six months, perform a visual inspection from the ground.
Look for:
- Visible dirt or dust accumulation
- Leaves or bird droppings covering panels
- New shading from tree growth
- Broken glass or cracked panels
- Panels that appear misaligned
- Loose or lifted mounting rails
If you notice anything unusual, do not attempt to adjust or repair any components like the mounting rails yourself. Book a professional inspection immediately.
Inverter Status Checks
Your inverter is the control centre of your solar system. Most modern inverters include a display screen or mobile app.
At least once per month, check:
- That the inverter is powered on
- That there are no fault codes
- That daily production appears normal for the weather conditions
If your inverter shows a warning light, error message, or has shut down, do not attempt repairs yourself.
Monitoring Energy Production
Monitoring allows you to track performance trends.
Compare:
- This month versus the same month last year
- Sunny day output versus previous sunny days
- Your actual output versus your system forecast
Sudden drops in output often indicate potential faults that require professional diagnosis.
Gentle Rinsing Where Safe and Accessible
In dusty or coastal areas, light surface dirt can reduce performance.
If your panels are low and easily accessible from the ground, you may rinse them using a standard garden hose.
Safety rules:
- Never climb on the roof
- Never use pressure washers
- Never use chemicals
- Never clean on hot days
- Never clean during wet or windy conditions
If you cannot reach your panels safely from ground level, leave cleaning to professionals.
What Must Always Be Handled by Professionals
Solar systems operate at high DC voltage and remain live even when grid power is disconnected. Attempting electrical work without training is extremely dangerous and illegal.
The following tasks must only be performed by licensed electricians and solar technicians accredited by Solar Accreditation Australia.
To ensure your system remains safe, compliant, and performing at its best, explore our professional solar maintenance plans.
Electrical Testing and Diagnostics
Professionals conduct:
- DC voltage testing
- Current testing
- Insulation resistance testing
- Earth continuity testing
- Thermal imaging
- Performance benchmarking
These tests identify internal faults that cannot be seen visually.
Inverter Servicing and Repairs
Inverters contain sensitive power electronics and cooling systems.
Professional servicing includes:
- Firmware updates
- Internal inspection
- Cooling fan maintenance
- Surge protection checks
- Fault code diagnostics
Inverter failure is the most common cause of solar downtime in Australia.
DC and AC Isolator Inspections
Isolators are a critical fire safety component.
Professional inspection checks for:
- UV damage
- Water ingress
- Cracked housings
- Loose terminals
- Heat damage
- Corrosion
The Clean Energy Regulator has repeatedly identified isolator failures as a major cause of rooftop solar fires.
Roof Mounting and Structural Inspections
Mounting systems must withstand decades of wind load and thermal expansion.
Professionals inspect:
- Roof penetrations
- Flashings
- Fixings
- Rail alignment
- Corrosion
- Structural integrity
This prevents roof leaks and panel movement.
Compliance and Warranty Inspections
Many manufacturers require documented servicing to maintain warranty coverage.
Poor solar maintenance can void manufacturer warranties, which is why regular professional servicing is essential to protect your system, your investment, and your long term performance.
Professional servicing provides:
- Poor solar maintenance can void manufacturer warranties, which is why regular professional servicing is essential to protect your system, your investment, and your long term performance.Compliance reports
- Warranty documentation
- Performance reports
- Insurance evidence
The Legal Requirements in Australia
To remain eligible for Small scale Technology Certificates, installations and servicing must comply with Australian Standards and be completed by accredited technicians.
Key requirements include:
- Licensed electrician
- Solar Accreditation Australia accreditation
- Compliance with AS 5033 and AS 4777
- Compliance with Clean Energy Regulator rules
Unlicensed work can void warranties, insurance coverage, and rebate eligibility.
Building a Smart Maintenance Plan
The most effective strategy is a combination of homeowner monitoring of solar performance and scheduled professional servicing.
Recommended schedule:
Monthly
- Check inverter status
- Review monitoring app
Quarterly
- Visual inspection
- Check for new shading
Annually
- Professional electrical inspection
- Performance testing
- Compliance review
Every 3 to 5 years
- Professional cleaning
- Mounting inspection
- Isolator replacement if required
Why Professional Maintenance Pays for Itself
A well maintained system:
- Produces more energy
- Detects faults early
- Extends component lifespan
- Protects property safety
- Maintains warranty protection
Over a 25 year lifespan, proper maintenance can add significant additional energy value over the system lifespan.
DIY solar maintenance plays an important role in observation and early fault detection. Professional servicing ensures safety, compliance, and long term performance.
The smartest solar owners combine both.
Your solar system is one of the most valuable assets on your home. Protect it properly.
Need professional solar maintenance? Talk to one of our solar experts today to avail the perfect professional solar maintenance plan for your system.
