So, you’ve made the decision. After the sleepless nights of deciding whether you should go for it, you’ve settled on your final answer of yes: you ARE going to get Solar PV installed! You’ve researched everything there is to know, including the financial benefits, how it can reduce your carbon footprint, and even looked up the best models and makes. Jump forward a month, and they’re finally here: the team that’s going to start saving you money on your energy bills with a shiny new Solar PV system. Jump forward a year from then, and you’re sitting at home, happily reaping the rewards of a sustainable system, when all of a sudden, you notice your system has shut down. This is the perfect time to book a service for your solar PV system.
The Importance of a Service
You may be asking us, “If I’ve spent so much money on Solar Panels, why on earth would I pay more money to get it checked?”. Like with any significant investment, such as a car, you want to keep it working at its optimum. If you don’t take your vehicle in for regular service, you’ll miss signs of potential future damage or issues, which can lead to more extensive problems down the line. Unlike a car, Solar PV holds higher stakes, as if your system isn’t working as it should, you could be losing money!
Having your system undergo a maintenance service can help identify issues such as cracks and debris that may not be visible without a clear view of the panels. These are all things your technician will look out for during a routine service.
Signs You Need a Service
We’ve mentioned a few of the tell-tale signs that indicate you might need to call out a technician, but here are a few more points to consider when booking in your system.
Reduced Energy Outage – When your system is installed, you will be provided with a way to monitor its performance, often in the form of inverter displays, online monitoring platforms, mobile apps, or utility meters. You can check these readings whenever you like, but making a habit of checking everything is working correctly once a week will help you identify any issues more quickly.
Visible Damage – You may have your system attached to a lower roof of your home, where you can see the panels. This then has the advantage of allowing you to keep track of any damage. Damage that you should be looking out for includes:
- Cracked or broken panels
- Damaged frames
- Discoloured or burnt panels
Other signs of a problem that may not be as obvious include loose wires and connections. If you notice any of these signs, contact a professional – don’t attempt to fix the problems or climb on your roof yourself, as you could fall or get electrocuted.
Inverter Problems – If your inverter displays a red light or error message, it’s a sign that something is wrong. Inverters typically need to be replaced every 10 years, so if you’ve had your system for a while, it might be worth getting it serviced.
Dirt and Debris – Being on your roof, Solar PV isn’t the easiest thing to get cleaned. Dirt, debris, and animal droppings can reduce your system’s efficiency, resulting in higher costs. At DMH, we offer a comprehensive maintenance service, along with a complimentary clean, ensuring that your system looks as good as new when it was first installed.
Pests – Having birds nest under your system is more common than you think. This can knock wiring loose as well as put the birds at risk. Call out a professional before trying to remove them yourself.
Get in touch
DMH Electrical and Renewables has launched a new Solar PV maintenance package that includes checking for all these signs and a complimentary clean. For more information, visit our site and fill out the contact form to book in your service.
