Solar Inspections

HOW OFTEN SHOULD A SOLAR INSPECTION BE CARRIED OUT?

Most people are under the impression that as their solar does not have any moving parts, it, therefore, doesn’t really need any maintenance… which is actually incorrect. 

A solar power system should be checked by a qualified Clean Energy Council (CEC) electrician at least once a year, with the inspection covering the installation, DC isolators, panels, solar inverter, wiring, mounting array frame and system performance. 

In addition, DC isolators themselves should be checked at least once a year to ensure they are in good condition and don’t pose a fire risk.

COMMON SOLAR SYSTEM FAULTS

When we complete solar inspections, there are a few issues that show up time and time again:

• Burnt DC isolators

• Water ingress into the DC isolators

• DC isolators installed incorrectly

• Melted MC4 solar plugs

• Melted solar wiring

• Panel connection covers missing

• Shattered glass on the solar modules

• Burn lines on the solar cells under the glass

• No earthing to the panels or array frame

• Inverter installed in the wrong location

• Incorrect solar labels

• Incorrect cable used for solar wiring

Ensuring regular solar checks are carried out on any system will ensure that issues are dealt with quicker and more efficiently, as well as catching problems before they arise.