How often should you check your solar panels?

A failed string, a fault code or a pigeon nest can cut output for months before anyone notices on the bill.

A system producing well below its expected output loses its payback quietly. Loose cabling and animal damage under the panels are also electrical faults that need a professional.

1. Compare this year’s output with last year’s. Open the inverter or monitoring app and compare the same months. A clear drop with similar weather is worth a call to the installer.
2. Check the inverter. Look for fault codes or a red or orange light during the day, and make sure the vents are clear of dust, cobwebs and stored items.
3. Look at the panels from the ground. Use binoculars if needed. Look for cracked glass, panels that look loose, heavy soiling such as bird droppings or tree sap, and signs of birds nesting underneath.
4. Check the visible cabling and isolators. Cables should be clipped, not hanging, frayed or chewed, and isolator cases should not be cracked. Do not open isolator boxes or disconnect anything.
5. Clean only if needed, and only from the ground. Rain cleans most angled panels. Where cleaning helps, use a soft brush on a pole and plain water. No pressure washers, no harsh detergents, no climbing on the roof.

• Monthly output lower than the same month last year
• An inverter warning light or fault code
• Visible bird nesting or debris under the panels

• Climbing onto the roof to clean or inspect panels
• Using a pressure washer, which Solar Victoria warns can damage panels
• Ignoring a monitoring app that has silently stopped reporting

For any fault code that returns after a restart, damaged glass, scorch marks, or cabling problems. Panel and inverter work is for the installer or a qualified electrician.