Why a system needs servicing
A solar system is designed for 25+ years of operation. Over that period, connector contacts undergo thousands of thermal expansion cycles, panels take in moisture and dust, the inverter electronics age and the glass accumulates soiling that rain does not always wash away. None of this shuts the system down – silently reduce production.
This is the most insidious part: because nothing fails dramatically, the losses go unnoticed for years. A loose contact on a string, a shadow from a new antenna, a panel with microcracks or an inverter derating due to temperature can together cost a significant share of annual production.
Scheduled maintenance addresses three things at once: performance (we find and fix the losses), safety (overheating at DC connections is the main cause of incidents) and the reliability of the warranties (manufacturers require documented maintenance to recognise a claim).
For detail on the effect of soiling and the signs that should not be ignored, see the article cleaning & maintenance: how much they affect production.
What a full service includes
Visual inspection of panels
Discolouration, bubbling, moisture in the laminate, glass cracks, the condition of frames and the junction box on each panel.
Panel cleaning
Plenty of low-pressure water and a soft brush, no detergents, no standing on the panels. Morning or late-afternoon hours with cool panels.
Thermographic inspection
Thermal imaging of connections, DC/AC panels and modules to locate hot spots, loose contacts and faulty cells.
Electrical measurements
Open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current per string, insulation resistance, earthing continuity and equipotential bonding.
Inverter check
Fault history, ventilation and cleaning of heat sinks, firmware updates, verification of configuration and protection limits.
Battery inspection
Cell health, balancing, BMS data, temperatures and verification of the charging strategy on systems with storage.
Production analysis
Comparison of actual production per string against the study forecast and against the same periods in previous years.
Written report
A technical report with findings, photographs, measurements, thermal images and prioritised remedial proposals.
Three levels of coverage
| Content | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visits / year | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Visual & mechanical inspection | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Panel cleaning | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electrical measurements per string | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Thermographic inspection | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote monitoring | — | Monthly | Continuous with alerts |
| Fault response time | By appointment | 3 working days | Next working day |
| Warranty claim handling | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Suitable for | Small residential | Residential & small commercial | Commercial & industrial |
Cost depends on the installed capacity, the roof type, accessibility and distance. Send us the basic details of the installation for a specific quotation.
Which installations we maintain
Systems by other installers
We start with a full condition assessment and a report of findings.
Buying a property with solar
A technical inspection before purchase: what works, what it costs to put right.
Older systems, 10+ years
Assessment for an inverter upgrade, rearrangement or the addition of storage.
After extreme weather
An inspection after hail, storm-force winds or a lightning strike.
How we work
Installation record
Capacity, equipment, roof type, system age and access to the monitoring data.
On-site inspection
Mechanical, electrical and thermographic inspection, with measurements per string.
Maintenance works
Cleaning, torque checks, cleaning of panels and heat sinks, configuration corrections.
Report & recommendations
A documented report with photographs and priorities: what was done, what is needed, what can wait.
Repair
Replacement of materials, work on panels, handling warranty claims with the manufacturer.
Monitoring
Remote monitoring of production and an alert when something deviates from expectations.
Frequently asked questions
How often is maintenance needed?
For residential systems, one full inspection a year – ideally in late spring, before the peak production period. On commercial installations we recommend two visits a year, because the financial impact of a fault is far greater.
My system was installed by another company. Will you take it on?
Yes, and it is a large part of our work. We always start with a condition assessment: equipment inspection, measurements, thermography and a comparison of actual production against expected. We deliver a report with findings and recommendations before discussing a maintenance contract.
Do I lose the equipment warranties?
The opposite. Documented maintenance by a certified installer is usually a precondition for a warranty claim to be valid. We keep a record of works, measurements and photographs, which is exactly what the manufacturer asks for when an issue arises.
Does production have to stop during the service?
Certain measurements – insulation resistance, open-circuit voltage – require the strings to be isolated briefly. The time involved is short, and on commercial installations it is scheduled during low-production hours or outside production hours, so the loss is negligible.
How can I tell for myself that something is wrong?
Check the monitoring app once a month and compare it with the same month in previous years. A string consistently lower than the others, repeated insulation faults, or discolouration and moisture in a panel are reasons to call us. More in the related article.
Book an inspection for your system
Send us the capacity, roof type, year of installation and area – we reply with a specific maintenance proposal.
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