What could happen if I do not maintain my solar system?
Electrical equipment that is constantly exposed to the weather degrades over time. Tasmania experiences harsh UV which makes equipment degrade faster. Not maintaining solar energy systems may affect their performance and result in electrical failure which creates a risk of electric shock or fire.
Is it a legal requirement to have my solar inspected?
No, there is no legal requirement to have your solar inspected and maintained. However, an owner of an electrical installation is responsible for ensuring that their electrical installation does not pose a risk of shock or fire.
Who can perform these inspections and maintenance work?
Maintenance of electrical installations in Tasmania must be done by a licensed electrician. A list of known contractors who perform this work can be found at “Find a solar contractor” on our website.
The inspections can be performed by a competent person who has experience with solar energy systems (not required to be an electrician). They can then give the inspection results to your electrician so they can perform any necessary maintenance.
Do I have to get an electrician who specialises in solar?
Any licensed electrician is allowed to work on solar energy systems in Tasmania. However, it is recommended to get an electrician who regularly works on solar and is accredited by the Clean Energy Council.
Can I do the inspections myself?
Accessing your roof poses serious safety risks that could result in injury or even death. In addition, unless you have electrical knowledge, you will not be able to identify what needs maintaining on your solar system. Therefore it is best to engage an electrician.
What if the electrician finds something wrong with my solar?
Your electrician will tell you if they find any issues with your solar during an inspection. They may offer to fix these issues and provide you with a quote to do this. If there is an immediate risk of electric shock or fire, they may need to disconnect the system temporarily to prevent an accident.
My solar is old. Should I just replace it?
Talk to your electrician about the condition of your current solar energy system, and whether it is functioning as it should. You could get quotes for new systems and compare this to the cost of fixing your existing system.
How often should these inspections be done?
You should talk with your electrical contractor about recommended inspection frequency, as they have knowledge of your solar energy system and the surrounding environment. As a guide, solar energy systems should be inspected annually.
What needs maintaining?
Your solar installer should have given you maintenance information when the system was first installed. There is also a checklist electricians can use. Key things your electrician will check include whether there is any damage to components, testing to ensure safety switches work properly, ensuring the system is firmly fixed in place and making sure vegetation isn’t impacting the system.
How much will this cost?
The cost of inspecting your solar energy system will depend on the circumstances including the size of the system, how accessible it is, and how far the electrician has to travel. Maintenance costs will depend on the age, size and condition of the system. Make sure you get multiple quotes before engaging an electrician to make sure you’re paying a fair price.
What if my solar is new?
Even if your solar energy system is brand new, you should start thinking about future maintenance. That way, you can put money aside for this in advance, and set a reminder when your first inspection is due. Talk to your installing electrician about a maintenance plan.
What maintenance records should I keep?
Keep a copy of the maintenance checklist completed by the electrician for your solar energy system. You should keep this with your warranty information as it may assist you with any future claims, or if you’re selling your property.
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