Solar Savings Start Here

Solar Savings Start Here: Solar Service and Panel Clean

[Messenger Newspapers article – appearing 25/10/17]

MANY householders don’t realise regular servicing is vital to keep a rooftop solar system operating at peak efficiency. A pre-summer solar service by a Sharpe Group technician means your whole system will be tested and analysed.

“A surprising number of people don’t realise their solar systems are under-performing,” says Sharpe spokesman David Sharpe.

This includes those who have moved into a house with an older rooftop solar array already installed. Components on these systems sometimes don’t meet present industry safety specifications.

“Issues can range from isolating switches that aren’t up to current waterproofing standards to shoddy original installations with loose wiring or even burnt-out connections,” says Mr Sharpe.

Another issue to consider is cleaning winter grime off panels. Sharpe cleans up to 20 panels free as part of its service program.

“Our technicians have also discovered other problems, including birds or rodents making a winter home under solar panels and damaging wiring,” says Mr Sharpe. “As well as reducing the system’s output this can create an electrical safety hazard.

“Our check-and-test program starts by cleaning debris from around your rooftop panels, checking for any corrosion of components, the tension of connections, and integrity of seals, cable glands and clamps,” Mr Sharpe says.

“We also test cabling insulation, and test and measure the open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current.

“At the switchboard we check you have the correct labelling for your system, and test circuit breakers and earthing protection. We also verify the operation of your system’s isolation switch.”

While there your Sharpe technician can also advise on possible system upgrades.

For more information call Sharpe on 131 750.