“Solar Burnout – Week 47”.

Question 1: I’ve bought a house with an existing solar system but I don’t know anything about this stuff. Have you got some advice?

Answer: A solar system is a long-term investment in energy saving. However, the only way to guarantee these savings is to make sure it is operating at full efficiency. We get calls to older systems where components have failed but often we discover problems that aren’t immediately obvious through our service schedule plan. These smaller issues can seriously compromise a system’s performance but go unnoticed by householders.

Q2: What are some of the major problems you deal with?

A: Over the past few months we’ve had lots of callouts to replace the main isolator switch after stormwater has got in and shorted it out. Industry standards have changed over the past 10 years so we replace it with one that meets current waterproofing specifications. Other less obvious problems are storm-damaged or inferior-quality panels that have stopped working and faults in inverters, which are the beating heart of a solar system.

Q3: So you’re saying that regular servicing is the key to savings?

A: Yes, servicing and monitoring your system. We sell power monitoring systems that tell you exactly how your rooftop solar is performing.

Q4: So what’s the cost of this?

A: We can supply and install a new isolating switch from $330, a quality changeover inverter from $935 and replacement rooftop panels from $550.

We recommend Solar Power systems be checked yearly and have Electrical Safety Inspection every three years at your home & work.

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